Saturday, March 28, 2009

Chemo Brain? Is it Real?


It is real. I joke around about it but truthfully it does happen. Cancer survivors have complained of memory changes after treatment yet according to the Mayo Clinic website it is still unclear whether chemotherapy is the cause. While those that have had chemo are complaining of memory troubles or a sort of brain fog, they still score well on cognitive tests. I honestly believe there are times when I seem a little absent minded but that is the extent of it. I don't think I would have issues taking a test. I am pretty good at studying. However don't put me on the spot because I'm likely to freeze. Then again, that's just how I am. I need to work out a math problem on paper, alone without you staring at me. haha I think that's a personal preference.

Still I do forget things that my husband tells me. Is this due to chemo brain or maybe I was not paying attention to him like I should? I am not sure but I do believe chemo brain exists. I think way too many survivors complain of concentration problems for it to not be true. I would much sooner believe I have concentration issues though then memory trouble. I think perhaps I just need to pay more attention and the memory party isn't really so difficult. Does anyone have any memory issues after chemo? Feel free to share them with me if so. I am actually very interested in how other cancer survivors are doing with this.

4 comments:

  1. I love your blog and how you are so open about things :) Your story is very inspiring!!

    Anyhow, I added you to my blogroll. As I transition away from Entrecard due to being a today.com blogger I don't want to lose the blogs that I have found and love to read :)

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  2. I use the argument that I suffered from chemo brain. I had breast cancer 11 years ago and went through 6 months of chemo. I definitely feel I lost some braincells. But maybe part of that is age :)

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  3. Honestly, I have plenty of brain lapses, and I'm only 46 and have never had chemo. I AM blond, though, so maybe that's it? heehee

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  4. Maybe the chemo has nothing to do with it.
    Maybe it's just because you're blonde!
    ; )

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