Chemo brain sucks! The past few days I feel like a complete airhead...and I know I’m not. I imagine it affects everyone differently, and some maybe not at all. I’ve lost friends over it, partly because they have zero empathy and some because I become completely reclusive. It takes too much to put thoughts to words at times and therefore hard to maintain relationships of any kind. The ones that stay are special I suppose.
It's been almost three years with chemo brain for me and it still sucks. I live in a fatigue filled fog, with little bouts of clarity here and there. I try to fake it really...and I think I do an okay job, most people probably wouldn't even know. I'm not sure if the worst part is being so tired and fatigued that you're dizzy, or maybe it's feeling slow and stupid at times, or the fact that most people will never understand it. They think their level of tired from work, kids, or everyday life must compare or surpass...I assure you it does not, though yes I'm sure you are tired. It's just not the same and I would trade your tired for mine in a heartbeat. I deal with every single one of the listed symptoms and then some. Hopefully this info helps someone else...if only to understand a little more.
[cancer.org]
Hi BoHo, I am so struck by the honesty in your post my guy aches. Guys sometimes like to think they can fix things, in love or war or whatever, and I guess I’m one of those. Wish I could snap my fingers and have your cancer go away. Thank you for letting us understand more about chemo. I actually worked in healthcare for 44 years, 17 of those as a respiratory therapist, mostly with children. Years ago when there existed little treatment for many cancers, many of my patients had CA. Was always amazed by their positive attitudes, at least outwardly, and amazed by their capacity to heal when that happened. I hope you heal. I hope your real friends stick with you. And I hope you stick around for a long time, if just because I love your totally honest and brilliantly funny posts! All the Best to You, Bill
Do you know DR BRYZYNSKI in Houston Texas is curing brain tumors with anteneoplaston therapy? I have not heard of a single averse reaction and only late stage patients are dying of previous "traditional" treatment
@BohoHeathen sorry I do not understand brain chemo
@BohoHeathen so the radiation is directed elsewhere still causes a reaction in the brain ? CHEMO is ingested not injected ? Whichever both or all 3 I am so sorry for your pain but very glad you survive
@BohoHeathen it's sinking in deeper and deeper how complex and caring it has to be here on this dating site as we support each other in community....makes me glad I block most the shallow boys here who only want to fuck....
@BohoHeathen dating is like abortion IT IS A CHOICE not a child or obligation to male entitlement feelings
Talk to your Oncologist or GP.
Make sure they check your Vitamin Levels - particularly Vitamin-D - most Cancer Patients remain deficient and need to take a pretty hefty supplement. (I do).
"Why your Oncologist should have you on Vitamin D
[msutoday.msu.edu]"
There could be other things causing this - and yes I do know Chemo brain exists - but be sure someone checks you for the common causes of poor memory (like low iron).
I have most of my brain back - almost 10 years out (I'll be 10 years out in October). Excluding the blood sugar issues I now occasionally have. And Chronic Pain (Also a brain zapper). lol
Friends who don't care for you as you are? Maybe they aren't the friends to keep.
I lost a friend from my Cancer experience. She didn't understand. I felt that loss keenly. Until I realized what kind of person stops supporting someone when they have CANCER? Can you imagine doing that? (I can't).
Hang in there. You seem plenty bright to me!
@BohoHeathen i also have hasimotos and low thyroid. The struggle is real!
My friends know I can go blank and they don't take it personally too often. It probably doesn't help that I often do two things at once too?
(Post on the computer and talk for instance.).
I do find some days are worse than others but usually due to a pain factor.
Frankly I think continuing to engage in life is the key. Do some of what you love whenever you can.
Totally agree. I have had it for 7 years since my first chemo. I repeatedly ask the same question over and over again without realizing, forget what I know - I'm a trivia whiz, and have short term memory loss. I was afraid to drive for 3 years and just started driving 6 months ago. @BohoHeathen sharing with my Cancer Sucks/Cancer Survivor Group.
I worked for 10 years at a wig shop who's clientele was mainly medically induced hair loss or chemo. One of the most common complaint from our clients was "chemo brain" and how others could not understand it. I seen it first hand in action and family responses to it. I always tried to explain this is a phenomenon as most of my clients experienced it. Thank you for sharing.
Chemo Brain Fog is debilitating..I have vague memories for 3 weeks of my life from 4 years ago during my treatments for throat cancer..for me it was like talking to someone at 2pm then it's suddenly 5pm and I couldn't remember who or what I had done...it was creepy..
Yeah can be rough also depression also affects memory and goes with having cancer high B-complex vitamins can help they are needed for replacing neurotransmitter responsible for memory
@BohoHeathen ok but the vitamin can help
@BohoHeathen having cancer is frightening.I did experience a bout of depression after receiving my diagnosis. but it does change your outlook on life..as in Give me more of it..in all it's ridiculously hideous,viciously horrifying, ugly, yet sublimely beautiful panorama of it all..
My wife went through it 6+ years ago. She still thinks her memory is affected. The good news is you'll gradually get better. Hang in there.