Article - Memory loss following breast cancer treatment
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I was trying to have a rather intellectual conversation with an intelligent neighbour. We were discussing the recent by-elections and I couldn't find my words - the voter book thingy aka the electoral roll.5
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Hey! I actually send text messages to MYSELF if I think of something I need to do if I am not at home (or think of something I need to follow up later .....) LOL ..... cos I DO check my phone now & then!
Now - HOW DIFFICULT is it to remember to take your bloody tablets??
I am having SERIOUS difficulty remembering to take my tablets EVERY NIGHT!! I've asked Hubby (who has dementia & is more forgetful than me) to remind me - but THAT doesn't happen very often .... usually, when I finally remember to take them, I ask him if he's taken HIS ..... and he hasn't either!!
Hmmm ... I wonder if I can schedule a Tablet Reminder about 7pm every day on my phone?
SO ..... we're a couple of FORGETFUL OLD FARTS .......
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I have to leave mine in the middle of the kitchen bench so I remember. I also tell hubby when I have taken it because no doubt I will ask him 15 mins later if I have or not. .1
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I try to make sure that I write everything down0
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You are not alone re the feeling of 'dementia', @Sister - like you - I have a list - and try to write items down as I notice we are running down (as does Keith!)
Between Keith & I, we come up with some very interesting shopping lists!! (I could have SWORN I put that down!) Whilst Keith is ADAMANT he has put 'his requests' down ..... and even showing him the list (without it) isn't proof to him that he didn't!!!
Then, when I get home without numerous items .... we BOTH swear! LOL
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The tablets live next to my tooth brush and mascara. I do remember to brush my teeth, that's a no brainer after a night of snoring and mouth breathing and I won't leave the house without putting some slap on.2
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I love my smart phone. Every thing goes into calendar / schedule. When an activity is completed I put a tick. I have a very annoying sound that announces what I need to do. I will turn the annoying sound to vibrate at the Plan B Conference. Unless of course attendees need to be reminded to do something!2
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@Giovanna_BCNA Thank you so much for posting this. Yes, small but very interesting study. I've actually been thinking recently that when they reel off their list of questions every week before chemo - including "Have you experienced any confusion?" - I'm sure that my answers go nowhere, just sit there as a tick in a box.
This is probably the aspect of treatment that distresses me most. I'm a shell of the woman I was physically, but also intellectually, and that's hugely diminishing.
More and more, I lose words in both the languages I speak and I lack mental focus. I've been wanting to try writing something again but I've known since treatment started that I'm incapable of doing so. Yesterday I cleared off my desk - where I've not sat since my surgery in February - intending to sit there for a while each day at the computer and try to write at least a paragraph of something that resembles coherence. I'll see how that goes.
It's terrifying to consider that my intellectual life may never again be what it was.4 -
It is very sad when you cannot participate in the type of conversation that once would have enthralled you because you feel to hesitant to put an opinion forward. You can't even remember why it's your opinion or anything to back it up.
Often I can re read my posts and know exactly what's going on in my head and how long I have been back on my treatment. I often think, oh dear Lord, that doesn't even really makes sense. Everyone must I think I am illiterate.
If these things were on the listed SE handout saying that your brain will more than likely be mush, you will have problems holding a coherent conversation, your sex life will be blah and you probably can't remember why you went to the shops I wonder how everyone would react. Hmmmm This is a major issue and is just not discussed. These things affect your life much more and for longer than the effects of active treatment. It's not over when it's over.
xoxoxo5 -
@Flaneuse @kezmusc what you both said.
I too wonder why this condition is fobbed off, taken lightly or outright dismissed.
I did a first aid refresher yesterday. On two occasions I was asked questions about things I know and understand well and all that came out of my mouth was disjointed babble. It's so embarrassing. Embarrassment as a side effect of chemo and AI. Wonder how that would look.4 -
I find too, that if you mention it to family or friends, you just get dismissed with something along the lines of how it's a symptom of ageing and everyone else has got it, too. Well, yes, I understand that and far from it for me to try to be exclusive, but this has happened over 6 months - it's quite noticeable. I've gone from being someone with an extensive vocabulary, excellent speller, outstanding organisational skills and someone who could conceptualise other people's needs, and learn new tasks and technologies easily (not bragging but all of these skills are essential in a good librarian, and I was), to someone who has none of those abilities.2
