new member had written on the activity board.

I am 56 now and went on the Tamoxifen an extra year to make a total of 2.5 years due to my concerns with bone density. I am to change to Femara in November and we'll see how I go. I can always go back to Tamoxifen if it doesn't do well with me. Not that either are nice to take. I live for the time I will be free of all homone therapy.

Thanks for the support and the memory article.
I think my oncologist went with Tamixifen as I have arthritis in a number of joints and some bone density problems.  

@LindainOz12 ...is there a reason for tamoxifen and not an aramatose inhibitor. The simple change might make a difference. 

PS...I have the very same issue in supermarkets. Its bloody annoying. Sometimes I know I need to go into one but can't recall why. I'm 53.  

Welcome @LindainOz12.

Already some awesome advice from the ladies..  I have been playing handball with Tamoxifen for over a year now.  On the HT bad memory, cant' recall words, sentences come out backwards etc.  I go off it and it goes away within a couple of weeks. 

There was an article recently published regarding this with a lot of discussion going on about it at the time.  Here is the link

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19339/article-memory-loss-following-breast-cancer-treatment/p1


All the best and welcome again.

xoxoxo

I love the way everything gets dumped onto ageing - short term memory loss is not normal at 64! I got the same thing about vaginal atrophy. Perfectly normal to 68, not functioning at all six months later which correlates precisely with the time on femara? Ah must be ageing says the specialist. My oncologist thank heavens doesn't have much truck with this - my reducing bone density is definitely femara! Keep at it to know what's causing your problem. Finally you may have to make a really difficult choice about cancer medication or brain capacity, just as I will about staving off cancer or copping fractures, but at least I can study the odds with some certainty!! Best wishes

Hows your sleep @LindainOz12. A big part of a great memory is adequate sleep and stress reduction. So yes...a counsellor may help teach techniques in relaxation and that  can help sleep . 

This article is interesting and explains quite well why it can happen. I think we can all identify that the year of treatment is hugely stressful.

https://www.tuck.com/memory-and-sleep/

When I first returned to work I had a lot of difficulty remembering things. My memory previously was remarkable. Whilst it mostly has returned when tired I have difficulties recalling names of things or forgetting what I'm doing. 

I keep a week to a page diary (1/2 A4 Size) I write my to do lists and check and mark off several times a day.  I also carry a similar size notebook where I write more detailed stuff if I need. I don't always need to refer back...the act of writing it helps it stick in my head...but rechecking it is very helpful.  
I use electronic diarys for important reminders and alarms also. Over time I needed it less and less.
Tiredness is huge for me and stress. If I keep that in check it's pretty good now. Not quite as sharp but almost.. 

Best of luck and hope you find an answer. Kath x

I think that is important @LindainOz12, most important. I'll tag you in an article you might like to read. K xox

Thanks for the welcome. After talking to my GP we decided it was very clear I had Working Memory problems and nothing to be gained from seeing a neuro-psychologist.  aAm considering whether to talk to a counselor.  Having my GP acknowledge it does seem important.

Welcome @LindainOz12 The memory thing sucks, doesn't it? Sometimes it feels like early dementia. Anyway, you'll get lots of support, info and the odd laugh here.