Forum Discussion
clumsiness or side effect of chemo?
Hi all, has anyone else had problems with things just falling out of their hands? I'm 3 weeks post chemo now (4 cycles AC, 2 Docitaxel, 4 paclitaxel). The other night I just filled my plate with my dinner and the plate just fell out of my hands and there was food everywhere!! I didn't put 2 and 2 together until then. Its happened a few times where I've gone to pick things up and they fall out of my hands. Is it the neuropathy? I have had the sensitive finger nails first then toe nails and slight numbness in fingers and feet but nothing too bad. Physio who I see for lymphedema thinks that it is connected to chemo. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Rachel
25 Replies
- I am having the same problem with chemo brain. I agree it can be dangerous. A couple of months ago I had to go out to pick up my son and I started driving without putting my roller door up. Luckily I realised before too much damage was done. I had to get roller door fixed but no damage to car. Also I did find driving for first couple of days after chemo scary. I seemed to completely lose my sense of direction. I am less confused now that I've finished chemo but still have issues with memory and balance.
- Hi all re brain fog and bad memory, oh my lord I am getting so forgetful it is becoming dangerous. I spend too much time trying to find my car at shopping centres when I never had a problem before. My latest is leaving the gas stove burners on. But I am also forgetting words and not being able to concentrate on text when reading. My doc has put me onto a website called Brain HQ which has exercises that are designed to improve memory for patients with dementia but also for patients who are experiencing chemo brain. It does cost but you can try some exercises for free see www.brainhq.com . I signed up for a month and am loving it.
- If you go anywhere near stairs, focus! I mean it, concentrate while you go down and hold any railings tightly. One step at a time, just like us and our bc journey really.
- Hi ladies, also with the foggy brain, bad memory - my oncologist told me mine is a side effect of tamoxifen but then she suggested that I get a brain training app for my mobile. So I'm using Elevate by Elevate Labs and I feel like it's working and have only been using it for one week so far. Certainly don't have to go back time and again to collect things that I've forgotten and it is helping me feel like me again!!! Too good!! I hope someone else gets to benefit from this as well. Xx Cath
- for those of you with painful feet ... someone told me to try the Dawn Frazer revitalize machine it works go try it out at the local chemist you can sometimes trial it for a week at home with some chemists the kids bought one for my christmas last year.
I have to say I am slowly getting better with coping with stress but it has taken me 3 years since chemo finished... YOU can do it find the things that help you release the stress in a positive way... meditation etc what works for you personally walking for some music for others... others write/blog etc. - @melclarity Me too. Only discussing this with my psychologist this week. My life ran on stress...the cancer diagnosis was the explosive point. Now after trying to keep it down. ..even small stuff feels overwhelming. I was crying today as I had got so cold my neuropathic feet were hurting...so stupid really...but managed to suck it up and get warm. Just when you think you are doing fine...bam something hits you again.
- I concur, I feel like a little old lady and look like one too!!! So much they dont tell you, very upsetting and disappointing. The other thing Ive noticed still 9 months on, is I cannot handle stress anymore, my cup is always full and I do not cope...and I have alot of trouble still with memory, constantly in a fog. LOL
- Thanks Mira. Its probably a combination of everything starting with surgery. I don't think the lymphedema helps either. Having a swollen hand and arm makes things harder to grip and hold. thank you all for your comments. It really helps to hear what others are going through xx
- I don't know if this will help you, but I've noticed that my grip strength is a lot worse as well. I haven't had chemo though, I only had a lumpectomy, radiation and tamoxifen.
- oops sorry thank you to Afraser and soldier crab too for your replies! See its affected my brain too!!!!
