How debilitating is Chemo Brain, I work in a highly technical field where I need to keep up with new technologies all the time, will my job be significantly affected? Any body with personal experience?
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11/24/09 5:25pm
Many women don't experience it at all, Gouri. Some experience it with some forgetfulness; for some, it's an all-out battle. I've had it off and on for 8 years, though it was worse about 5 years ago. There was a time when I couldn't remember my phone number or my mother's name - yet could still function at work OK. Did suffer a loss of vocabulary, and the ability to quickly craft sentences. Then again, this could have been due to chemo-induced menopause, as well. In your field, you might be fine - it doesn't seem to affect your reaosning or learning ability, mostly memory of simple, everyday things (like how to alphabetize!)
Bottom line - you won't know how it'll affect you till it does. Hope for the best - prepare for somewhat less - expect you'll get through it all somehow. Good luck to you - PJH
11/24/09 6:34pm
Chemobrain affected my memory, so I take more notes. It also affected my ability to focus and concentrate, so I learned to do tasks that require the most focus earlier in the day before I get tired. It may not bother you at all. Some people don't notice any difference. For others it fades away quickly after treatment.
11/25/09 1:15pm
It's been 4 years since I went through chemo, and I still experience some fog and lag. In my case, I had stopped working to become a SAHM just before my diagnosis. I think that factors in greatlly....kinda like if you don't use it you'll lose it. I am still forgetful, I lack focus, have problems concentrating and remembering. I still have some minor issues with putting sentences together, or thinking quick on my feet. In the beginning I would take half of one word and put it with another. Amazingly my husband knew what I was trying to say. My train of thought would skip over several tracks while I was mid-sentence. I often felt like I had been reduced to a 3rd grader cause I couldn't think of the words for simple every day items. Everyone reacts differently, but I think you can expect some of the same side effects we've mentioned - and because you will still be working, I think you'll recover a bit more quickly cause you are keeping your brain active.
Good luck!
Angi
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By WillFightIt— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 11/24/09
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