Ah yes chemo brain - I started getting the fog early on in my treatment. At first I couldn't find the words for things - I spent a whole hour calling curtains 'the window coverings' because I couldn't remember the word!

My family has always had a mad way of chatting, picking up on things we started discussing hours earlier. To an outsider the conversations are probably hellish to observe however that's us and we're used to it! Since chemo brain though I've had to ask family to speak slower and discuss one thing at a time, and allow me to acknowledge a change in topic before we go off on one! Otherwise I get ridiculously confused!

Luckily I can deal with it in good humour most of the time but it is frustrating sometimes when I'm not as quick as I was pre-chemo.

I've been getting strange food cravings too so my mum makes the joke I've got pregnancy cravings and baby brain xD

Ah yes chemo brain - I started getting the fog early on in my treatment. At first I couldn't find the words for things - I spent a whole hour calling curtains 'the window coverings' because I couldn't remember the word!

My family has always had a mad way of chatting, picking up on things we started discussing hours earlier. To an outsider the conversations are probably hellish to observe however that's us and we're used to it! Since chemo brain though I've had to ask family to speak slower and discuss one thing at a time, and allow me to acknowledge a change in topic before we go off on one! Otherwise I get ridiculously confused!

Luckily I can deal with it in good humour most of the time but it is frustrating sometimes when I'm not as quick as I was pre-chemo.

I've been getting strange food cravings too so my mum makes the joke I've got pregnancy cravings and baby brain xD

Yes, me too! Window coverings..lol! Sounds like one of my explanations....

its really odd, not being able to come up with the word you want, instead going into all kinds of descriptions...like " give us a clue" ...spelling can be difficult too, thank goodness for spellcheck! Lol....

Thank you for sharing your stories! I actually find "window coverings" far more elegant than "curtains". I might start calling them 'window coverings' myself :) 

Lucie

I’m a survivor from 2013, I’m now 56 and your post made me smile. The irony is, I’ll never forget chemo brain. Yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, which I didn’t think I’d ever see. I went to a BC forum years ago and laughed, as we all agreed, ‘Post It Notes become your new best friend.’ The worst thing I remember is the shallow empathy. If I shared my concerns, the response was, ‘Oh I’m forgetful too.’ But chemo brain was different. I would be so shaken up by it, I’d be close to tears. I also recall screaming in frustration at my husband, “You don’t get it! I really can’t remember things.” Before BC I didn’t have the best memory, especially for trivial things,but I was always on top of things and super organised. To compensate I just look for strategies. I use a notebook to jot down everything and it stays goes everywhere with me. I’m a teacher and the return to work was a huge challenge. We use Apple TV so our iPad can be shown/linked to a large TV. To connect to this, a 4 digit code would appear. I was unable to retain that code long enough to enter it. So I taught the kids to do it, reading 4 digit numbers aloud. As a result everyone who witnessed this thought I was brilliant teaching 7/8 year olds to read such large numbers. I’ve only confessed to a few people my true motivation. Hang in there, my pink sisters, use forums like this to find support. You are not alone. Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.