Life after treatment - memory

In early 2015 I started 6 months of R-CHOP Chemo and ways given the al clear the following May. Not long after I returned to work and then left my job to become self employed and start up an agricultural business with my partner. 

I was always told that some side offers of the treatment may take a while to go, however since I got the all clear I have been having real issues with my memory and concentration, to the point where it is now affecting my business and relationship. 

It seems to be getting worse rather than better and I just don't know what to do to try and help it improve. I write list after list and set reminders on my phone. Ut im still struggling. I forget conversations, to do things that I thought about or discussed only half an hour before and just generally feel like *** because of it. I used to have a great memory, and always prided my self on my organisation skill. 

I cant determine if it is down to struggling to concentrate or actually general short term memory loss. Had anyone else been through the same thing and how have you managed to negotiate it? 

  • Welcome to the forum BecH although I'm sorry for the reason it brings you here.

    Have you spoken to your doctor or medical team about this? If not, maybe you could keep a diary of when your memory and concentration lapses are occurring then book an appointment to discuss this in more detail and show them how much of an impact it is having. Our cancer nurses are only a phone call as well if you want to chat to someone a little bit sooner. They are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040, which is free to call from a UK landline. 

    I hope this helps and you get to meet some members who have been in a similar situation soon. You can find previous discussions relating to this by using the 'search forum' option above as well.

    I hope you are able to get this sorted soon BecH.

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator