Returned to Work, But Brain Did Not

PamCA

Hello everyone,

I went back to work the second weekend in September.  I work a part time job that is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Since I came back I am finding that my brain just doesn't seem to think as clearly or quickly as it did before bc.  I also get confused more easily when I am doing a task.  I am wondering if perhaps it was the chemo that caused problems or all of my trying to figure out what I want to do with my life now and how to do it.  My boss made two critical comments to me on Friday and I was ready to go home and not come back.  I stayed for the day and have been at work all weekend. 

Has  anyone else had a similar experience and if you did, how did you handle it?  Did your mind eventually get clearer?  Thanks.

Pam

thefuzzylemon

I hope, if you desire to keep this job, you are studying your rights and keeping proper documentation. You can (and should) get a doctors note stating your concern with memory, and list all accommodations that would help you perform the essential job functions.

Cyborg

I can relate. Last fall, I returned back to work and I not only felt "out of it" cognitively, but the anxiety was unreal.

I agree with the lady who said document and get a note from the doctor.

Katarina

Chemo brain. It can be seriously debilitating and last for months to years. Start documenting it and find a doctor who will proscribe provigil or other fatigue fighting brain issues. Might be worthwhile to get a neurocog test to validate. It's real and underplayed.

Get the book "Your Brain After Chemo" - UCLA study

ProudMom_Wife

I can completely relate.  First I agree with thefuzzylemon.  Learn your rights, document and talk with your doctor.

When I went back to work (which was part-time), I had a really tough time.  Thankfully I had a very understanding boss.  He didn't push me, let me get back into the swing of things at my own pace.  Even still I was very concerned because I kept forgetting stuff, could figure out what words to use, it got really bad if I was tired.  I talked with my doctor and with her help and that of an acupuncturist I came up with a plan that took time, but I believe helped me.  I made sure I got the sleep I needed, weened myself off of Ativan with a herbal remedy to help me sleep.  Did moderate exercise and yoga to build strength and release stress.  Ate healthier than I ever did before and took supplements approved by my oncologist.  I also read a lot of books (many that I had read before but suddenly could not remember), did suduko and mahjong games to keep my mind active and improve on my comprehension.  I also wrote tons of "To do lists".  I am now about 1.5 yrs out from chemo.  Am I back to where I was before?  Not completely.  Still have issues with conversing with others especially when I am tired.  I know the words, just can't make the connection and have them come out of my mouth.  However it has dramatically improved, especially in the last 6 months and I think it will continue to improve.

I hope this helps.   

Moderators

Pam, as well as the great support and advice you've had here from other members, there is info about Memory Loss and some of its BC-related causes on the main Breastcancer.org site.

camillegal

Pam u'r certainly not slone this is common for many. So please take everyone's advice and know u'r not alone.