Is this an after effect?

Debbborra

Hi. I went through treatment in 2001-20002. Happily I am happy and healthy and cancer free. Before cancer I loved to read, now I lose concentration. I used to write, but my mind wanders now. There is no emotional connection. I have trouble tapping into creativity.

Did chemo change my brain? Is this a side effect or is it something else? Maybe menopause?

Moderators

Hi Debbborra, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

It's seems to be a common and well-documented phenomenon that some chemotherapy meds can cause cognitive issues during and well after treatment. Also, it's been reported that menopause can in fact cause similar effects.

You may want to check out the following pages on the main Breastcancer.org site for some more info and tips:

• Memory Loss
• Ask-the-Expert Online Conference: Managing Chemo Brain
• Research News articles on Cognitive Side Effects
• Menopausal Symptoms: Memory Problems

We hope this helps and we're sure other members will be by shortly to weigh in with their similar experiences. Keep us posted and thank you for posting!

--The Mods

AmyQ

Well, you're 14 to 15 years older now so I believe age has quite a bit to do with your memory loss but who knows for certain? And how can we ever prove one way or another? It's frustrating and scary to think that chemo could cause these kinds of problems so many years later but I suppose it is possible.

If you ever find out, let us know. One more thought, perhaps natural supplements that sharpen and improve your cognitive skills might help. There's also exercises you can do to improve these skills as well - simple crossword puzzles as an example.

Amy