I have lost my mind-literally

My memory used to be very sharp and I never had to write things down. Now, I am a list and note maker...the problem is I forget where I put my list most of the time. After finishing chemo last year, I was unable to comprehend a simple recipe. My cognitive skils were terrible but i have see a big improvement in the last year. My doc says that menopause affects memory but the good news is that it gets better post menopause...I hope he's right.

Hugs

Beth

I went into chemo-tamoxi-pause and did notice a difference in overall cognitive stuff including memory issues....I did not have an ooph --- Some of my non cancer friends who are through menopause have told me that it got better.... It will be two years since I was thrown into instant menopause in July, and I do notice improvements...not back to pre-cancer levels yet though.

Been there - done that!

I was post menopause prior to dx and am now on tamoxifen - so I'm on my 2nd round of menopause.

Yes, short term memory is shot but the doc put it this way...

If you forget where you put your keys that's fine. It's when you find them and don't know what they are for is when you really have an issue!!!!

So, I just smile and move on!! Sometimes not remembering can be a blessing in disguise !!

Jan

I think it has something to do with the chemo, menopause and the stress of what we've gone through.  I have the CRS (Can't Remember S#!^) syndrome - thank goodness for post it notes and my DH who remembers everything.

Estogen depletion, and after chemo residual effects I think.  I do remember when my kids were growing up, and I was younger then,  I would sometimes get their names mixed up.  Still do sometimes.  I think it is a hormonal or lack of hormone issue.

Barb

Titan-  ROFLMAO

Don't worry Jen.  My mother called me by our dog's name many times when we were growing up. 

When I was dating three guys back in the day, I couldn't remember who I had told what.  I did keep the names straight however.

titan,

I went through menopause in my early 40's, years ago (too many years ago).  The memory loss was the worst part for me. I remember sitting at a table in a restaurant, ordering dinner, and then after the server left, I turned to my date and asked him what I ordered.  I hated it. I was known for my great memory and prided myself on it.  Oh well

I will say, the memory loss seemed to be largely (although not entirely) temporary for me -- after chemo as well -- my memory became better after some time passed.  I still draw a blank on a name or something once in awhile, but nothing major.  I think others are right in that stress, lack of sleep, nutrition, can all play into this, too.

I don't know that it helps but I try to do things that are supposed to exercise my brain -- both literally (physical exercise increases blood flow and helps) and in other ways, like problem-solving (word and other) games, doing/learning new things (creates new neuron paths, supposedly), reading lots, doing some creative, etc.

I know how frustrating it is -- be gentle with yourself.  Hopefully things will get better for you!

That's very normal, Jen, and very embarrassing sometimes.  It comes and goes with me, for some reason. 

Jen, I know how you feel.  My memory was so sharp at one point and now I suffer from CRS too!

Not sure if I shared this crazy story with y'all.  It happened a few months after I had finished chemo, I think..........  Anyway, I needed something from the grocery store for a receipe that I was getting ready to cook, I jumped in the car with my DD and headed to the grocery.  I got to the grocery, continued to drive past the grocery, turned down the highway and finally looked at my DD and said "where am I going and for what".  I think she may have peeeeed on herself she laughed so hard.  I honestly couldn't remember........... Thank goodness for laughter.

LOL Wow this is why I come here!  Thanks for posting this Pure!  I have been feeling the same way! 

I put a bowl of soup in the micro then forgot I put it in there, went back to the kitchen and almost started to get another bowl out and do it all over again.  Remote control found in the pantry.......... Need I go on! 

Hope everyone's memory returns!  I however am losing hope for mine! LOL. 

Susie

I'm with you, too.  I can't remember simple words - everyday terms.  I've been at the same job for 9 years and suddenly can't remember the phone and fax numbers when I'm leaving people voicemails.  I won't even start with names.....it is embarrassing and so frustrating.  I had a great memory before all of this and now I'm half afraid to fuss at people at work when they still haven't gotten me the answers/work I need for fear they did and I just don't remember it - lol!