Scatter Brain

Scatter Brain

Chemo brain; another lovely side effect to have to deal with.  I have really noticed lately that my brain is so scattered.  Sometimes I can barely put a sentence together when speaking.  I will have conversations with someone and just not remember any of it!  Have you ever had one of those times when you arrive home and don’t remember a thing about the drive there?  You kind of wonder if you even obeyed the traffic laws because you can’t recall any of it?  This is how I feel all the time!  I just can’t focus.  I repeat things to people without realizing it.  Have you ever had one of those times when you arrive home and don’t remember a thing about the drive there?  You kind of wonder if you even obeyed the traffic laws because you can’t recall any of it?  This is how I feel all the time!  It’s embarrassing.  Did I already say that?  Sorry.  See there I go again!  I have a ton of examples of my memory failing me, but I honestly can’t think of any right now.  I’m not kidding.  Some days I can focus better than others.  Today is not one of those days.  I should have probably left the writing for another day.  Oh well.  I will sign off for now.  I am on my way to…somewhere…to do something.  It’s going to be a long day. It’s going to be a long day.  I will let the experts tell you more (from chemobrain.org).

Chemo Brain is used by cancer survivors to describe the change in memory, concentration, attention, as well as the ability to perform different mental tasks after the completion of chemotherapy treatment. The medical jargon refers chemo brain as either a cognitive deficit or decline in neuropsychological capability.

Some cancer patients are affected more by chemo brain than others. While for many the brain will recover over time, some patients experience seemingly more long-term effects. Whether temporary or permanent, these changes can make it difficult for one to function normally in their daily activities such as going to work, school, or social activities.

Chemo Brain Symptoms

·  Memory lapses for things that one can usually remember

·  Having trouble concentration or focusing

·  Cannot remember details such as names, dates, and events

·  Unable to multi-task or do more than one thing at a time

·  Thinking slower and taking longer to finishing a task

·  Trouble remembering common words or completing a sentence

Looking on the Bright Side…I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of a great excuse and I’m not afraid to use it.