Be patient, your brain will return.

I am an avid learner. I read a lot. Most of us take take that skill for granted until you loose it. Many of us experience a condition refered to many as chemo brain. Things just don’t click like you are used to and it is quite frustrating.

Some time after completing chemo treatments I tried to take a Master Gardening class. I had to drop out.  I was so frustrated with the material and the teaching style of the course. At the time, I thought I was not capable of learning it and that the class was too hard. But now I realize that I just was not ready yet. I think the fog from chemo brain just had not cleared enough yet but I really did not know that.

So don’t give up. It takes time and there is no answer to how long it will take as it will be different for each one of us.  There is no magic day that it just happens. For me it was so gradual that I could not tell I was not ready for an intense learning situation yet.

But rest assured it does get better and that is the message I want to share.  All you can do is continue to try and not be hard on yourself or too concerned if the current project ends up being difficult. It will be okay!

My best piece of advice came from my medical oncologist who recommended that I have a port-a-cath put in below my shoulder to protect my one good arm and the veins in my other hand and arm during the infused treatments.  The big plus was that it took only one quick needle stick for the oncologist nurse to get blood and get the IV infusion (chemotherapy) started.  Inserting and removing a port-a-cath is a surgical procedure and has some risks but I’ve certainly been happy with mine.  I haven’t had mine removed yet but I will need to get that done when I’m finished treatment.

Rosemary from Iowa, Survivor July 2008 

www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.

When faced with my cancer diagnosis, I thought things wouldn’t change all that much.  Yes, my hair would fall out and there would be a need for surgery, chemo and radiation; but how bad could that be?  Maybe my rose colored glasses helped in the long run because I did keep doing and going. 

What did change was the need for rest, lots and lots of rest.  I had to accept the fact that everything wasn’t going to get done and I had to accept that as being okay.  I would go home from work and take a nap instead of eating lunch and a normal bedtime hovered around 7:00 p.m.  Treatment was manageable but in looking back, there were some really difficult times; both emotionally and physically.  

My friends and family kept me busy though and that really helped.  They got me out on weekends and made sure I got exercise and had things to look forward to other than the next treatment date.  In a nutshell, my advice would be to stay positive, keep active and do what you normally would to the extent possible. 

Don’t let cancer define you or take your power because you are so much more than a diagnosis.  Live well.

Barb from Iowa – Survivor October 2008 

www.PortraitsAndStories.com a photo essay project to bless breast cancer survivors, their family, and friends. Find inspiration and encouragement here through photographs and stories.