Chemo Brain Event #2

Although this was tramatic at the time, like most chemo brain incidents, this story is now funny. When one is affected by chemicals or drugs (legal or otherwise), your brain functions differently. It is really hard to describe how mixed up one can get with normal everyday things you normally do just fine with. Those of you who have been through it will relate.

I was getting gas, like I have done how many countless times in my life. I was reading the directions on the pump, normally I just know how to do it. After placing the nozzle in my vehicle, the directions said to press “start” to begin pumping gas.  Well there was no button that said “start” on it. On a normal day, one would figure that the big, red button that said “press” would be the button I was needing. Not on chemo brain. It took me ages to get to that point. Oh-but it gets better.

Once I believed I was pumping gas, it wasn’t really working. A very nice man pulled up behind and offered to help which I replied, “No thanks, I will just move on.” He graciously offered to get an attendent from inside, as the pump may be having problems. (It really might have, I really have no way of knowing.) I was in small tears by now, “No, I just want to leave!” I told him. The poor sweet man, had no idea what I was going through, and I was incapable of explaining, I just wanted out of there!

I did go to the next town down the road-got gas without an incident. I still giggle to myself when the buttons are not labeled the same as the instructions say they are!

Do not worry, the chemo brain effects do clear up and you will be able to multi-task again! It does take quite a few months and you do wonder if you ever will be right in the head again, but you will get there!

Master Photographer Barb Gordon, www.GordonPhotography.Biz 

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.