Hi
I’ve had surgery followed by chemo and then radiotherapy this year for breast cancer. I’m now on letrazol and Abemaciclib.
I returned to work 4 weeks ago.
Is it normal to struggle with remembering things ant to feel like my brain is on a ‘go-slow’ ?
It’s making me have quite bad anxiety and my confidence at rock bottom. I’m really close to tears most days too.
Hi Sally Lou.
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Sherrye and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you’ve joined one of our forums, I do hope your finding it an informative and supportive place.
I glad to hear that you’ve gotten through your cancer treatments with just the Letrozole and Abemaciclib left now, it must feel good to be doing normal things again like returning to work.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling to remember things and you feel like your brain is on a ‘slow-go’ and understandably this is causing you anxiety and knocking your confidence.
It is normal for some people to experience cognitive changes which is also known as ‘chemo brain’ during and after cancer treatment. Though it was originally first linked to having chemotherapy, changes in concentration and memory can affect people that have had other types of cancer treatments too such as hormone therapy.
A side effect of Letrozole is memory and concentration changes. As Letrozole can be taken for several years in some breast cancer treatment plans, it would be best to have a conversation with your consultant or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) about this and how it’s affecting you. They can then discuss any changes or alternative options available to you.
Problems with memory or concentration are often mild and do get better with time. There are a few things you can do to help yourself such as:
>Keep a diary to keep track of everything
>Mental exercises to help train your brain to improve memory and concentration
>Keeping active to help reduce tiredness to keep yourself more alert
>Try to reduce any stress as this can affect memory.
Breast Cancer Now has an information page on coping with cognitive impairment in general and at work that you may also find helpful.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Sherrye H,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm), send us an email or contact us through webchat.
Ref SH/PL
