Hi
i had breast cancer, I finished treatment September 2024, this included, a lumpectomy, 8 sessions of chemo, radiotherepy,and the injection Herceptin I’m now in remission but still struggle with my memory, before cancer I had a very good memory but not any more.is it normal after so long after having chemo which I finished in December 2023 I still forget things, like my phone password, my best friends name!
I also feel down a lot and still very tired
Hi Paulypopse911c3
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Kate one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am glad to hear you are in remission after your breast cancer treatment. It is understandable to struggle after treatment and find your new normal way of life.
It is common to have cognitive changes after your treatment. There are ways to cope with these changes.
Recovering from treatment can take time. It is important to be kind to yourself and find a new normal that works for you. Eating well and keeping active will help keep your strength, increase your energy and improve your sense of wellbeing. This is something you can do to stay in control of looking after yourself.
We would recommend contacting your GP to discuss your symptoms.
You mentioned you were feeling low in mood and feeling very tired. It can be common to be deficient in Vitamins after you have had your treatment. This maybe be why you are struggling with your memory, low mood and energy. The GP can arrange a blood test to check your levels.
With any new, changing, or worsening symptom we always recommend that you contact your GP or 111 to be assessed.
I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.
The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
take care.
Kate,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref KE/AMc
