Cognitive changes after chemo

Posted by rhongirl @rhongirl, Oct 18, 2022

Hello All,

I'm wondering if any of you have noticed cognitive changes after receiving chemo treatments? I've talked with a few cancer patients who experience forgetfulness, changes in their ability to multi-task, or the inability to mentally process things the same or at the same speed as before chemo. I've experienced this to some degree, myself, and just began doing some reading on this. It appears there are studies done to substantiate this, and yet more needs to be researched. Has anyone else discovered cognitive changes after chemo? and what is your experience?

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 8, 2025

In reply to @horseeagle "what about memory loss complete balnk? does it come back from cancer treatments..." + (show)

@horseeagle, can you share a bit more? How long ago did you complete cancer treatment? Do you have moments when you have a complete blank and just can't remember?

ksue3 | @ksue3 | Nov 8, 2025

I have noticed the brain fog too. I had a mastectomy and chemo in 2024. Then started Anastrazole but had to stop that due to severe trigger thumbs, etc. I was put on Exemestane and have been on it for a year. Drug fog? Age fog at 85? I am currently in a small community theater production. I had to work really hard to memorize a two page monologue. Wow, that disturbed me. Whatever is causing it, I don't like it. I am being much more careful to keep a nice sized paper calendar and to make sticky notes as necessary. So far, I haven't missed anything but I feel I have to work at it. My brain feels tired, if that makes sense.

gabeglnaz | @gabeglnaz | 17 hours ago

Yes I have experienced the same thing. I was at Walmart on April 15, 2026 at Walmart super center on 59th Ave and Northern ave. In Glendale,AZ. I was scanning my groceries and I forgot to scan a few of my groceries struggling trying to keep my cognitive focus so I thought I was done I got a citation for stealing but I know that I didn't do that I even told her I have the money to pay for it it was an accident and they didn't want to believe me so I got citation charged for stealing and band from Walmart for two years. When in fact chemo brain side effects is very severe or chronic.I know I didn't do that. I've been ongoing chemotherapy taxol for over 20years. I didn't steal I've been wrongfully been accused for stealing what I know I didn't do that

quimbie | @quimbie | 3 hours ago

I had chemo all total for about two years and was fine during and after until about a year or more after completing the chemo. Just subtle things at first and I always had a great memory with names, places numbers and events. After a few months I asked a nurse if chemo brain was real. She told me oh yes it is. I was relieved and dismayed at the same time. At least I knew I was not losing it as there was a reason for memory loss. I have seen so much Alzheimer's in my life that I was beginning to wonder if it was happening to me. I concentrate and practice thinking when I read something I want to remember. Names seem to be the worst area for me.
I'm sorry you experienced this with Walmart but perhaps you could speak to home office and explain the issue. I would also suggest use the checkout to save you stress and avoid this ever happening again. So said all that to say yes chemo brain is a real thing but better that than the cancer.