Prior to all the cancer treatments, I considered myself intelligent and organized. I still think I am intelligent, it is just harder to do same task that use to be easy. When I started having cognitive problems, I was not sure what was causing. Was it chemo, other meds, aging, stress, lack of sleep, etc…

When you are dealing with cancer and then add the inability to function mental as you use to, it is very frustrating !

First, talk to you oncologist about. Some side effects of cancer treatment we have to learn to live with, but let dr know about your side effects.

I have to accept it as another side effect of treatment (like fatigue) . I just need to modify my like life to accommodate these changes.

Here are a few of the challenges of brain fog I am dealing with and how I am trying to adjust to them.

• Some tasks seem overwhelming. I must divide task into smaller task that I can finish in 15-30 minutes.

• Problems with concentration. I no longer try to multitask. I need to concentrate on one thing at time. If I have divided task into smaller task, then it is easier to concentrate on task for that shorter time.

• Communication. I find myself having troubles getting my thoughts into the correct words. This is most obvious in verbal concentration. I have problems finding correct word and even pronouncing some words. The only thing I have found to help is to slow down.

• Memory. Like others have mentioned I rely heavily on lists. I already used lists to keep track of To Dos, but now I have to write down even little tasks and write them down immediately. You need to find a system that works for you. Before retirement I was a project manager. I just need to apply some of the principles of project management to my personal life. There is satisfaction when I complete something and can check off the To Do list.

Laurie

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