“I Have Chemo Brain. What’s Your Excuse?”

I went to Elberta Clinic on Friday, May 18 for an upper respiratory infection. I saw Dr. Roe who joined the practice in January. I preformed my usual hazing on new doctors and he appeared to hold up well. He medicated me with omnicef and some super cough syrup. I made it to the Spring Game Saturday but pretty much stayed in my seat under the umbrella.

Resumed week 3 of radiology this week. By Friday I shall be ½ way through almost. I see Dr. Hixson every Monday for a status check. I had found my ring was tight Sunday and Monday and expressed concern that I may have some lymphedema. He said it is farther into the radiation before it causes any of those problems. My skin feels like I have steam burned it and the tissue is very warm to the touch. I am regaining my mental acuity more each week and feel my stamina is improving. I have burst of energy then must recharge the next day. I told him my idea about getting me some tasseled pasties to protect my most sensitive parts from the radiation. He nixed that idea when he said they would have to be made of lead 5 mil thick and I would have to lie down to put them on and when I stood up I would fall forward. Oh well…!!!

The hair is at 6 weeks of growth! It truly is “Kind Hair” as my mom Lucille always said. That’s "the kind on a dog’s behind." Just like Ziggie Mary Rush’s toy fox terrier. Except mine is very salt & pepper and looks like Matt Lauer on top. Here I am in my fine head band Melissa brought back from New York along w/ my Channel sun glasses. I must find me some more of these head bands. I think the front inside of my baseball cap has rubbed the hair off in the very front of my hair line. I have a reverse widow’s peak going on in front. My eyelashes and eyebrows are coming in too.

I feel compelled to report that I personally think The Bay Shore Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center has in my opinion very bad karma. One of the younger patients which I took treatment with lost her mother to cancer as a child. (She is still going through treatment.) She attempted to have an appointment made with Dr. Cheshire and was refused due to from when she was 5 years old, she has an outstanding bill. I told her she did not want to darken the door of that office. She needs to go somewhere that has positive cosmic energy. Bah Humbug!!!!

I wish to thank all of my dedicated friends and supporters. Thank you for your steadfast prayers and cards. I know my strength comes from you. During my daily visits to the office I have made friends with other patients in the chemo room and outside radiology.
Everyone has a very different challenge to meet during their journey to wellness.

I recently found more information concerning Chemo Brain. Back during my Red Devil I attempted to change the TV for 10 minutes with the portable phone.

Here is the complete article:
Chemotherapy Fog Is No Longer Ignored as Illusion - New York Times

Virtually all cancer survivors who have had toxic treatments like chemotherapy experience short-term memory loss and difficulty concentrating during and shortly afterward, experts say. But a vast majority improve. About 15 percent, or roughly 360,000 of the nation’s 2.4 million female breast cancer survivors, the group that has dominated research on cognitive side effects, remain distracted years later, according to some experts. And nobody knows what distinguishes this 15 percent.Abrupt menopause, which often follows treatment, also leaves many women fuzzy-headed in a more extreme way than natural menopause, which unfolds slowly. Those cognitive issues are also features of depression and anxiety, which often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Similar effects are also caused by medications for nausea and pain.