Anyway, that great idea was a few weeks ago (I think). But, as I've been discovering, my mind is as water tight as a leaky dinghy at best... and a collander at worst. So I applied and promptly forgot all about it. That's me. Memory like a steel trap! At least that used to be the case. *sigh*
Frankly, I've been a bit worried about my memory issues of late. I can't seem to remember anything anymore. This isn't the run of the mill Chemo Brain. On Wednesday Ben had an appointment with Dr. Flaton at 10:30. I saw it on the kitchen calendar that morning. I left Daddy-O a note reminding him to let the school know I'd be picking Ben up. I told Ben about the appointment. I even remembered to grab the medication evaluation paperwork from the bookcase. Next thing I know, my cell phone is ringing and it's Dr. Flaton's office calling to ask if we were keepingour appointment. It was 10:45! Gah!
The day before I discussed with Wonder Sitter keeping Danny home from preschool the next day. I agreed to call his therapists & let them know not to show up. I couldn't even remember that long enough for the 3 block drive home. I did finally remember it 24 hours later as I was driving home from our office Christmas party. I am not going to go into the dozens of messages and reminders I have forgotten to give Daddy-O.
Of course, I worry about breast cancer metastasis to the brain. At least that's what I worry about when I remember there is something to worry about. Directly after the thought of mets enters my head I hear a resounding "Pshaw!" bouncing around between my ears. I guess I don't really believe I have a brain metastasis. It's just that I have always had a near perfect memory - particularly for daily minutia. It's frustrating to completely forget entire appointments and conversations. I imagine it's much like being a man...
Just in case someone Googles brain mets looking for some useful information and got my drivel instead, I will include a list of the 7 Typical Signs or Symptoms of Brain or Spinal Metastisis.
In any patient previously diagnosed with cancer, the following should raise the suspicion for a brain tumor:
- A persistent headache with or without vomiting.
- Seizures (Change in type or frequency )
- Double vision, mental changes, speech difficulty.
- Stroke (brain hemorrhage). Certain brain metastases, such as melanoma, renal carcinoma, and choriocarcinoma bleed easily.
- Confusion
- Any numbness, arm or leg weakness, back pain, difficulty walking.
- Loss of control of bowel or bladder.
Numbers 6,7 are more common with spinal metastases.
Fortunately, I'm just forgetful (probably getting old) and a hypochodriac as the only symptom I can lay claim to is "mental changes". If I can remember long enough I'll say a little thank you for that during my prayers tonight.
In the meantime, click on the handy little button on the right and give a vote for MWC.
4 comments:
Very good idea Stella!
Welcome to "getting old", Dearie! :( It's the same with me. I used to have the most phenomenal memory--I remembered things almost word for word...near photographic memory, and all that--but nowadays? Not so great.
Not horrible--still better than most people my age--but not what it used to be. Wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't prided myself on my memory at one time! :P
Ah well--there are plenty of compensations...if only I could remember what they are! ;)
"I imagine it is much like being a man..." I love your sense of humor!!!
Exploring your blog and reading through your archives when I came across this post about memory problems. I am 9 months past my last chemo and 3 weeks post the exchange surgery for breast reconsturction. I totally could have written this post about memory!
I can't remember a darned thing anymore. And as you wrote - it's not normal memory loss like losing your keys or your sun glasses. I forgot to meet with a girlfriend visiting from out of town who I haven't seen in over a year! You don't forget to meet a dear friend that you are excited to see!! What is wrong with me? I feel cognitively impaired. I always rolled my eyes when people talked about chemmo-brain.... but I'm starting think I was wrong about all that.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your memory trials. Let's me know I'm not alone out here!
jojo
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