I don’t know if it’s because I am 76 or because the Ibrance has really affected my memory. I am on month six of Ibrance Faslode Xgeva. I’ve always had a pretty good memory but the last three or four months I can’t think of words and my mind seems to go blank. Anybody else have these reactions.
Thanks
Gwen
Hi Gwennie 123,
I am experiencing the same symptoms, my treatment plan consists of: Lupron, Letrozole, Ibrance and Xgeva. Interested to know ways to combat this.
xo Jade
Hmmm...I thought I was just not paying close attention...or that since I’d quit my demanding job, my mind wasn’t getting the workout it needed. With Faslodex, Xgeva and Ibrance in the system it’s difficut to for me (us) to determine which, if any, are the culprit to lack of thought clarity and recall. How many of us are so affected?
Luminosity?
Hi Gwen,
I don't think it's your age. It could well be the medication. I am on Zoladex, Letrozole and Zometa and I sometimes find that I am forgetful too. When I tell people they often laugh at me and say that I am young and shouldn't have any issues with my memory. Just today I forgot my mobile phone at home instead of putting it in my bag, and then when I was supposed to return my friend's key after looking after her cat I forgot that at home too. Last summer, I had two episodes where I was driving and I completely forgot how to reach my destination. My mind just went blank. That was scary because that has never happened to me before. I quickly got my bearings again. Then another time, I knew how to get to where I needed to go, but I couldn't remember the name of the street!
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
I know I am 73 but I think we all have so much to deal with who can remember it all. We are always in a hurry to do things.I myself made the mistake over the years of taking care of my family so well that they now have trouble coping .But they are trying. I do all banking and bills by internet etc. who won't have a memory lapse sometimes. And that is a side effect of most of our meds. So relax, memory games do help. Love best fiends myself.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Thank you! I think you're right. We have a lot going on in our lives, so I do think it's partly side effects from the medications and also due to just being busy. I juggle work, family responsibilities with taking care of my husband, helping my dad and two disabled brothers as well as other things in life! I also take care of all the bills, but I need to let my husband do more. I like memory games too. World map quizzes are my favourite!
Sophie
Thank you all for commenting. I feel a little better
Yes. I’m 65 and I often struggle with word finding and being unable to quickly recall names. On Ibrance and faslodex. It isn’t all that apparent to others, but I discussed it with my husband. I’m sure this chemo is messing with us. Wish I could forget this d@mn disease!
Thanks for your reply. It’s comforting to think that I’m not alone in this
Yes it’s normal
I make sure I do The Times crossword everyday and some sodukos..I like puzzles
It does annoy me though when I can’t remember things..good job I’m not working!!..at least nobody notices!!
Barb xx
Hi Gwennie123, I too, have the same issues. I am 60 and on ibrance/Faslodez, starting my 11 month. It drives me nuts. Used to have a bookkeeping business and there's no way I could do my job now. I don't know what to do to correct, I just say "it's chemo brain again".
I’m 71, same issue. I was a wiz at Jeopardy, and astounded friends with a font of useless information. I’m in cycle 19, and my 3 rd at a lower dose. I dropped from 125 to 100. It’s better on the lower dose, and especially during the off week. Good luck.
I think it's the drug that reduces the estrogen. Years ago I was taking Arimidex. My memory got so bad I couldn't recall what I'd just decided to write down, and would leave the kettle burn dry repeatedly. I was 41 then so it was very scary. For other reasons I had to stop the drug and my brain returned. Note this was different to my chemo brain symptoms. I switched to another related drug and did not have the same problem! Now on ibramce I am stilll fine.
Mind you, I think blanking out , happens to me sometimes too, is more related to stress and distraction of diagnosis. Just my two cents
If you find you get worse and you venture into that zone that's disturbing it might be worth asking if you can switch drugs
I, too think it is the estrogen blocker. I have trouble getting out what I want to say and sometimes the wrong thing comes out of my mouth. I also had the problem in 2000 when I took tamoxifen. It gradually went away when I got off the drug. The same thing is happening now on Letrozol. There is probably some chemo brain thrown in there. Cure magazine did an article about this year's ago. Blessings, Hannah
Yes I always seem to be in a fog and forget names and why I just went into the bedroom. I do find that when I go out for a walk or exercise, it clears up.
The other morning I was filling my Go-Cup with half n half instead of the coffee. Would be way too many calories that way !
I was just reading on article on how AI medications bind with oestrogen produced in the brain and inhibits memory formation. I know faslodex works in a different way but it also reduces oestrogen so perhaps it has a similar effect. My memory isn't what it was.
I know I suffered severe chemo brain after treatment for my original diagnosis. I remember looking at taps and light switches and not being able to remember how they worked.
Then when I went back to work I had a really important meeting with the head of IT and his team. It had gone really well, I'd remembered everything I needed to discuss, I was so pleased with myself. At the end of the meeting I said my good byes and went to leave, I looked at the door handle, knew what it was but couldn't for the life of me remember how it worked! Luckily the head of IT had good manners and had stood up with me. When I just stood looking at the door he came over and opened it for me! I dread to think what he thought but I've never been so pleased that someone had good old fashioned English manners!
And I thought it was just me!
Your post and replies has answered one of my great concerns. I have the same memory problems as you and the ladies who have replied. I now have an excuse!
It was frightening when at Christmas I fumbled over my grandsons name and I know my daughters have been concerned and forever saying “you have told us that “ or finish what I am about to say.
Following chemo ( 3 different times) I was on aramidex for almost 12 years and Tamoxifen for 7 years before that, with no noticeable problems. My work before retirement required considerable accuracy and a good memory.
I think for me it’s possibly, the IBRANCE and the fact I have problems sleeping /staying asleep, which I know can also play havoc with memory.
Thank you for sharing Gwennie. I am sure I am not the only one your post and replies have given reassurance to that they are not on the cusp of dementia.
GiGi
Yes I have the same issues with my memory y concentration I forget where I leave my car keys but it is good to keep busy reading doing something new and exercise
Almost 62 in June. Well, I know this is a late post so I'm not sure if it will help but... My Oncologist changed my monthly Xgeva shot to once every 3 months. I think it was due to insurance coverage.
After missing only 1 month /April, I am going to try to get back on my monthly, here's why...
I did discover, my executive brain functioning had improved. For example, my thinking assumed the sharp focus and complex memory recall that I felt prior to taking Xgeva.
I took a different route 2 yrs. ago when I was 1st diagnosed with BC and it was MBC to my bones.
Due to dental work, I started Xgeva 3 months after starting Ibrance and Letrozole/Femera.
Unfortunately just a week off of Xgeva I started to feel the same stiffness and pain in my hands as well as over all stiffness in my bones. I had felt this exact stiffness before starting Xgeva 2 years ago while I was only taking Ibrance and Letrozole.
Before I missed my 1st month of Xgeva I had just increased my yard work, house cleaning and sorting thru stored boxed family treasures. It was a miracle that I was able lift a heavy item for the first time in 3 years!
In other words I was very excited about embracing my newly found physical strength and freedom.
I grew up influenced by my Independent Irish Mom who did all of the yard and house work.
I can't believe just off of Xgeva for 1 month has set me back 2yrs, but it has.
I'm find with the slow memory recall and razor sharp focus, but I'm NOT fine with feeling physically disabled with stiffness and pain.
My final analyzes , I believe it's Xgeva that compromises the mental faculties slightly.
I believe the combination of Ibrance and Letrozole compromises my energy level. However, being able to exert a good amount of physical energy in short spurts gets the blood flow going which that counters the physical fatigue.
Bone Pain
Anyone tried Ibrance again after a vacay?
Ibrance toxic now, anyone on fulvestrant and metformin after?
Letrozole
