Brain Fog

[suzi-mac]

Question concerning memory issues. After nearly 10 years NED, I progressed to stage 4 with mets to my spine about 2 years ago. I have been on Ibrance & Faslodex with what are probably the most common side effects: fatigue, hair thinning, joint pain (mostly in my hips), very dry skin, etc. Lately I've also noticed more "brain fog" than usual. Kind of like back when I was on chemo. Memory isn't so sharp any more. Of course I'm getting older, but didn't expect memory issues at 62. Is 'chemo brain' a thing on these drugs?

[AvidBooklover]

Being honest, I think the pandemic is not helping with memory issues. We are all preoccupied whether we realize it or not. There are times I go to make the bed, I ready made...and I worry about my memory and then I console myself...there upteen other things I am keeping track of!

[hopenowandtomorrow]

I am 63 & on the same meds you are. I have suffered much from brain fog. I started the top-rated mind exercise App, Elevate, about 4 months ago & it has dramatically improved my mind. Also, exercise helps. I wish you the best!

❤️🙏❤️

[Pachira]

I’m not on Ibrance yet only Armidex but with slowly rising Tumor markers I’ll probably have to reluctantly change meds in the not too distant future. Today as I almost shoveled the onion I had just chopped into the trash instead of the outer skins and looked fervently in the fridge for the frying pan, I thought to myself “you need to get a grip”. Liked the idea it’s Covid so I’ll blame that for a while as I sally on. Just made a chocolate cake Saturday and chocolate butter icing for my grandsons birthday and had to laugh as I changed my sweatshirt, pants, socks and slippers as they were covered in chocolate. The cake however turned out fine. Happy Easter

[LibraryGeek in reply to Pachira]

That looks amazing- my mouth is watering! x

[USIrishcolleen]

Suzi-mac,

I too have noticed memory issues. I was on 10 cycles of Ibrance and after three months off for surgery and radiation, I am now on Verzenio. I find myself losing focus, and forgetting about what I was just thinking about. I had a very good memory; friends would comment about how good my memory was.

I understand!

Best,

Colleen

[Beryl71]

I've been on ibrance and letrozole and have had no side effects. But from what l can see here , reactions are very individual. Is brain fog from tiredness, I do sleep more but was a bad sleeper before. I also drink lots of water or clear fluids. I think that helps. Good luck!

[queeneee]

I was on faslodex and verzenio.. I then stopped meds due to an operation I needed - the effect on my brain was amazing! I felt clear headed again. I decided not to go back onto it - best decision.

[ChrisVict in reply to queeneee]

Are you taking something g for your cancer?

[queeneee in reply to ChrisVict]

tamoxifen and ibandronic acid pills - due a scan in 1 month.

[queeneee in reply to queeneee]

Ibrance could be an option

[Ski2sea]

Hi There,Yes I do. I am on the same regime. I was diagnosed de novo to lungs in 2018. I had 16 rounds of chemo and now am on Ibrance 125 and letrozole. I am 48 and have issues with these things. It gets worse when I am tired or when I get to day 18-23 of Ibrance cycle. I do notice that reading and making notes in the margins, drinking a lot of water, MOVEMENT, and the Guided meditations on the calm app have been helping me.

Take care

Be well

Tara ❤️

[Dolphin_]

I get brain fog a lot I put it down to painkillers Imbrance and bit if old age lol xx

[atoth17]

Does walking away with another person’s cart in the grocery store count as brain fog? 🤣 Yes! I am on my “off” week for my fourth cycle and am feeling the fatigue and brain fog the most during this week. I am hoping as our bodies get used to this medicine things will improve.

[PJBinMI]

Brain fog for sure, along with fatigue. And I would much rather blame cancer and cancer treatment than age! I just turned 75 ten days ago. For the last two or three years I haven't been able to really read any books because I don't remember what I already read! And I frequently find myself opening the cupboard door right next to the one I really need! I am seeing my own onc tomorrow.....progression found in alot of lymph nodes last fall plus cancer cells in a blockage of a ureter. I've had a virtual appt with the second opinion bc specialist onc I've seen recently and he and my local onc have talked. Tomorrow I expect to find out what they think is my best next option and I am hoping I will remember enough of what she tells me that I can explain it to my daughters. My husband is going with me and I hope they'll allow him to join me. I need his memory there! lol (We have both gotten both shots of the Covid vaccine.) I'm 17 years into living with stage IV bc, bone mets and know I am really lucky to still be here. But I sure don't feel like myself! Only part of myself!

[Shar313]

Hello Ladies,I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the responses to Suzi-mac’s brain fog question. I’ve had a great laugh and encouraged to hear everyone’s experiences. I’m on my 26th round of Letrozole and Ibrance and have experienced brain fog from the start. It really increased at the end of last year causing me to take a leave of absence from work. I changed my schedule of Ibrance 75mg from 3 weeks on 1 week off to 2 weeks on 2 weeks off and after 3 months on that schedule I’ve noticed quite an improvement! My mind feels much clearer and I’m not questioning all of my decisions.

[TwithBC]

Yes. I’m 49 and I forget words easily...brain feels stuffed with cotton sometimes — BUT There are days and weeks I feel super sharp! It’s a roller coaster...