Chemotherapy: 6 of 9
"I recognize the face, but I can't remember my name."
Wednesday, 8 October was the date of my sixth Chemo infusion, and it's now Friday, 17 October as I write this post. In the previous entry, I recorded a PSA of 29.25.
Over the past couple of months, I've had a number of questions for my doctors. However, I'd always forgotten to ask those questions while there. So cleverly, this time I wrote down the questions as they occurred to me. I then referred to my notes while with the doctor. I then wrote down her answers - very clever, indeed! Sadly, I've since deleted both questions and answers. Damn you iPhone!!!!
What I do remember, however, is that
I forget! When I asked her about it, she replied that not only is it likely that I experience memory loss, there's a name for it: Chemo Brain. It's real, and even shows up on an MRI. (For more details, follow this link:
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/chemotherapyeffects/chemo-brain
In my case, it manifests itself in several ways. Peoples' names are a particular problem. When introduced to someone, I will forget their name in less than 5 seconds. And, then there are the celebrity names that I really should know - like the movie cowboy...oh yeah,
John Wayne. I also have trouble with some simple tasks, making them run longer than normal. For example, yesterday I was aboard our Santana 30-30,
Yesterday's Girl, performing a bit of light maintenance. Earlier, I'd used a spray bottle of cleanser. When I needed it later, I couldn't remember where I'd put it. So, for the next 15 minutes or so, I looked everywhere for it. Then when I finally found it, for the life of me, I couldn't remember what I needed it for. Still can't.
Knowing that this condition will probably pass before too long, I'm rather amused by it. Perhaps more importantly, I've noticed that for the past three infusions I've been experiencing some discomfort and pain afterward. It comes on hard ("Not So Good") 2 1/5 to 3 days after. Then, it subsides ("Not So Bad" to nearly "Tip Top") over the next 4 to 5 days. This round, for example, I had the infusion a week ago Wednesday, and by yesterday or the day before I was feeling pretty nearly "Tip Top" once again. I was advised this was probably a side-effect of the Chemo. Not to worry - I feel pretty damn good 2 out of every 3 weeks! In fact, this cycle, I've been lucky enough to make it to a UofO Ducks game, entertained house guests, and sailed
Yesterday's Girl a couple of times.
Otherwise, I experience a bit of cramping of the extremities, specifically the fingers & toes. I'm told that might indicate a magnesium deficiency. No problem: I'll try to remember to get some of that stuff.
GO DUCKS!