Before my cancer diagnosis, I prided myself on my sharp mind. I was the queen of multitasking; organized, efficient, always on top of things. My brain was my superpower. But after chemotherapy, something shifted. Suddenly, that sharpness I had always relied on felt dulled, like my mind was wading through thick fog.
I had heard other cancer survivors mention “chemo brain,” but I assumed it was just minor forgetfulness like misplacing keys, forgetting a name here or there. Annoying, sure, but nothing I couldn’t handle. I was wrong.
At first, it was little things like walking into a room and forgetting why I was there, losing my train of thought mid-conversation. I brushed it off, telling myself I was just distracted or tired. But then, the mistakes got bigger. I left the oven on. Missed important appointments. Mixed up dates for a hotel booking. Bought cinema tickets for the wrong city. It was frustrating, sometimes even embarrassing. I felt like a stranger in my own mind, never knowing when it would trip me up. Some days, I felt like myself. Other days, even simple things felt out of reach.
The scariest realization, this wasn’t something that would magically “pass.” It wasn’t a bad day I could just sleep off. This fog was here to stay, at least for now. And that meant I had to figure out how to work with it instead of against it.
If you're about to begin chemotherapy, here are some practical tips that might help make the journey a little easier:
💛 Giving Myself Grace This was the hardest part. I had to learn to be patient with myself, to accept that forgetting things didn’t make me less capable or less me. It was part of my healing process, not a personal failure.
📅 Creating New Systems Gone are the days when I could keep everything in my head. Now, sticky notes, phone alarms, planners, and lists are my lifesavers. What used to feel unnecessary now feels empowering... these tools don’t mean I’m struggling; they mean I’m adapting.
💬 Owning It Instead of Hiding It At first, I felt embarrassed when I’d lose my train of thought mid-sentence or forget something important. But over time, I learned to just laugh it off and ask for a reminder. The people who care about me don’t mind repeating themselves, and being open about it has actually made my relationships stronger. And hey, sometimes it even works in my favour, like the time I accidentally bought cinema tickets for London instead of Brighton and managed to get a refund by playing the cancer card.
⏳ Slowing Down Before cancer, I lived life at full speed, juggling everything at once. Now, I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t a weakness… it’s a gift. I’m more present, more intentional, and I appreciate the small moments in a way I never did before.
Chemo brain is frustrating. Some days, I mourn the sharp, quick-thinking version of myself that I used to be. But I also see the resilience in this new version of me… the one who’s learning to adapt, to ask for help when needed, to laugh through the forgetfulness instead of feeling ashamed. If you’re going through this too, just know the fog may not clear overnight, but we find ways to navigate it... one day, one step, one sticky note at a time. I know this journey can feel frustrating and isolating, but you’re not alone. I’d love to hear from you, how has chemo brain affected your daily life, and what helps you manage it?
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