Multiple Myeloma Support Group

Multiple myeloma (also known as MM, myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, or as Kahler's disease after Otto Kahler) is a type of cancer of plasma cells, immune system cells in bone marrow that produce antibodies. Its prognosis, despite therapy, is generally poor, and treatment may involve chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. It is part of the broad group of diseases called...

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lildanda 08/03/2009

Hi all, been away for a while, alls fine except my short term memory seems to be getting worse, I put things down next to me and forget they are there, went as far as making a cuppa T when in mid flight i caught myself asking what i was doing. To my friends it sounds quite funny, luckily my wife understands, it does at times become really annoying and frustating. Any info on this ie: what may cause it, if it was chemo then how long does it last, is there anything i can do to stop it getting worse.

Thanks in advance (may forget to say it later) LOL...

deleted_user 08/04/2009

Hi Lildanda, Sounds like chemo brain. My chemo brain returned after my second transplant in Aug 08, a bit more intense than after VAD the first transplant in 2001. Have to write things down, make lists and have had to get help from whatshername, the lady I am married to. She gives me a word to help finish a sentence, a reminder to use a list.
Over Christmas I went to the mall by myself, walked around and had some good time out. Got back into the car and found my wifes Foodtown card in my pocket. Then realised I left the shopping list at home but recalled there were 4 items on the list. So I walked the isles but nothing clicked. Oh dear, back home for the list. Another lesson learnt.
It got a lot better after 6 months.
Sid www.supersidnz.blogspot.com

deleted_user 09/28/2009

We haven't experienced any of this. This is strange to me. Have you consulted your Dr.?

deleted_user 09/28/2009

Yes Lildanda, this is a common problem with people who have gone through chemotherapy and as Sid says, it has a name: Chemo Brain!! And it is well documented. There are many strategies that you can use to try to overcome what is happening, and after 6 years I can honestly say that you do recover some of this, but not all of your former memory. Sorry, but its the truth -- at least for me. So I have learned how to live with the problem and use reminder lists, a large square monthly calendar with important dates, address books, and the like. Putting things back into the same place every time you use them helps to keep them from getting 'lost'. Best wishes, learn to work with it and you will find its not such a big problem for someone who is STILL ALIVE!! Cheers, Cath

deleted_user 09/29/2009

I guess this is something I didn't know before. I suppose temporary amnesia might not be a bad thing if you're having a lot of pain or irritation. But that's just me....I'm glad you brought this up. Now I know. Blessings, Sarah

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