October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, support those in treatment, remember loved ones we've lost, and raise awareness about the many layers of this journey. But beyond the pink ribbons and powerful stories of survival, there are also lesser-known side effects that deserve the spotlight. One of them? Chemo brain.
Let’s talk about chemo brain—that lovable little cloud of confusion that shows up like an uninvited houseguest and overstays its welcome.
You survive cancer (or you're surviving it), and the prize? A shiny new set of cognitive hiccups. Yes, chemo brain is real. It’s not just “being tired” or “getting older.” It’s misplacing your keys, forgetting your neighbor’s name (after living next to her for five years), and starting a sentence with confidence only to forget where it was going halfway through. Kind of like this paragraph.
Let me be clear: chemo brain is frustrating. It’s like your brain is on dial-up in a Wi-Fi world. You know the information is in there somewhere—it’s just buffering.
But in the spirit of survival and sanity, let’s laugh about it a little, shall we?
The Top 5 Ridiculous Things I’ve Done Thanks to Chemo Brain
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Set out to make dinner, then ended up organizing Tupperware.
Still hungry. But hey, the lids finally match the containers! -
Walked into a room and forgot why I was there... three times in a row.
At this point, I just pretend I’m doing recon. -
Walked around with an empty cart for 20 minutes because I was sure I was forgetting something.
Spoiler: it was “buy groceries.” -
Pulled out my phone to check the time, put it away, and immediately had no idea what time it was.
That 3-second window is apparently too long. -
Walked into the closet and stood there, just... thinking.
Not sure if I was hiding, shopping, or philosophizing.
What Is Chemo Brain, Really?
Chemo brain is a foggy, sluggish, “wait, what was I saying?” kind of mental state that affects memory, concentration, and overall brain speed. It’s been validated by research and experienced by countless survivors. It’s not all in your head—except, ironically, it is.
It can start during treatment or sneak up months later. Sometimes it fades after treatment ends. Sometimes it sticks around like glitter from a bad craft project.
Coping Tips (That I Sometimes Remember to Use)
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Write it down. I live by lists. Sometimes I lose them. So now I write "find the list" on the list.
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Use your phone reminders. Then remember where your phone is.
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Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. Then laugh again, because honestly, some of this is just plain ridiculous.
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Tell people what’s going on. Most are kind. Some will even finish your sentences for you.
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Be patient with yourself. You’ve fought a war. If your brain is limping a little, it’s allowed.
A Final Thought from the Fog:
Chemo brain is a weird, often invisible side effect that doesn’t get enough attention. But if you’re living with it, know this: you are not losing your mind. You’re navigating a glitchy operating system after a system-wide upgrade. And sometimes the best way to deal with it… is with grace, humor, and a very forgiving Google calendar.
In I Am Not My Hair: A Young Woman’s Journey and Triumph Over Breast Cancer, I open up about being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age — the fear, the fight, the faith, and the road to healing.
This book isn’t just about cancer. It’s about identity, strength, and finding purpose in the middle of pain. It’s for anyone who has faced a life-altering challenge and come out stronger — or is still in the fight and needs a reminder that they’re not alone.
Hang in there. You may forget where you left your sunglasses (spoiler: they’re on your head), but you’ll never lose your strength.
#survivor #breastcancerawareness #chemobrain #author #co-author
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