i had the same reactions "they call it brainfog"- as soon as i go off the chemo-it returned slowly. i knew what i wanted to say in my head- but the words just didnt come out right- an id forget easly. had probelms thinkin of the right words to describe something-sometimes even slurred my words or stumble on my words. but since ive been off chemo- im better-the rituxin doesnt effect me that way

Thankfully chemo cures our lymphoma, but I have also said that we don’t know how it affects everything else. You’ve probably heard the phrase chemo brain being used, and as it is a cumulative treatment, it may take a little more time for some things to ‘reconnect’ and heal. I know that I needed some time to get my self assurance back on some things. I’m 73 and 5 years in remission. I think I would just concentrate on the things you enjoy, for me it’s reading (I’m connected to the library) and doing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad. I can’t tell you if there is something going on that affects us in old age. I don’t have clear memories like I used to, have trouble finding the right word sometimes, and have become one of those people who find myself asking myself now where did I leave my glasses. For me I think it’s just normal old age stuff. As soon as I go sit down I remember what I got up for in the first place, and that word I wanted to use comes to me eventually.
Talk with your primary physician and if it’s something that needs to be addressed you’re right to try to identify it early on.

Last month, I had "chemo toxicity" and ended up in the hospital. I was "out" for 2 days. People visited me but I have no recollection. When I woke up, I couldn't remember my name or my birthday. Fortunately, it went away after about 4 days. I am getting PT for balance. (it also affected my walking) My speech has come back but it's scary. In spite of the toxicity, the cancer was killed. Weird....I am going to the oncologist tomorrow. She says that I will need to be on oral maintenance chemo for a year. I don't know which one it is yet......

Hi, Bob--I wish I had good answers for you. Unfortunately, I don't. After I had my incident with chemo, I looked up articles about chemo toxicity. It seems that there are many articles and concerns. I do know that I was angry about losing my health even though I had lymphoma. What gets better and what doesn't is a mystery to me. I have numbness in my feet and I forced myself to walk a long way in Manhattan. I am hoping that I get used to it and that it doesn't make me fall.
I am babbling but it just seems that it's a mystery of what it takes to kill the cancer vs. what it does to the body.
Hope you have a good night!

Thank-you Zoey. Age wise we share many common issues I can see. I am wondering if younger folks are affected also by this "chemo brain - and if it may be related to aphasia. I did ask my doctor and they gave me a simple memory test. I want to go beyond old age here. If chemo does cause aphasia type conditions in all ages that is something that may have solutions for.