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Cooking

ChiMom
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I was just wondering if any of you have experienced this. I used to be a good cook, at least my family seemed to think so. Since I started chemo, I can't seem to get it together. I screw up more meals then not. I drop things and when I go to pour things, I pour more on the counter than I get in the bowl. I get flour and sugar spilled on the counter and just in general make a mess. I think I did better when I was a young bride just learning to cook. Nothing seems to come out the way it is supposed to. Is it me or have I just lost it?

Explore topics in this discussion:

Cancer Memory Peripheral neuropathy

8 replies

christinem1968

Hi ChiMom-

Its called "Chemo brain". I went through it too. I haven't had chemo for over a year and I'm still clumsy and forgetful. I'm back to work full time again and I have to write myself a "to -do" list everyday. Its frustrating but I was happy to be better. Look on line and if you're concerned, ask your doctor.

Good Luck!!

Jennali

I don't have nearly the interest in cooking as I used to. It seems such a thankless chore most days. I used to love to bake, but only rarely feel inspired any more. Is it chemo brain? I dunno. Maybe just a shift in priorities.

Are you experiencing any peripheral neuropathy? That could account for some of the spills.

NJ1lady

I agree with the ladies, chemo brain definitely affected me in a big way since I was diagnosed with stage 4 OVCA in 2007.

I have to read a recipe carefully, and follow it one step at a time, sometimes I still mess up.

Same with reading the newspaper, sometimes I'm not sure what I read.

Of course being 66 doesn't help memory either.
Jane

ChiMom

Thanks gals. I know I have chemo brain and it affects my reading and retaining info. Sometimes I have to read the same thing over 4 or 5 times till it sinks in. I started crocheting a shawl and I have ripped it out 5 times now. Still only up to row 7. I just did not think it would affect my cooking skills the way it has. I did manage to make chicken corn soup yesterday and it turned ot pretty good. BTW, I will be 65 in December and I did not think I would be starting all over again to learn things. Guess it goes with the territory. One more lovely attachment of cancer.

lovemnms

OMG! I thought I was the only one! My passion was cooking! I loved it! Not only have I been screwing up but yes I drop a lot of things too! In one year (of cancer) I broke so many drinking glasses that I now have set #5 on stand-by.

I don't even have the desire to cook anymore :(

Chemo brain is just another insult to injury.

wolfi

Me too ladies! Although I am going on 14 years out here. Chemo can do a number on you for sure. I still have my sandals go flying across the room some times or step right out of them. Little feeling in my feet. But that is okay. I have beat this ovca so far. Teal hugs my sisters, Jan

wolfi

Me too ladies! Although I am going on 14 years out here. Chemo can do a number on you for sure. I still have my sandals go flying across the room some times or step right out of them. Little feeling in my feet. But that is okay. I have beat this ovca so far. Teal hugs my sisters, Jan

cdbart

Join the chemo brain group! I am always spilling things, forgetting things, forgeting where the keys are on the keyboard, having little to to concentration power, and my word retreval is terrible!! I laugh a lot because if I didn't, I'd cry!

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