[KellyA]

This is definitely for real. I have had significant problems since chemo, and unfortunately, it has not gotten any better with time. It involves short term memory only, and affects me everyday, enough so that I have felt the need to "explain" to people I work with and those I see regularly- not just to my immediate loved ones. I have actually gotten lost while driving to places that I have frequented often. It has, at times, began extremely upsetting. I truely feel that I could understand how it would be in the early Alzheimers stages. It is definitely worse if I am tired, or otherwise stressed, and I knowingly try to be extra prepared on those days. A pad and pencil are always by my side and I have to make a concerted effort to drop everything and just listen when people are telling me things, or I will forget entire conversations.

It has been hard for me because I was always the "quick" one in the bunch and could remember every little thing from years ago (much to my husbands dismay!). On a brighter note, my boys have noticed they get away with alot more.... "don't you remember Mom? You said I could stay out later."

Love, Kelly