I’ve been on Darzalex for over six years. Brain fog is real. And it’s frustrating. I’m not on anything else, so it’s either the medication or the myeloma itself. The most frustrating thing for me was I lost the ability to do math in my head. I needed a piece of paper to add and subtract, and I could no longer figure out percentages in my head, such as a discount when shopping. I started playing number and word games, and it really helped. I can now do math without pencil and paper. As far as words, I still find myself stumbling to find a word, but word games have helped me find a substitute word. I just didn’t want to sit back and give in!!

I've been on Darzalex over 9 years. I do have trouble finding words and I forget names. I'm also on Pomalyst. I can't say if it's that I'm 9 years older or if its the effects of the drugs. I just keep trying to eat well and exercise as much as possible. Taking care if an elderly person with dementia and having a family member with a severe mental illness, probably contributes to the brain fog. It's tough keeping up with all our appointments. So give yourself some grace. Thankfully, we have a very treatable disease..

Yes, oh, yes. Now, what was your question? 🙃

Even before I was diagnosed at age 70, I would experience some brain fog and forget words, etc. This always occurred when I was tired/fatigued. During weekly chemo it got worse, mostly because I was tired all the time. Now that treatment is monthly it only happens the day or two after treatment or when I allow myself to get tired.

One more note: I've noticed that dehydration also causes these symptoms. I and my same age girlfriends sometimes forget to bring a water bottle to exercise class, and I see that afterwards we struggle a little more to find words. Seems a little weird, but true. 🤯