Chemo brain is real and it sucks, especially for someone who prided herself on her ability to recall random information from the netherregions of her brain while juggling many tasks simultaneously. Through this whole journey, the loss of brainpower was the most devastating. I learned to adapt by making lists for everything. I tried doing brain puzzles everyday, which I was actually pretty good at. It was using my brain in daily life that was the biggest problem. After months passed, I learned to forgive myself for what was beyond my control. My family came to expect that word retrieval was no longer my strong suit and that my italian heritage, led to increased hand gestures, that became a personal sign language for me. They helped me without complaint when I misplaced something, yet again. In January 2021, I decided that maybe if I tried learning something new, my brain power would improve. I always wanted to learn to play an instrument, but as a child was never able to master reading music, likely due to lack of effort. After a google search of the easiest instruments to play, I stumbled upon the ukulele. Small, affordable, the chords written in letters, so I didn't have to recite “every good boy does fine” while trying to read music; it was a match made in heaven! For Mother’s Day this year, my children surprised me with a beautiful solid koa wood ukulele, which makes me want to play and learn so much more. I am slowly improving and will soon post a new video. Mastering new chords, strumming patterns, and feeble attempts at singing have improved not only my brain power, but also gives me something to look forward to doing. My ukulele is my new found friend! |
AuthorBarb Schlatter Archives
May 2022
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