When I suffered a traumatic brain injury, one of the recall tricks is to use the alphabet.

For example,
Say you cannot remember the word “duckling”.

You would say
“A”
Wait a few seconds
“B”
Wait a few seconds
“C”
Wait a few seconds
“D”
DUCKLING….

It helps your brain recognize vs. recall

I worked with kiddos with significant intellectual disabilities- many were non-speakers. Some had communication devices (I had three different brands/models to learn, depending on what the kid's insurance would cover!) Anytime, we would add a new word or phrase, and they comprehended how to utilize these buttons to express a want or need- they were over the moon! I had one little girl who was deaf/blind- some residual hearing and very limited sight, non-speaker- she would find a blank space of her device, and tap it over and over- to let me know she had space for a word. But because things had to be so large for her, we were really limited in how many words/phrases we could install! So, everything had to be something that could be used in more than one scenario! Tech can be amazing!

Ahhh, chemo (and radiation) brain. The fallout of having chemicals injected into one’s body to fight a death virus only to have your ability to cognitively function be negatively impacted. I dealt with this AND began a new full time leadership position: tried to put off the start date, but my supervisor wanted me to start before I’d finished radiation (after six rounds of chemo). Anyway, I would ask for help when I struggled with finding words and played brain games when I could. Frustratingly, my supervisor gave me a poor review due to my acknowledged “chemo brain” because I’d ask her to help me word things better when I struggled (writing annual reviews of my own staff): telling her it was due to temporary challenge with “chemo brain”. Ironically, she asked for help from me when she struggled with “COVID brain” a few years later not recognizing the irony. I was her go to person to remind her where to find things in the computer, things discussed in meetings, etc. I helped her every single time. Never did she acknowledge that she gave me a negative annual review the one year I struggled due to “chemo brain” when she’d ask me for help for the exact same type of issues. My brain got better about a year out. Six years later I left that job due to her. I’ve never been happier.

Recommendations from Cancer Care, Sloan Kettering, Cleveland Clinic, American Cancer Society

To manage chemo fog during conversations, take the pressure off by simply letting the other person know you are experiencing "chemo brain" and that it may take you a moment to find the right words. Prioritize clear communication by following these proven strategies:

During Phone Conversations
Take notes in real-time: Keep a notepad and pen right by your phone, or use the Notes app on your smartphone, so you can jot down dates, names, or next steps as the person is speaking.Reduce distractions: Step away from the TV, turn off background music, or go into a quiet room so you can fully dedicate your attention to the call.
Confirm via email: After a call, send a quick text or email summarizing the conversation to ensure you didn't miss any critical details.

During In-Person Conversations
Repeat to remember: After someone gives you important information, repeat it out loud. For example: "So I need to call the office on Tuesday, correct?"Handle the "tip-of-the-tongue" moment: If you forget a specific word, don't panic. Pause to take a breath, use hand gestures, or describe the general concept until you trigger the right term. Control the environment: When possible, meet in quiet, low-traffic areas to avoid visual and auditory distractions that drain your mental energy.

Preparation & Self-Care:
Track your peaks: Notice when you feel most alert during the day—often in the morning after resting—and try to schedule important conversations or medical appointments during those windows.Avoid multitasking: Focus entirely on the person in front of you. Do not try to read messages, check the mail, or do chores while trying to listen.Get support: Have a trusted friend or family member join you for crucial conversations (like doctor visits) and ask them to take notes for you.