Depression

[Cherie]

I am coming to the end of my Folfox +Avastin. This last round I had the oxi dropped and I have not felt as sick as I normally do. Now I feel the depression creeping in...through this last six months I have continued to teach and that has helped keep me moving forward through life. I really enjoy my job but now I'm just tired and looking back over this crappy year feeling overwhelmed. I certainly like to know how others deal with the depression and stress?

[alphagam]

About two years before I was dx with rectal cancer I plunged into a major, suicidal depression. My family doctor got me on the right path medically and referred me to a nationally known psychiatrist. Dr Minirth put me on a cocktail of antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds and sleeping aids. I am no longer suicidal. Then came my dx. I was unbelievably blessed!

Depression is a disease as much as cancer is. The drugs you take can be likened to chemo. The drugs kill the depression.

Please talk to your doctor!

[BrownBagger]

I take Tramadol for ribcage pain (thoracotomy), but also works double-duty as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant. Works for me, Cherie. As everyone else says, talk to your doctor and get a seratonin-booster like Tramadol or some other medication.

[teachpdx]

I also have ongoing problems with depression. I think we push past all the tx and it's when it's finished that we can look back and allow our feelings in. I don't like being on meds and I'm currently without insurance, but I'm definitely considering something because depression/anxiety can take over my life. The other thing that helps is to reach out to others and find a place where you can be heard.

[Rob in PA]

I went through three years of treatment before my doctor convinced me that I needed to be on meds for depression. I had never had a history of depression and just figured i needed to "suck it up" and just deal with the cancer and the feelings i was having. Boy was I wrong! First I tried Lexapro and I hated it! It made me feel worse than the anxiety we were trying to treat. I quit taking it and Doc switched me to Zoloft. Incredible! I no longer had the roller coaster of emotions and was able to better deal with the stress of the situation.

A snowball effect was that I feel it put my kids more at ease as well because they wouldn't have to see Dad riding these wild emotion swings.

I take 50mg each morning with no noticeable side effects.

Best to you.

Rob

[scattered edge]

I deal with depression also. I was on Zoloft and thought it was great, I also was on a few other things I don't remember right now. Late September I ended up in the hospital (I had no idea what was going on - completely out of it) woke up 4 days later to find I had (I know I'm not going to spell this right) serotonin syndrome. They had to get me off the Zoloft. I am now on Busaprone I think it is working okay, but darn the anxiety. I also see a therapist and take anti anxiety meds when I need.

Please see a professional, depression can be a bugger to get through.

Rosie

[vickitwo]

After my DH's stage IV CC diagnosis, I was anxious, scared, worried, easily teary eyed, depressed, etc etc etc. Then I started taking the antidepressant Pristiq. It has made a significant difference for me. It does not make me feel weird or anything like that. I have not had any side effects what so ever. It just takes the edge off and helps me cope much better with this horrible situation. Also, our local hospice offers free counseling which I took advantage of for about two or three months. This forum also has been a huge help for me. Good luck to you.

[Jachut]

It hit me a year after treatment finished and for me its very physically disabling too. In the end reluctant as i was, i went the medication route too and it has really helped.

[GreenMonkey]

I'm not dealing with my depression very well, so I have no advice but I wanted to say I understand.

[Guinevere]

Celexa helped me get over a hump. I took it for 6 months an, during that time, I was able to get a handle on it. I tapered off and ,since then, I haven't needed that kind of help. However, if it comes back, I'll go back on it.

God bless~
Guinevere

[ptfly]

My wife made it through 16 weekly folfox treatments with bi-weekly avistan infusions. Her depression came afterwards. She seems to feel more depressed afterwards and when her body is actually better. I think there is a delay for dealing and reacting to treatments.
I tell her that she needs to enjoy the breaks, but the breaks seem to be the hardest times for her.
Paul

[debzak]

I go up and down. I am usually depressed after my chemo when I don't feel well. I am trying very hard to see the positive in each day and not thnk about my illness and uncertain future, but it is very hard.

Sometimes I think the rest of my family ( mostly my husband and his side) are in denial and are sure I will beat this. Sometimes I can't find the silver lining. I am trying to enjoy the holidays and not think of them as possibly my last. I cry all of the time. I totally lost it the other day watchng a tv commercial where a bunch of babies talk about how their new moms are learning and they love them for trying their best.

I don't take any meds yet. I don't think I am at that point yet. It is hard to not think about my cancer. I am still able to work and it keeps me busy. Try to find someone to talk to. I have one or 2 friends I tell my fears to. My husband can't handle my emotions, which doesn't help.

Use this website as an outlet. I do.

Find time for yourself to do something you enjoy. Try medication. I have was able to join a yoga class for cancer patients. I go on my off weeks.

Debbi

[JJ2212]

Like many others, one part of dealing with depression for me was to take medication. A low dose of Cipralex has helped me cope with both depression and anxiety.

Other than that, I share my feelings with my family and friends, consult a psychologist and started doing things that feel good to me, like a massage or getting my hair done. But some days, the depressed feelings still creep in and I just can't stop them. So far i've had more better days than bad ones since taking meds, but it isn't easy...

I wish you the best.

Janie

[chrissyrice]

Yes, after being through such a life threatening disease the depression followed.

Studies now say it is very common for cancer survivors to suffer from a form of PTSD and anxiety after all the treatments are done.

It's important that you ask for help from your medical team.

Medication really helps to relieve the mental suffering and get us back among the living again.

Not that life will be the same, but hopefully better.

[Rob in PA]

My wife made it through 16 weekly folfox treatments with bi-weekly avistan infusions. Her depression came afterwards. She seems to feel more depressed afterwards and when her body is actually better. I think there is a delay for dealing and reacting to treatments.
I tell her that she needs to enjoy the breaks, but the breaks seem to be the hardest times for her.
Paul

Paul, I went through same thing as your wife. Here's the deal....the chemo is like a security blanket. When on it you feel in control, when off it,you feel like someone yanked your security blanket away.
rob