Anxiety and Depression At the End of Treatment

Shirlann

Well I have been advocating for YEARS that all diagnosed cancer patients should be at least informed of the existence of anti-depressive medications.  And also Ativan or Valium for the days of tests, appts, surgeries, etc.

I think it is criminal that people are suffering unnecessarily with the PTSD that so many of us get, during or just after this ghastly experience.

This is so common, I have worn out my computer keys griping about the cavalier treatment and lack of concern for the WHOLE person involved in a cancer diagnosis.

Obviously, some women/men do just fine, but many spend years trying to get their optimism, hopes, joy, laughter back in their lives, for no good reason except the docs/oncs don't even mention this mental aspect.

I say its about time.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann

Obaney

This is definitely and area that needs addressing in the medical field.  I brought it up with all of my docs and was told that yes it does need to be addressed but currently is not.  I had such severe anxiety that I could not go to the doctor.  My husband had to call the GP to demand that they address this situation fast! All the others just told me to get over it. 

There is a college doing a study and now offers assistance.  It's Adelphi University in New York.

badrabbits

Yes, exercise. Lots of exercise. The local gym is OK, but probably doesn't offer a chance to race. Try real exercise, and in a situation where you're likely to get a lot of support and some medals to hang around your neck. Give yourself a chance to feel good (for a change) about your body (which will benefit, too, of course). 

Specific advice:

1. Join a sports-oriented club. Join a track club. Especially join a triathlon club. Both give awards to age-group winners. Tri, the sport I took up at age 65, is full of relentlessly encouraging athletes. LA Tri Club welcomes all. 

2. Try Team in Training. You'll have to raise money for a good cause, but there's support galore.

Why doesn't your oncologist recommend this? Probably because he/she doesn't participate in endurance sports. Our healthcare system does a much better job at providing pills than it does at promoting prevention...

Let me know if I can offer any tips or moral support.

Former Couch Potato and current Age-group National Champion in Aqualathon (swim-run).

shuttlemom

Hi, I just found this thread, it's great to read that I'm not alone with the emotional disruptions. Had my grandchildren over, we're all listening to upbeat music and dancing and having a wonderful time and then a slow love song came on and I just fell apart, couldn't stop it. Yes, afraid of Lymphadema, BC returning and on top of it all my hair is getting thinner by the day. I'm on Arimedex and thyroid medication, both can cause thinning hair, are my doctors concerned? Do they have any suggestions? NO, When I  have a concern it seems I'm always asking the wrong doctor. The General Practitioner says I don't know what the rash is on your back ask your Onc. I ask the Onc he says ask the GP or the Surgeon. A little frustrating. Are any of you experiencing the thinning hair while taking either Arimedex or Femara?

RuthB

Thank you for this thread, I find it a real relief to know I'm not alone.  I had a mastectomy in March 08 fillowed by 6 months of chemo, then reconstruction then rads, finishing just before Christmas.  I have been really surprised to find myself an utter wreck!  Mainly anxiety which is being treated.  Basically I am scared out of my mind.  I think I am balancing between  contradictory pieces of information.  Trying not to stress in case it affects the body's defensive systems itself increases stress.  I think the only way I can deal with this is to just allow myself to feel what I'm feeling, assume that time will help, and try not to put any pressure on myself.  I have been eating healthy food, practising meditation and above all praying, and I plan to get back to good exercise as soon as my body is up to it.  Currently doing gentle gardening which i enjoy.  But still have to avoid even slightly stressful situations eg what would normally be enjoyable social occasions.

Anyway, thanks for "listening,"

Ruth

kimbly

I sort of just stumbled on this thread and wow it so describes how I feel in so many ways.

bluewillow

As always, Shirlann has posted some great stuff!!  I say, Shirlann for President!

Even at the big billion dollar womens cancer center where I go (ironically, the name is Hope), there is a great lack of care for the whole patient-- all I got was a paper with "exit instructions"-- one measly type-written page on how to cope with recovery, fear of recurrence, getting on with life, residual physical effects of treatment, etc.

I have found that after the end of my treatment (just finished Herceptin last Nov.), I'm totally on my own as far as the mental after-effects, and thankfully my ob/gyn has not hesitated to keep my prescription for Ativan updated to help with my anxiety.  Most days I do just fine, and I don't take it every day, but I do have it and I use it on those days when I just can't keep it together for various reasons.  I hate taking medicine, but I really feel like I could not make it without that little .5 mg of Ativan (generic is lorazepam).  Yes, it is a crutch of sorts, but so what!

Best wishes to all.

Mary Jo