7 rules to break the depressive circle:

mumito

I used Decadron before  chemo and had no problems. Never even threw up once durring my treatments. Did have some nail and water retention issues.

mumito

Its 5:30 am and here I am back on line.I seem to anly sleep 5hrs max. Today We are putting my beloved kitty down.He has been my buddy for 15 years what an awful day.

mzmiller99

Mumayan - I'm so sorry for you.  Our little guys are such a huge part of the family.  He'll be with you always however.

My dear Rumpleteaser visits me.  Frequently, after I've turned out the lights and snuggled down into bed, I feel him walking on my covers, checking on me.  He is as light as a feather, but I can still feel those little feet.  He died almost 10 years ago.

Susan

Anonymous

mumayan,

First, please accept my condolences on the loss of your friend.  They are furry angels, and no one, no one can tell me that you don't stop by and pick up your furry friends on the way to Heaven.  Not only are they waiting in animal heaven, but you keep everything about them in your heart. 

I have had two dogs, and they were both friends.  I placed them in a pet cemetery when the time came.  Each time broke my heart.  I wouldn't give up my time with them for anything.  It wasn't just companionship, they were friends of mine. 

Second, thank you for your response about Decadron.

I am just terrified of that stuff.  My Internet research said not to take it if you have a fungal infection, and, both my parents and I have toenail fungal infections.  I've also read that being the super steroid that it is, it can cause hallucinations.  You don't do that to a stressed from birth person - not when they recently hit an all time low.  I believe in God, and I trust Him.  I know I have to try this chemo - and I have to be comfortable with it on a level that no one knows but me.  It's like, "You don't know my 'evil twin,' but if you help take me back to her control, I won't know me either.  All my fail safes begin to disappear - not a good idea."

Sessna

Mazy1959

Oh muma..I am so sorrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyy. I missed a weeks work when I had my dog put down. Hugs and God bless you..Mazy

mumito

Susan  Last night I could of swore I felt him on my legs while I was sleeping.I miss him so much.

kmccraw423

Mumayan, I am so sorry.  I have done this 9 times over the past 20 years.  At one point I had 9 cats, all close in age, all adopted at different times.  I knew as they aged, this day would come.  I only have one left who is battling hyperthyroidism.  He was doing really well until I went to the hospital for this bc crap.  His thyroid count was way up and we are trying to get it under control.

For you and Susan, my cats who have passed over visit me all the time.  I will be on my side in bed and I swear I feel a cat jump up on the bed.  When I turn to look, there's nothing there.  It happens all the time (well, I did have 9 cats - its a busy visiting session some nights).  I find it comforting and reassuring.

My deepest sympathy to you.  With animals all you have are happy memories of unconditional love.

leaf

It is so hard to lose a member of the family - furry or not.

BTW, re: Decadron: I just saw a reference that says the incidence of  psychiatric symptoms (psychosis, delirium, mania, depression) in corticosteroids (decadron, prednisone, cortisone, etc.)  is 1-3%, may be dose related, and can also occur upon withdrawal. (Medical Letter)

Sierra

Hi Ladies:

Saw this last post re Decadron

and although, I am several years out

in all honesty

had a terrible time with this medication

brought me up and dropped

me like a freight elevator! I was in tears

a few days after taking it, and a lot of it as well

that was for ME.. for others maybe not the same

in fact, I started to stay home when on it

prior to Taxol, thought they had lessened the dosage

nowadays

For AusAlaska: .. sending you out a big hug there

you certainly have a large plate to deal with

and not easy by any stretch, no specific rules

also sending lots of bright light for YOU

I have had bouts of depression

through my life, for various reasons

and then when dx with Cancer

SADS also set in

Sleep is very essential and it seems

as we age, and when going thru TX

we do not sleep too well

anyway, hoping burdens here are lifted

Hugs, Sierra

LynnW

Depression is another side effect of what we have all been through. I feel it goes along with cancer and is part of it.  Cure the cancer and you have majically cured the depression.  4 years ago when first diagnosed i was the poster woman for breast cancer ,, full of hope and fight because i was convinced it would not come back. My oncologist and her nurse would revel at my optimism and friends would say its my positive attitude that would help me win.I look back now and think that what i didn't know couldn't hurt me. But it got me through that time of my life.  I needed the hope so that i wouldn't fall into a depression.

7 months ago i was diagnosed with extensive bone met. Three months after that small liver met as well as some lymph nodes in the neck.  My hope is shrinking and therefore being replaced with depression.

I told the cancer social worker that the only thing that would pull me out of feeling depressed would be to suddenlly find out this was all a bad night mare and I was actually healthy again.  I know I have to try to fix how i feel but I'm so exhausted from trying to constantly feel better both physically and mentally. Right now,, today.... I'm doing the best I can  with what i have to work with just like back when first diagnosed.  Its another stage in my life,, and one  I'll have to adapt to just like before. This site has been the only thing thats made me feel a tiny bit better for any length of time.  Decadron,,, i'm taking that.  going to google it now.