Depression after being diagnosed 2 years ago

JeanR1

I was diagnosed in March 07 with BC - underwent chemo from April to August 07 - had to have extra chemo as lump did not shrink as fast as it should have - had lumpectomy in September 07 - underwent radiation from Jan to March 08.  Was taking Tamoxifen and having Zoladex hormonal implants.  Discovered another lump in June 09 - had another lumpectomy - only had to have radiation - changed meds to Zoladex and Arimadex.  Was positive and strong the last 2 years but now seem to be having slight depression and mood swings.  Can't take this feeling of being down !!

Makratz

I feel depressed too and couldn't handle Effexor.  My doctor was doing routine blood work and discovered I was very vitamin D deficient.  A symptom of V D deficiency is depression (amongst other things).  I have been supplementing my D3 and feel so much better.  Maybe you could have your level checked.

Hugs and I hope you feel better.

Linda

kerry_lamb

Jean, je concurr with Makraz. This vitamin D thing is very interesting, and I'm frankly a bit pissed off that I did not hear a lot more about it 10 years ago! Get on it (D3) but make sure it is combine with magnesium. Get your levels tested by your onc. Also, sleep deprivation and the crippling fatigue that comes with it inevitably leads to depression. Do you have all the charming menopausal crap going on? I have a mega flash about every hour during the night and get top the point where I want to give up. The vitamin D had definitely helped..remember how great you feel after a long walk in the sun? That's the D. Hang in there xxxx

JeanR1

I have now done a bit of research on the Vit D 3 and found that a lot of the symptoms that come with Vit D3 deficiency is what I have - depression, lower back pain, poor immune system etc - I have already started taking Vit D 3 - they suggest 800iU per day - and can already feel the difference.  I take a calcium / magnesium - so therefore am getting the magnesium in.  Yes - have the menopausal symptoms - must say that they are much better now that I am on Arimadex - were much worse on Tamoxifen -  they usually hit at night - just as you are about to settle down in bed then the covers come flying off because of the heatwave !!!

My onc gave me a "no-worry" pill - which helps the sleep deprivation - only have to take 1/2 tablet and have a wonderful nights sleep - only take them when the necessity hits.

 Don't give up girl !!!  Keep the chin up and the positive attitude.

Mel-4

I was diagnosed in Feb. 08 with DCIS in my left breast.  Due to my family history I had a double mastectomy.  I have done really good until this past Holiday season.  Now I battle being down seems like all the time.  I have a really good husband of five years and my boys have been good too.  The main stress is money related.  I didn't have very good insurance so I am still paying bills.  We own our own company and of course that hasn't been the best thing in this economy.  I am glad to see the vitamin D issue now I will check that out also.  May God Bless each of you and give us all the strength we need to live our lives to the fullest.

Melinda

rreynolds1

I am also self employed and have a $5,000 up front deductable.  I made affordable payment arrangements with my providers.  They are very cooperative as long as you send them something each month.  My brother-in-law pays $20 per month on a $20,000 bill because he was without insurance. 

Roseann