Hormone Therapy and Antidepressants

MissBianca

I finished a long tx: chemo, 6 months lupron shots/femara, surgery, rads, now on tamoxifen, and I crashed badly after all of it. Have struggled with depression in the past, but this is a different breed of beast. It is a black hole. I am now on Effexor XR. Onc prescribed it because the others like Prozac have a contraindication. Anyone else on this combo?

dlb823

Hi ~ I don't have any experience with your question, but I thought I'd stop and welcome you to BCO and bump your thread for you.  I think everyone's busy with the holidays (the boards have been very slow this week), but hopefully others will be along to give you some helpful input.  If by some chance that doesn't happen, don't worry.  Just re-post your question after Christmas and I'm sure you'll get lots of responses.     Deanna 

MissBianca

Deanna, thanks so much for your warm welcome! It is the first time I have joined any kind of forum. I was beginning to think I was hearing an echo from cyberspace! lol. Happy Holidays!

karen333

Miss Bianca, I really think you described it well, this depression is a different beast.  Do you see a therapist or a psychiatrist?  I see both. After the numb feeling on hearing that I had cancer passed, I made an emergency appt. with my psychiatrist, since I was either crying or bordering on panic attacks.  My Dr. added Abilify, and within a week was able to feel some control coming back to me.  I do believe  the talk therapy helps just as much as the medication.  My LCSW started reading different posts on BCO and he was thrilled with the amount of knowledge I gained here and the support.I found on this site, it so helps to know you are not alone on this bumpy ride.  Sometimes I just read, sometimes I post and have always found an answering sister waiting out there.  I am a Year and ahalf survivor and now can offer support and it makes you feel good, since not long ago you were the one needing to be carried. Come to cry, yell, scream or whenever you need a question answered.  You can also PM any member by clicking on their name, this is especially important if you are new to the boards, since you are allowed 5 posts a day.  Feel free to PM me for any more specific questions.  Karen

MissBianca

It is great to find support from women who can truly empathize from experience. I am glad you have found a good therapist and doctor. My depression makes me want to hide from people and just be by myself, so it is a step in the right direction to participate and connect with you guys. I know I could use talk therapy. It is just a case of getting myself to that level. I will keep Abilify in mind if Effexor XR is ineffective. I've been on it 2 months. After hybernating most of that time (very sedating) I think I am feeling a heartbeat. I actually exercised from a Netflix workout in my room today. Thanks for your support.

karen333

Miss Bianca, there is another thread dealing with depression.  Click on the word Search in the R hand side of the pink strip on top of each page.  Type in the words "black hole" and search.  You will find the topic, " I can't get myself out of this black hole". It really describes the feelings you are having.  It is great that you excersized since that gets the endorphins flowing and you end up feeling better and energetic. That need to isolate is so strong when you are in the "black Hole", coming on these boards is a great first step.  Karen

MissBianca

Thank you, Karen. Your words are strengthening. I had such a long treatment, and I was focused on getting through every phase of it, and looking forward to it all being behind me. But after radiation was over, and I still had no energy, and left with all kinds of side effects, it slowly sunk in that it wasn't all over. That, I think was the beginning of the crash. Tamoxifen deprives the brain of estrogen, which protects, but also no estrogen promotes depression. Every pain I have makes me think of recurrence, and that's just scary. The whole thing freaked me out so much I just would have waves of anxiety looking at pink ribbons on any kind of packaging. But now, I think with the Effexor treating the anxiety as well, I am able to come on this board and connect. I'm so glad you are here.

karen333

Dear Miss Bianca, just posting and getting connections whereever you post, will help validate so much of what you are feeling.  It is truly an all consuming battle during treatment, go here - see this doctor - have this scan - wait for results - schedule surgery - schedule chemo - schedule rads - just get through.  And then the time to process - enter PTSD - and the black hole.  Just remember there are so many women here to support you, they are the hands waiting to lift you out.  A local support group is also helpful.  Keep thinking of seeing a professional, ask for recommendations, if you need the extra support, it will become one more place you can go and not experience anxiety, build yourself up, gain more control.  I am a year and a half out and remember vividly where you are.  So, wih time, these boards, meds, support [whether formal or informal], you will climb up.  And somewhere down the road, you will be the one offering support.to another sister.  Keep reaching    Karen