Is any one else dealing with depression?

DanaL

I have just completed round 7 of a 12 week Taxol treatment. I had previoulsy gone through 4 rounds of AC after being diagnosed with stage 3 (possibly stage 4 depending on results of next PET scan) and subsequent double mastectomy. I have had a positive attitude and done well with surgery and treatments. I have been back to work full time since the third AC treatment and other than feeling fatigued have been in great shape.

All of a sudden last week I began to experience an overwhelming feeling that I do not have long to live. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this? There was no warning or precursor to the feeling and now I am extremely emotional. I was just curious to see if anyone else was struggling in this area.

Moderators

DanaL, Welcome to the BCO community. We are so sorry that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and the emotions that can come with the diagnosis and treatment.  We are sure that many here can lend their voices to similar experiences. You have joined a unique community of others who can offer the support and wisdom that comes through shared experiences. While you are waiting to hear back you may want to review some of our information about Depression . Please keep us posted and let us know how you continue to feel. The Mods

Kicks

Many do deal with depression and/or PTSD during or after TX.  There can be many causes - some as simple as dealing with low Vit. D specific blood test can check for it but is not usually done unless requested.   Chemo can do many things to our individual bodies which are not the same for each of us.  1/2 way through my 12 weekly adjuvant Taxol (had dome 4 DD A/C neoadjuvant), my K (potassium) levels plummeted so had to go on mega doses of K suppliments (K is one of the things checked before each infusion).  4 1/2 yrs later, I still have to take suppliments of K to keep levels in normal.  Low Vit D does a lot pf different things to the body.  I have dealt with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which can involve depression - I 'm able to keep it under control with taking mega doses of Vit D and using my light box throughout Fall, Winter and Spring.  I did A/C during late summer/fall and Taxol during winter so perhaps my SAD contributed to my complete and utter exhaustion on Taxol - can never know for sure.

PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - Is very real and does not apply only to those who have been in 'combat'.   It can and does happen to many in everyday life experiences that are life changing.  It is in response to traumatic issues in our individual life.  Unfortunately, there are so much mis-information out there about it.  Even among Drs.  Some of us experience it and are able to work through it ourselves, but MANY can't without knowledgeable help. (Operative word 'knowledgeable' - not all Drs or Therapist have the needed education about it.)

No matter what you are experiencing, please talk to your Dr and possibly see someone else for help.  The sooner the help the better in the long term.

auroaya200882

DanaL I too suffer from depression I was diagnosed with it a few months before my dx for bc and I take anti depressants (Cymbalta 60mg) and mood stabilizer (risperidone 2mg). A few months ago I ran out of insurance and stopped taking them but  continue taking the anti-hormonal Arimidex which is what I take for cancer. The se's of the Arimidex went through the roof! hot flashes, mood swings depression and it all went away when I started taking my psych meds again. The new standard of care is urging oncologists to screen their cancer patients for depression and refer them to a Psiquiatrist when appropriate. Depression is a chemical imbalance and cancer medication and chemotherapy affects that balance (in my opinion) so I would suggest to get screened by a professional and maybe get into some type of medicine. We need our energies to deal with cancer and depression undermines those energies.

Hope you can get help.

Take care

Aurora

DanaL

Thank you for your feedback...Sure enough, my potassium levels are drastically low.  I am reluctant to take anti-depressants if I can control things with diet maybe out of pride, but partly because of fear of the side effects. I say depression, but it is more of a feeling of resignation that I won't be here much longer. I am not really sure what it is since I have never experienced it before.

70charger

I'm like that too, the nagging little voice inside that says hurry up & get things done, you don't have much time. So I have been over doing things, trying to get as much food & meals in my freezer as possible.  Also when my daughters come home I always make xmas dinner with all the trimmings.  So Silly lol.  I promised one of my daughters next time I will NOT make xmas dinner for her. I will have to find another dish she likes.  But at least we have made progress by recognizing we are normal about these feelings. To recognize it is also a step forward.  You are not alone.  Hugs