Successful treatment for Anxiety from ai's,

LoveLau

Anxiety, antidepressants, electric convulsive shock, ketamine

Have you been successfully treated for anxiety and depression after breast cancer. Please share with me your solutions. I am trying very hard to live and recover from the depression. I wake up with thoughts of dying but I want to live. Drs tried effexor, fetzima, lorazapine and quetipine. Nothing is working except the lorazapine and only for short times.

I never had depression. Now worry about bc recurrance all the time but so far thank God no symptoms. Psyc gave me effexor, on fetzima, using lorazapine and quetipine. Anxiety is getting worse. I asked them to reach out to their contacts to find something that works for me. They refused. They are suggesting ect and ketamine.

Drs believe it's from ais. I am not sure but the meds are not working and I am anxious all the time. tried anestrozole 1 year, femara 5 days , tamoxifen. 4 months. Next will be exetemase and if that is bad go back to anestrozole.

If you successfully conquered depression using some antidepressants or other methods please let me know. If you do not want to publically post, please pm to me.

My drs said none of their pts are on antidepressants. Is that believable or is it that our community is so secretive or that I have not found a good doctor or I am so immature that I cant stand up straight and look at my fears in the face and live my life as I did in the past.

I am Kaiser member hmo, they have provided me with psychiatrist, psychologist and intensive day treatment classes. I guess I will graduate from the day treatment classes soon and will have to try something next to keep myself not thinking about this. I have a lot of fear.

Thank you

dtad

Hi Kathy. Just a little confused about your stats. Are you estrogen negative?

Peregrinelady

All I know is that EMDR with a therapist and supplementing with magnesium and vit. D helped me through depression. When I first started Tamoxifen, I had suicidal thoughts involving a gun. Very disturbing. Finally got an appt. with therapist, then read a study about magnesium helping depression. Not sure which helped most, but I no longer see the therapist, but take magnesium daily. I swear by it.

KCMC

Look into Neuro Star TMS therapy. Non invasive, it's a month and a half of therapy with a cap placed over your head. I first heard about it several years ago at the VA hospitals. My insurance started to cover it January of 2017 and got a referral for February of last year but was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and had to put it on hold. I now see commercials on TV for it. You would have to dedicate four to six weeks for treatment. You go every day Monday-Friday and it takes about 45 minutes total. I have heard nothing but good things about it. It uses Trancranial magnetic pulses to stimulate parts of your brain. It is not electric shock treatment. You can drive yourself to and from appointments. The biggest side effect is headaches. As soon as my breast cancer treatments are over I am going to get another referral and do it myself. It looks very promising for depression. I know the government insurances cover it like medicare, tricare etc. Here is the link. Good Luck!

https://neurostar.com

LoveLau

estrogen positive

Lula73

It’s interesting that they haven’t tried switching the Effexor out for either a different SSRI, an SNRI or an SDRI. I’d ask to try that. And if your docs are telling you that none of their other patients with BC take anything for anxiety or depression they’re either lying, clueless or guilty of not treating the anxiety/depression their patients are suffering from and setting themselves up for a lawsuit. It might be time to find a new doc.

dtad

Lovelau...didn't understand your answer. Are you estrogen/progesterone positive or negative? Just wondering how important it is for you to take an anti hormone.

exbrnxgrl

Hi LoveLau,

A dx of breast cancer itself can trigger depression and anxiety. I am also a Kaiser patient and when I was first dx'ed I received a referral to a psychiatrist who specialized in cancer patients. I was put on Effexor and it has been effective for me, but of course, it won't work for everyone. I love Kaiser and have been pleased to remain NEAD after almost 7 years at stage IV, however, I think their mental health care is a bit of a weak spot for them (I had a family member who really struggled with depression, anxiety and bulimia). She finally had to go outside of Kaiser and self pay for more intensive tx. As a result, she has done very well for more than 5 years. EMDR was very helpful to her as were twice weekly psych appointments. She didn't do well with group therapy.

See what else Kaiser can offer, but if it's more of the same, consider going outside their system. It may be expensive, but your life is worth it!

LoveLau

estrogen positive progesterone negative.. I really want to die. It is very serious. I cant think straight. I dont want to do anything else. If I die I will be happy, isnt that stupid. I really dont want to die. I want to live.

chronicpain

Lovelau, if you are feeling worse this weekend, as you are a Kaiser member, look up the number for your local 24/7 Kaiser suicide prevention hotline services and call them now to help tide you over until Monday. If you cannot find it, just look up any suicide hotline in your area, or go to the emergency room at Kaiser, call a cab if you cannot drive, and just go. Your posts about wanting to die and thinkng that would make you happy are disturbing. Maybe if you were hospitalized on inpatient psychiatry it would expedite docs figuring something out for you.

Are you alone? If so, get with people ASAP.

Here is one hotline

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

LoveLau

My mainland family said to get admitted. My family here said to exercise. My drs say I should not get admitted cause I dont have a plan to actively kill myself. My family will be embarrassed if I am admitted. I dont want to do anything. They said I am lazy. I really dont have any feelings. I am flat, blank. Afraid to talk to people. Is there a way to get better. I would get admitted if I thought it could help. I am not able to cry. Or show emotions so I look fine, talk a good story. I wish I could find myself. I feel like I am ok part of the day but I am afraid all the time. Do you think getting admitted will help me. If I am not actively suicidal would going to mental health inpatient help.

exbrnxgrl

LoveLau,

Mental health is nothing to be embarrassed about, though I know there are still many who find it that way. None of us can know if being admitted to hospital will help, but suicidal ideation is serious. Please seek help and don't worry about what others will think, put yourself first. Thinking of you.

Egads007

LoveLau - you say you’ve lost yourself, that alone screams that you should get help or be admitted. Like today. You also said you really don’t want to die, so yes it will help, incredibly. Your family isn’t the one feeling this way so don’t even take that into consideration. I’m sure they would prefer you alive...even at the cost of their senseless embarrassment. Put yourself first and reach out. It’s the first step towards dealing with it all. Please let us know how you’re doing, we care, a lot

Meg101

Hi LoveLau - I, too, have experienced similar feelings you are describing. It's very frightening. It's so damn hard to escape those feelings. You want relief from this. For the moment try taking 10 long slow deep breaths. Slowly breathe in as hard as you can, then hold that breath for 5 seconds, then slowly let the air out until it's gone. Do this 10 times. It's OK to sit, lay down, or stand while doing this. If you feel a bit better when you're finished with the breaths, try to find a way to get to your nearest Kaiser facility. Some of the facilities have an urgent care section. If not, they will take it from there. They have successfully helped me through tough emotional times. I'm with Kaiser too. It's good to let them know how you're feeling emotionally and that you are frightened. Let them know you are feeling so overwhelmed that death seems like the only way to escape the fear. I wish I could give you a hug and hold your hand through this because I know how afraid you are. If nothing else, stay with us here. Meg

Meg101

Lovelau - BTW, I take Effexor ER (Extended Release). It works well for me. It slowly releases over a 24 hour time period. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a Xanax. I rarely feel those frightening feelings anymore, but I'm glad the medications were there when I needed them. Please let us know how you're doing. (((Hugs)))

JoyceA

LoveLau, I'm so sorry that you are going through such an awful time. I went through major depression and horrible anxiety last year. It took me months to find a psychiatrist and the right medication. It was much harder than my bc diagnosis and bilateral mastectomy Please reach out for professional help. Finding the antidepressant that will work best for you takes time but it will be worth it. Don't give up. Sending you hugs. Joyce

chronicpain

Lovelou, no one here can diagnose you over the internet, you need a good psychiatrist and so far it sounds like he has not found what you need.

Yes, inpatient psychiatric admissions can and have helped very depressed or anxious people get back on track.

You talk about relatives on the “mainland” , vs other relatives near you, so if you are in Hawaii, I understand there can be cultures that get embarassed by mental health care. It is easy for us to say ignore them, harder to do, and though I will say it anyway, I know it is hard, so you may need a friend or someone else to be an advocate for you. Call your insurer, your doctor, read them or email them,what you wrote here, tell them you need HELP ASAP so as not to become suicidal.

LoveLau

if you were hospitalized for depression, please let me know. Private mess ok. My brother and sister want me hospitalized, my husband said no. My son said all I have to do is exercise. I have turned into a mess. Someone who does nothing. Barely getting dressed. I want to go on trip but I dont think I will ever be able to do so. Everyone says it comes from my mind. My mind on these meds is making me feel worse. I want to go back to myself.

I am afraid to go to the psyc hospital and I don't believe they can help me. They increased my the meds and it made me feel worse.

Please answer if you had a bad experience and it came out ok. Thank you

Moderators

Sometimes depression -- just like other serious diseases -- requires treatments that can only be provided in a hospital.Your health care providers can work with you to try different treatments and figure out which are best. Have you spoken with your doctor(s) about options? Really, the decision needs to come from you. But, it does sound like you could use some extra help to get through this, so that you can enjoy your life again..

There is nothing to be ashamed of in going and talking about the different medications, reviewing what you have already taken, and if some drug interaction could be making things worse. Please get some care tomorrow . We're all here for you!

gkbuser

lovelau, I have heard of women taking a break for like 6 weeks for joint pain. What you are going through seems at least as bad if not worse. Maybe check with MDs and see if maybe they would be okay with you taking a break from the drug just to see if you start to feel better. It can be really hard to motivate exercise. Maybe just try some gentle restorative yoga right from home you don't even have to go anywhere. Get on YouTube and see if you can find some restorative gentle yoga videos to try. Or see if a friend or family member around you would go to the library and maybe check some out for you. Maybe just starting slow.

LoveLau

so am off tamixifen fir 3 weeks. Getting back on soon. I have bad depression dr thinks it's from antiestrogen.

I want to live but I have no desire to live. Need to get back on antiestrogens soon.

Antidepressants are not working. I want to live... I want to agony to end. I hate my famy seeing me so I'll. I want stop talk g about it. Went for shock therapy consult. The psy said ok I am candidate. I want it if it will work. If the depression is due to chemical imbalance in my brain from estrogen will shock work? Anyone with that experience? Age 70

DandelionHair

LoveLau,

I'm sorry about the depression and don't have many answers. But, I can validate what you are going through. I'm struggling as well with depression. The people telling you to just exercise, or minimizing your pain don't understand how debilitating depression can feel. If you are uncomfortable going to a hospital, I suggest talking with a therapist or a psychiatrist and attending group Breast Cancer support therapy for BC survivors. Ask around for resources. Did I read correctly your Dr said no other BC patients had depression? Seriously?!

Depression hits many of us. Your hormones, body, hair, skin, strength and life is changing. It’s loss. You've realized you are mortal. It isn't wrong or bad to be depressed. It's how you feel. I'm achy, bitchy and fatigued. I want you to know you are not alone. Your statement saying you want to live, are asking for help show you are doing the right things. You don't want to live in pain. Be kind to yourself and keep looking for help. It may take time

LoveLau

thanks how much magnesium, any side effects?

Thank you

Kathy

Marconi

I held up fairly well through surgery followed by chemo, then radiation. Shortly after completing radiation last fall I began spiraling downhill rapidly. Sever depression and anxiety. Couldn’t eat and became hydrated. I ended up being hospitalized in February for an infection resulting in my implant having to be removed and then spent several days in psychiatric care. I was on Anastrazole at the time and now believe this contributed greatly to the problem. Was put on Mirtazapine which has helped. After the joint pain from Anastrazole became unbearable two months ago, I took a short break and switched to exemestane. Lasted a month and I’m now taking a break due to anxiety and pain. I’ve read on this site that some have been successfully prescribed Cymbalta for pain and anxiety from these drugs. I’m going to talk with my oncologist about it. I feel for you! It’s not easy

LoveLau

Dtad

100%estrigen 5% progesti

LoveLau

please let me know if anything works. I am going for a brain scan tomorrow, had one 3 months ago. Dr didnt say why. I hope its nothing. After it comes back negative, i have to remake my life to keep me busy.

My days have been walking or exercise class, lunch. nap,

Night sleep. Am not doing things for fun, spend too much time worrying or going to mds. I dont like it

I have to get a better life set up. Kids are grown and off, hisband is home. Trying to make new friends so i can be happy.mi

Cowgirl13

LoveLau, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I too have had very serious depression and found a psychiatrist who prescribed the right medication for me and its really helped. I was also able to stop taking arimidex after 7-l/2 years and it has helped me tremendously. Just take it one day at a time, sometimes it an hour at a time. Its wonderful that you are walking and exercising. By the way, I'm older than you--I'm 72!

BadLuck

I'm glad people are open about their severe anxiety & depression that breast cancer patients undergo. I was diagnosed June of this year, surgery in July, radiation in September & thought that I was done with the worst part. But soon discovered after taking that Anastrozole for the past 6 weeks Im in a constant stage of PMS! Depressed, anxiety, mood swings, crying & extremely sad, aches & pains & bad dental problems since I've been on it. I do have some periodontal pockets at my age of 63, but my teeth haven't ever got infections in them until now. I can't imagine staying on this medication for 5-7 years! My oncologist also wants me to have that injection every 6 months for osteoporosis that can cause osteostenosis if i get any teeth extracted! Anyone know if those cancer hormones cause dental problems

BadLuck

I'm glad people are open about the severe anxiety & depression that breast cancer patients undergo. I was diagnosed June of this year, surgery in July, radiation in September & thought that was the worst of it all. But soon discovered after taking that Anastrozole for the past 6 weeks Im in a constant stage of PMS! Depressed, anxiety, aches & pains & bad dental problems since I've been on it. I do have some periodontal pockets at my age of 63, but my teeth haven't ever got infections in them until now. I can't imagine staying on this medication for 5-7 years! My oncologist also wants me to have that injection every 6 months for osteoporosis that can cause osteostenosis ifI get any teeth extracted!

dtad

Badluck...so sorry you are going through this. Yes anti hormone therapy has been known to cause dental problems. Good luck and keep us posted.

LoveLau

I went on a trip away from honolulu. For 4 weeks. I brought the anxiety and depression with me, but I survived. Now back home depression getting bad again.

Saw my md yesterday, she said I dont have cancer and is wondering if i should get off the antiestrogen. I am fearful of doing that.