Tampa, FL; Cancer-Free but Suffering from Anxiety & Depression

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MaggieO
MaggieO Member Posts: 25
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi all:

I finished active treatment back in September 2008.  Been on Tamoxifen off and on since October 2008.  Since beginning of December 2008 (after my mammogram came back clear, cancer-free) I've been having horrible Anxiety and Depression.  The anxiety and depression has kept me in bed, kept me from going to appointments, from going to work even getting up and taking a simple shower.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to combat these Mental Health Issues?  If you live in Tampa, do you know of a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker that works with us survivors and helps us get past all this?  I'm so scared that these feelings are going to last forever. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    Maggie...I hope that someone who is familiar with the Tampa area will come on soon with suggestions. All that I can suggest is that you ask someone who was on your treatment team for a referral. Where I was treated, they have a counselor on the onc team and other psychologists affiliated with the Cancer Center. Since it sounds like you could definitely benefit from some medication (some antidepressants, like Lexapro and Celexa, have anti-anxiety effects as well), you probably should start with your onc, your PCP or call the local mental health clinic or county department for a referral to a psychiatrist.

    Having said all of that, I will add that my own post-treatment experience was characterized by the need to re-evaluate just about everything that I had previously taken for granted and that included my perception of my own mortality. This was a struggle and though I can't say that I was depressed or anxious, I can report having gone through some pretty scary times where I felt alone, disconnected and unsupported. We always say on these boards that many of us actually go through what is clinically defined as post-traumatic stress disorder, so it should certainly be taken seriously and treated as such. And it makes absolute sense that we go through this because, after all, we've been shaken to the core and then asked to carry on. Not an easy task.

    Good luck, sweetie. And please try to remember that these feelings really won't last forever and you really will, once again, experience a sense of joy and hope. Really. I promise. But in the meantime, keep posting....you are among your sisters and we all get it.

    ~Marin

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  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited January 2009

    MaggieO- Nothing new to add, Marin said it all, and very well!  Just saw Tampa and had to check the post as my son and his family live in Wesley Chapel.  My daughter-in-law works in Tampa at a law firm.  I do love to visit!

    Hope you find someone to help you soon.   Are you on any meds for anxiety?  I had no problem taking anything that would help me cope.  Life (as we all know now) is too short and precious to spend it in anymore pain than necessary.

    Good luck and big hugs.

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  • car
    car Member Posts: 492
    edited January 2009

    Are you seeing an oncologist? Especially if you're on and off tamoxifen, it might be wise to start w/him or her if you're willing to consider medication. That said, I would be surprised if s/he couldn't refer you to a good therapist. Mine referred me to a wonderful woman I saw only 3 times (but my onc also gave me Lexapro and Klonopin) who has beaten cancer not once but twice.

    Just as an aside--if you do think medication is something you'll need, you'll need to see someone w/an MD, your onc or a psychiatrist. O/s of the state of NM, therapists cannot prescribe meds.

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited January 2009

    MaggieO-

    I also had a tough time dealing with depression and anxiety after my active tx phase was completed.  It was at the end of Feb., and March 2008. 

    I seem to be doing better now, but those few months were rough, it even surfaced again in May.  I also think it is post traumatic stress disorder.  It seems that we women just put one foot in front of the other, and we do what needs to be done, but when the active tx part of my tx was over, I had an emotional meltdown.

    I just want you to know that what you are feeling is normal, and also to tell you that it WILL get better...

    HUGS

    Harley

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  • MaggieO
    MaggieO Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    Dear all:

    Thank you all for your supportive words thus far.

    By the way, I've been on Lexapro for over four years now.  I had tried over the past few weeks with a psychiatrist's help to start other anti-depressant medications but we moved too fast from Celexa to Cymbalta to see what effect Celexa would have.  Unfortunately, Cymbalta caused me to feel like I had just had 9 cups of coffee (i.e., even worse anxiety than I already had).  When the psychiatrist gave me an ultimatum on Monday to go to detox or leave her practice, I chose to leave her practice.  Though I did abuse alcohol in the past, before breast cancer and have had some binges since the diagnosis, my last drink was Christmas Eve.  I have chosen to stop drinking on my own to get better emotionally/mentally.  So now I'm back on the Lexapro and I take Ativan when I get the anxiety.  I'm trying to avoid taking Xanax.  My oncologist did refer me to a psychiatrist who the practice refers other cancer patients too.  Problem is that I can't see him until January 23rd.   Also, my Breast Surgeon refered me to a Cancer survivor and a Spiritual Counselor.  I reached out to her and will see her next week for a cup of coffee and a chat.  Also, my friend Choca, who I met on this chat and boards is also going to help as long as I reach out, be strong and try to push through this anxiety and depression.  She says she experienced similar things.  I'm going to go and visit with her tomorrow.  So during this time, I'm hoping I can get enough strength to get out of bed, shower, get out of the house and go to work.  I'm told things will get better.  I'll have to believe they will.

    Magda

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  • pabbie
    pabbie Member Posts: 370
    edited January 2009

    Hi-I've also been on tamoxifen (20 mg.) since Sept./Oct. 2008. I took a short lower dose break in October. I use celexa and klonopin (clonazapem) for depression, anxiety and insomnia. I see a psychiatrist who also uses talk therapy focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy.

    I take my clonazapem before bed for anxiety and insomnia in which my onc wanted me to take a small dose in the morning to keep the drug in my system all day. I can only take it at night because it makes me a little groggy during the day.

    I've also had some relief from physical therapy and exercise. Good luck Maggie. You're not alone.

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  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited January 2009

    I saw a therapist weekly for about 18 months after I stopped treatment - had some fall out in other parts of my life related to treatment but I think it would have been helpful anyway. Also antidepressants - I would encourage sticking with a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner (I'm biased but would suggest that even more). My PCP tells me that most of her BC patients are on antidepressants forever....

    Also, are you exercising? That can be such a huge help.

    It's a tough time, ending treatment. So much comes up and out and all that support seems to disappear into the woodwork. Sounds like you're finding some supports. Is there a cancer network nearby with support groups?

    Hang in there, we're all there with you.

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  • tamc130
    tamc130 Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2009

    Hi Maggie O!  I'm in Tampa too and although I have not used them I am aware of a couple of resources.  I know that the new breast center is open on Bruce B. Downs.  It is in the new building in front of University Community Women's Center.  I know of two support groups for Breast Cancer.  One is at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church on Fletcher Ave and I believe it meets on the third Thursday evening of the month - not positive about that but you could check by calling the church office.  There is also a support group at Grace Family Church on Van Dyke Blvd that meets on Tuesdays at noon I believe - again I would double check the time first.  I know that I took Xanax sparingly for the anxiety that I experienced after diagnosis and periodically throughout treatment and found relief from it.  My breast surgeon prescribed it as I was leaving his office the day he gave me the diagnosis.  I remember getting in the car and asking my husband if he thought the Dr. thought I wasn't handling the news well - couldn't figure out why else he would give me a script for Xanax.  I guess the news hadn't quite set in at that point!  Don't know if any of my info will be helpful.  I do hope things get easier for you soon.

    Tammy

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  • MaggieO
    MaggieO Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    Dear all:

    I'm still having a rough time.  I need a therapist!  Well, at least I finally get to see the Psychiatrist my Oncologist recommended this Friday.  I missed work today (again) because I couldn't get out of bed.  The anxiety and depression keep me in there all day (except when I have to use the restroom).  Little to say my job is on the line now.  My bosses are supportive and we are a small company.  They worked with me through Breast Cancer and now the Anxiety and Depression but they need someone they can count on.  Choca is my role model.  She is so there for me.  I am so grateful for her.  She says I just need to get out of bed each day and put one foot in front of the other.  She says, I can get past this.  I should check out that Lake Magdalene meeting since I live so close but I have not.  I hope the anxiety and depression will be relieved by a new course of treatment.  I need to have hope because if I don't, I have nothing.  This is just a really hard time.

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited January 2009

    So glad you cke'd back in---and really happy for you that you will be seeing someone who can counsel and order meds and work with you to get the meds right.

    Best wishes for you==are you able to get up and brush your teeth?  If not, make that one step and then go for washing your face.  then you could try a shower and doing your hair.  To me, that's putting one foot in front of the other.

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  • MaggieO
    MaggieO Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2009

    Brrrr...it's cold here in Tampa!  Cold does not mix with my depression and anxiety.  Didn't make it into work yesterday but my husband got me into work today.  However, today I had like 4-5 crying jabs at work (one was of course during the discussion of remaining in my job).  Two more days until I see the new psychiatrist.  I'm gonna discuss this all with my Oncologist and even with my Breast Surgeon during tomorrow's appointments.  Some of this, much of this must be hormonal.  One foot in front of the other.

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