De;ression worse now than during treatment

Options
debheim
debheim Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I finished chemo in Nov. 2007.  Lately, I have been really depressed.  I am on Arimidex and suffer from arthritis in my neck which causes (sometimes daily) cervicogenic headaches.  I don't know if Arimidex has a cumulative effect on depression or is it the battle with pain?  Of course, there's always the constant fear that the pain is from mets.  All tests for that were clear as of last May.  I am going to onc. 4/27/09.  What have you found is good for depression as far as meds. are concerned?  Thanks for all help.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited April 2009

    I recommend Effexor. It has helped me so much...I wish I had taken it sooner. You can ask your family doc or onc about this.

    There are woman who have tried other antidepressants, they should chime in here in a bit. Smile

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debheim
    debheim Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2009

    Lexislove,

    Thanks for the input.  Any nasty side effects?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BFidelis
    BFidelis Member Posts: 156
    edited April 2009

    My PCP put me on Lexipro (anti-depressant) and Klonopin (anti-anxiety.)  Lexipro seems to be a bit more 'fast acting' than some others in its class, and you might have to try a couple different ones to find your best 'fit.'  I weaned off the Lexipro about 2.5 years after dx; a year after I had finished all 'active' treatment (lumpectomy, chemo, rads, Herceptin.)  Still taking the Klonopin but have cut in half and am going to cut that in half again, then 'only as needed.'  BTW--I expect to always have some Klonopin for "as needed."  When I go for tests, I like to take one as soon as I park the car.  By the time I have the test and am waiting for results, I'm not climbing the walls.  Also, when boss/work get crazy, I sometimes take a half dose, just to help keep my mind from churning up my stomach.

    Peace,

    Beth

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • debheim
    debheim Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2009

    BFidelis

    Thanks for input.  Where are you that you get immediate results on tests?  I usually wait 1-2 weeks for any kind of results.  I'm going to need alot of something.  I have lorazepam that I take at night with ambien cr to sleep.  Lorazepam during the day doesn't help too much with anxiety, just makes me sleepy.  My mom had klonopin recently for help with labrynthitis.  It made her like a zombie.  I guess everyone is different.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BFidelis
    BFidelis Member Posts: 156
    edited April 2009

    They always have me meet with a radiologist on the diagnostic mammogram.  I didn't know they did this at my breast imaging center for EVERY diagnostic mamm.  So when I was kept 'waiting' for the doc the first time, I about chewed through the couch in the waiting room.  When I walked in to the rad's office, she took one look at me and said, "First:  everything's OK."  Then she explained procedure.  So now I just sit and play hand-held solitaire.

    Drugs definitely have different effects on different people.  But it's worth working at to find one that helps.  (all you need is one.)

    Peace,

    Beth

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited April 2009

    I switched from Arimidex to Femara and feel much less depressed, I think Arimidex really messed with me Physically and Mentally! I have had so many problems after that medication, I am not sure Femara will be so much better as I have only been on it for a few weeks and the Arimidex was cummalative for me. I tried antidepressants and didn't like them felt like I had to many meds still on Herceptin and am on the Clodranate arm of the bisphos trial!

    Exercise helps me and meditation, but I know Effexor really helps many I know many that have cited that this drug helps them through the storm.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rosesinwinter
    rosesinwinter Member Posts: 70
    edited April 2009

    I agree with mmm5, exercise and meditation help me immensely.   I have not wanted to try Effexor b/c I have seen the side-effects when family/friends wean off of it. And I have been very sensitive to the effects of anti-depressants before.  It feels very empowering to gain some control over my anxiety and depression with deep breathing, meditation and music.  Just as I felt empowered by learning about breast cancer after diagnosis and making decisions about my treatment with my oncology team!  But then, we are all different and some have found Effexor to be helpful...

    I find myself occasionally spinning in cycles of anxious and negative thinking.  My counselor has helped me with cognitve behavior therapy to learn to stop those thought patterns and replace them with other thoughts. I have read that antidepressant medications are best accompanied by therapy, when possible.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mmm5
    mmm5 Member Posts: 1,470
    edited April 2009

    Rosewinter

    I also have been seeing a therapist to deal with all of the post traumatic stress, and it is very helpful, I wanted to add a comment from your post. I do have a sister and friend one with BC and one not that have tried to go cold turkey off the Effexor and it was a disaster so when and if you are ready to come off the meds do it under Doc supervision.

    There are some great books that have helped me some too:

    Anything by Eckhart Tolle (Power of Now)

    The Shack (gave me a therapeutic cry and some perspective)

    The anticancer

    Quantum Wellness

    I believe like anything traumatic in life this is a process, I get up and I am motivated, ready to get back to life, the next day I am so depressed I don't get out of bed and I bring my laptop to bed with me and look up symptoms all day. I think the process we are going through will need much support and not one thing will help  but many.

    Exercise, counseling, spirituality, support, supplements etc. Thats why I continue to come here as so many have contributed to that process as to what helps! I think one thing that really helps too is getting out our feelings in this forum!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited April 2009

    Rose -I agree about coming here helps.  I'm comforted when I need it, and I can give words of encouragement and limited experience to others.  The best of both worlds - if there can be anything "best" about this dumb disease.

    Susan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kmccraw423
    kmccraw423 Member Posts: 3,596
    edited April 2009

    I don't know what's the matter with me.  I am so depressed - it comes and goes.  I try to distract myself but tonight I just can't.  I know I should be grateful that only a bilateral mastectomy was required but I keep wondering when I have nothing to live for - no kids - hence no grandkids, no husband, no job, no home of my own, nothing - why I was spared when there are so many good women out there really fighting to live and I could care less.  I keep asking, what are you saving me for Lord - more anguish, more depression - it is a wasted life.  Why do you take women who want to stay, want to be happy, want to be with their families.  Why are you taking great women who contribute to their families, their communities, who have small children ... why, why?

    I know I am ungrateful but I can't help how I feel and I can't talk to my siblings or other family members.  I can't afford therapy and I don't have enough motivation to go if I could.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories