DEPRESSION,ANXIETY,LOSS OF SUPPORT

Kimberly,

I don't have any advice but wanted to send you a cyber hug.

I hope someone will chime in who can offer some advice.

Kim

Thinking of you Kimberly and sending prayers, love and support!  You are not alone! xo

Kimberly, Thinking about you, remember you are never alone we are here 24/7.

Kimberly,

I know where you are comeing from as I too was a drug user although it's been 10 yrs since I've done any drugs without a script andnow only take them as perscribed.

Have you thought about seeing a shrink, I'm not suggesting that you are crazy, but it might help to talk to a professional and if needed she/he could prescribe something for depression.  I take Effexor for my depression.  

I too am alone for most of this journey, although my sister has been there for me and is my rock throughout this trip.

Please know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can come here and vent anytime you need to.

Laurie

Kimberly- The sad thing is you are not alone.  So many people think that once your MX is done then your treatment is done.  They don't understand about possible chemo, rads or reconstruction and the fact we may still need some help.  Most of my support system went completely MIA within a month of my MX as well.  Luckily, I found this site or I think I would have gone crazy!  

I'm sorry you're being treated as a drug seeker because you're trying to find relief from the pain and anxiety.  I think women in general are treated like we're just supposed to suck it up.  (I actually saw one women whose BS refused to prescribe anything for her after her MX and said all she needed was Advil.  Good thing I didn't know where that man lived!)  Just wanted to say you're not alone and we're all here for you.  Molly had some great advice contacting the social worker at the hospital.  They can definitely point you in the right direction.  I also heard the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program will put you in touch with a volunteer in your area- someone who has had the same kind of cancer or treatment that you have.  The volunteer will call or visit- whatever you need.  Good luck- (((Hugs))) 

Sending a {{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}}

I am sorry you had to join this club.

Can you find another doctor who won't treat you this way?

I am learning through this journey to trust my gut, so if I have doubts, I ask questions.

Fired rad doctor about ready to fire chemo doctor.  So hang in there!

Kimberly - When I thought I was loosing my mind, the thing that saved me was Gilda's Club.  It has a variety of support groups and I tried several until I found a group of women that made a BIG difference in my life.  It didn't change the lack of support from people I thought were my friends but it did give me someone who actually understood what I was dealing with.  There were some in a couple of the groups that were just a little too positive for me.  I am not what would be described as a "glass half full" type of person - more the questioning/half empty type.  When I found the right group, I could be just how I am and no more pretending!  We are dealing with enough without the positive attituders jumping on us.  Also, many of the anti-depressants will reduce the activity of Tamoxifen.  If they are going slap you on these drugs with out doing the genetic test to see if you metabolize Tamoxifen normally, then they are doing you a disservice.  I just took a survey on this site which talks about this.  I had to force my doctor to let me have the one test I actually wanted to take.  Go to the MayoClinic site to read further info.  I hope you have a Gilda's Club near you and you find people who will help you with these feelings.  Take care, Kay

Hi Kim

I had problems with transportation...lots of problems...you must be in treatment to get transportation.call the hospital that you are going to and tell them your problem...its out there..you just have to spend a lot of time on the phone. start with the American Cancer Soc.and also Avon...also your local churches and transit Auth.

i wish you the best of luck.God bless you.

huggggggggggggggggs

K

Kimberly...It was March of 1998 when I finally left an abusive marriage - it was toward the end of that summer that I found my lump and November, my obgyn confirmed it was likely bc.  I was treated somewhat similar back then - at stage iv now - I have no issues getting any meds I need.  I was able to get with a very good physician that put me on xanax during the period of the end of my marriage - for 13 years, I took it daily and not ever for fun.  I stopped as I was concerned about the 'addiction' and it was the dumbest thing I ever did.  In December of 2009, I got back on a regime of Effexsor and xanax and pain management after 3 month of constant crying after my mets dx in 09/2009.  All low doses and I take them exactly as prescribed - no more, no less except on an occassional day when I overdo, I may add 1 pain pill. 

The recommendation to get assistance in the anti depressants and anti anxiety meds would be to seek out a psychiatrist that specializes in mental health for bc patients.  Even with your history, that does not mean you are not in need of some assistance and going through professional avenues will likely result in getting the help you really need.  You may find they will limit the amounts and will require to see you regularly - but you will get what you need to help you through this.  As far as over the counter supplements - I would be very careful with St. John's Wort...it is contraindicated with some treatments - if you are going to take Tamoxifin or another anti-hormonal for preventative measures for a recurrence, I would highly recommend speaking with your onc before taking it.  Valeriun Root, on the other hand, does not seem to have any contraindications but better to check with the onc - it helps with sleeping and SleepyTime tea Extra has it in it and is quite nice for a before bed calming. 

Your support group needs an education big time - cancer can be the 'gift' that keeps on giving - surgical removal CAN get it all and you will never have to face it again.  However, there is no cure and I do not say this to scare you - be forever vigilant with your body, listen to it - if you think something is amiss, get it checked out - you are not being a hypocondriac - it is much better to know that it is something 'normal' than to ignore it.  Live again - just be vigilant. 

You have found an entire 'support group' here - while we may only exist in cyber-space for you - I could never have gotten through my mets dx without these folks.  I was 10 1/2 years cancer-free - now I have mets to the bone only and that is where my treatment team and I intend to keep it!

Sending you cyber hugs...BTW - where do you live?  I see you mention sub-zero - I am in the frozen upper north mid west in Minnesnowta...if you are near here, I may be able to direct you to a more local agency that can help you with transportation and stuff.

Hugs...LowRider