fear and depression

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greenbough
greenbough Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

I am almost 3 years out (from diagnoses).  I had a reconsruction at first and then had 2 infections, got the implants out a year ago.  Still depressed, fearful and confused.  Does it ever end

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited May 2011

    No, it doesn't end (we still get monitored for the rest of our lives) but as far as the "fear factor," you can try to subdue it and shove it into a tiny corner of your mind (way in the back) and let all the other things in your life be more important. 

    If depression is stopping you from doing things that you want to do, limiting you, and taking the enjoyment out of your life, then it is time to mention it to your PCP or a mental health professional.  Talking it over in counseling might make you feel better, and possibly a medication could help also.

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  • karen333
    karen333 Member Posts: 3,697
    edited May 2011

    No, it doesn't end, I just got a call from Batavia Oncology Center, I assume for a checkup.  I finished rads in Oct. 2010.  I saw the caller I.D. and didn't answer the phone, bad memories.  I already see my BS and MO and Breast Care Center on a bi-yearly basis, and don't feel I need to see anyone else for examination and/or tests.   But that's how long the fear lasts.  I do see a therapist once a month to help with the fear and anxiety, because it was interfering with my life, I started off with once a week visits, because the fear was paralising.  I will call the RO if he leaves a message.  I don't even like driving by the office.

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  • nell0314
    nell0314 Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2011

    No, it never ends. Was four years out and now DCIS in other breast. Waiting to speak with my oncologist but just didn't want to deal with it all today. Since this whole thing started 2 months ago, I just don't want to deal with it again. Are we ever not cancer patients ever again? I know that fear karen & greenbough,  I feel it every time I step foot in one of my drs offices. I don't want to be a "cancer patient" again.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited May 2011

    The fear of recurrence, and the depression of being a "cancer patient" for life is very real.  After you physically fight the B/C with treatment, you still have the mental challenge and ongoing fight not to let the cancer dominate you.  It's hard, but keep trying, 'cause B/C does not deserve to win.

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  • hymil
    hymil Member Posts: 826
    edited May 2011

    Welcome on board!

    The fact is greenbough, you have been through an awful time of it, and had some very scary experiences, like we all have here, some worse than others but each one terrible for the one who must endure it, and i really don't envy you those infections Frown   Yes, you have every right to be fearful, anxious and threatened.. but if you let it take over your life then it has won - without killing you it has taken your life..that creeping depression, that recurrent fear has sapped the enjoyment out of our triumph, stolen the fruit of our efforts and perseverance; Dammit greenbough, we deserve to feel better than this!  so take up all those tools, your family physician, the counsellor. dr exercise and dr diet, whatever it takes to fight for our right to LIFE after cancer, and make our survival something great to celebrate!! 

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