Depression

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ljcc
ljcc Member Posts: 5
edited April 2015 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)


It's now just over 3 months since my mastectomy/ SIEA surgeries. 

When I was first diagnosed it seemed surreal. Since 2002, I had been monitored for calcifications in my left breast and had usually been called back for diagnostic mammograms but this time I was sent for a biopsy. Again I didn't worry too much as I was told that 75% of the time it would be negative. When my GP called me at home a few days later, I was devastated.( I had 3 cm DCIS and a 1.7cm IDC)

Once I researched and found the worst scenario and the best case scenario, I calmed down. After I spoke with the surgical oncologist and the plastic surgeon, I felt more at ease. They explained the procedures to me and I had confidence in my doctors. The Cancer Care team in Winnipeg are fabulous. I had my surgeries, no cancer had spread to the sentinel nodes, and I was out of the hospital in 3 days. I had no complications except when my drains came out I was still retaining fluid at 8 weeks. I didn't mind that too much as I got to see my medical team on a weekly basis.

When all the pathology reports came back I spoke to the medical oncologist and she reiterated what the surgical oncologist had told me in the beginning... if I was er+/pr+/her- then I would not need chemo or radiation. That was what I was praying for. She explained that I would need to take Letrazole , an aromatase inhibitor, for 5 years. I have been taking it for about 6 weeks now. The side effects are tolerable... a few night sweats and many sleepless nights.

I really do feel fortunate as it could have been a lot worse. I have many women in my life who have travelled this journey and are so supportive. My friends and family, especially my husband, have been wonderful too. I really felt as though I handled the diagnosis, the surgeries and the recovery well. I tried to be positive and strong.

However, at this time I find myself having fits of depression and when I am alone I cry quite a lot. I know I have many things to be grateful for: my scars are healed, my tummy is flat again, my breast looks great, and I am cancer free. Is depression a common occurrence 3 months after?

Thanks for listening.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2015

    Hello ljcc,

    Welcome to the BCO community.

    Sorry to hear that you're feeling so low recently. Have you talked to your doctor about the side effects of Letrazole?

    Depression is listed as one of the possible side effects of this drug, though it may be just one contributing factor. You can check it out Here.

    You might also like to check out this page on Depression while you wait for responses from others. It includes lots of suggestions on ways to manage depression, and how to help yourself when you feel depressed.

    We hope it helps and do keep posting here.

    Sending hugs to you!

    The mods.


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  • ml143333
    ml143333 Member Posts: 658
    edited February 2015

    I don't know whether depression is common or not, but I would be that it probably is at some point.  Look at what you have been through.  Getting one cancer diagnosis is bad enough, but getting another has to be hard.  Take care of yourself.  Allow yourself to be sad if that is what it takes, but if it gets to the point that you need help, go and see a physician.  Many women take anti-depressants to help them cope with their lives post breast cancer.

    Take care.

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  • ljcc
    ljcc Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    Thank you for the kind words and for posting the articles. It is good to know that I am not alone in this. I am glad I found this site and will be a frequent user.

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2015

    I read somewhere that many equate post BC stress with symptoms of post traumatic stress syndrome. It is a horrible ride and can leave you with huge emotional scars. You are not alone. I know there are community support groups, maybe sharing with others would help? Just a thought. It's easy to say focus on the good things and it could have been so much worse but you also can allow yourself a little time to feel sorry for yourself. It's ok! I hope you feel better soon.

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  • kittysister
    kittysister Member Posts: 212
    edited February 2015


    I think we need time to grieve for what we have been through .. sad days, angry ones, you name it. I am not much of a crier, but maybe it's time I had a good cry. They say tears cleanse the soul. Think that would help?

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited February 2015

    I found that it was very hard after I had finished treatment (last July). I had a similar but shorter lasting feeling when I had my last Chemo at the beginning of April. I didn't like it at all - not having something happening to fight off the cancer. Having surgery then took me out of that feeling. After rads, with no more scheduled treatment (I'm TN), I certainly had difficulty feeling secure and felt I was just a sitting target. I also begun to have real sessions of not being able to think straight, getting really angry, and almost panic crying. I did finally go to my primary care doc and start to take antidepressants. I also had a follow up with the mental health nurse which is very helpful.

    Finishing up treatment was a huge stress for me. I am feeling so much better now. In fact I have recently being diagnosed with DCIS in my remaining breast (I had a left UMX) - and actually surprised myself and felt so much calmer than during my first diagnosis which was so much more serious. Don't get me wrong - I still feel quite shaky and scared now and again, but I don't get that overwhelming feeling like before. I would suggest that anyone go and get help as this is a very hard time. Eight months on I feel so much better both mentally but also physically - I don't think I realised how much I needed to take my time to recover.

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  • 208sandy
    208sandy Member Posts: 2,610
    edited February 2015

    Go to your PCP and tell her/him you are depressed and GO NOW - the AIs can make you depressed (I know I was depressed on all of them) - either get anti-anxiety meds or anti-depression meds - they work - btw it takes a while to recover from all the treatments - I also talk to the social worker at the cancer clinic on occasion when I feel like I may be getting overwhelmed.

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  • ljcc
    ljcc Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2015


    It is now nearly 6 months since my surgery and two months since I posted about my depression. Thank you all for your comments, they helped a lot. I am not feeling as sad. I did not see my doctor as I was fortunate enough to go south for the winter (I live in Winnipeg). I have been able to get out walking, dancing, swimming and golfing again. The sunshine in southern Texas has energized me mentally and physically.

    I am still having difficulties with insomnia but I can handle it most nights. Since the reconstruction my body has felt very strange: I have tingling sensations above my knees, numbness below my abdominal scars and tightness above and below my navel. My breast feels great but I still have pain occasionally when I lie a certain way. The information I have been reading said it could take up to a year for a full recovery. When I go back home next week I will speak to my doctor though.

    Thanks again.

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