Post Mastectomy depression

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Isabellew
Isabellew Member Posts: 1
edited January 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

My Mother recently had a mastectomy and reconstruction. Over Christmas she did very well and was in very good spirits. However, for the last few days she has been in a lot of pain (she has nerve damage in her arm) and her mood/morale has been very very low. I am very worried about her, I am just about to go back to uni but really want to do something/ help in any way possible. Does anyone have any advice?

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  • AnnaV
    AnnaV Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2018

    I have seen some wonderful results from the French program for cancer survivors - it's a 21 day program that includes post-cancer treatment (thermal water) and overall wellbeing practices of various nature fighting the cancer consequences, but pleasant and calming . Did you ever consider something like that for your mother? Breaking from the old routine, coming to an old French village and see how beautiful women are after all this - may be a new source of energy and strength.

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  • Peregrinelady
    Peregrinelady Member Posts: 1,019
    edited January 2018
    Isabelle, sometimes the anesthesia takes a while to get out of your body and can affect your mood. She needs to drink lots of water and move as much as she is comfortable with. Is she on any antihormonal meds? They can also cause depression. My reaction was temporary, but very severe, at first. Maybe just making her aware that this could be from the surgery or meds will help her. Some people have tried antidepressants, as well.
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  • mustlovepoodles
    mustlovepoodles Member Posts: 2,825
    edited January 2018

    Depression is very common after a life-threatening medical event, like cancer or heart attack. Chronic pain can be debilitating. Many of us here have been been diagnosed with PTSD. I was. Just know that there IS help for it. Exercise, meditation, talk therapy and medication help a lot.

    It was really hard to wrap my head around what happened to me. My body betrayed me. My surgery felt like an assault, which technically it is. I went to a very dark place and I thought I would never feel good again. Thankfully, my DH recognized my symptoms and hauled me off to the doctor. She diagnosed me right away and put me on a 7 month course of medication that helped me turn my life around.

    Talk to your mother about depression. Let her know it's okay, even healthy, to reach out. There is no shame in taking meds to help you cope with the devastation of cancer treatment.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited January 2018

    I think that I was depressed after my surgery. It's a lot to wrap your head around. You don't look the same and you definitely don't feel the same. I even questioned my decision despite the fact that I had spent a tremendous amount of time weighing all the pros and cons.

    Maybe just let your mother know that you're concerned. Perhaps she'd like to come here?


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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited January 2018

    My PCP has an interesting take on mx surgery. He feels like the breast tissue loss triggers hormonal loss. At the time I went to see him I was a wreck. I could barely lift my head off the table. He said he was treating four other women like me for the same thing. The journey out of the darkness was many months. It included talking to a counselor, an antidepressant, and anti anxiety meds. It takes a lot of strength to ask for help.


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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited January 2018

    farmerlucy - I suspect something similar. I'm not sure how it works, though. I was plunged into menopause through chemo so really didn't think I had much going on in the way of hormones at the time of surgery. But my response was similar to my postpartum emotional states, even rivaling a post miscarriage grief.


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  • Linda19152
    Linda19152 Member Posts: 36
    edited January 2018

    spend time with her

    Loneliness is connected to depression

    Percocet can also cause depressed feelings

    She could be experiencing grief over the loss of her breast.

    Psychological help is a good thing to do.

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  • Pink6
    Pink6 Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2018

    You could be my daughter. I had a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery December 29th and have had some bad days. One day was a complete breakdown. I couldn't stop crying. Keep in touch. Keep calling and texting. Tell stories about your classes. Write her a letter. Your success is my medicine.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2018

    Dear Pink6,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry about your diagnosis and at the same time we are glad that you reached out to share your own story. We hope that you will stay connected her. Let us know if you need any help with navigating the boards. The Mods

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