depression

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mawmawwall
mawmawwall Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
depression
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  • mawmawwall
    mawmawwall Member Posts: 2
    edited June 2008

    dose everybody go through a deep depression with breast caner? am the third generation to get breast cancer I fear for my children and grandaughters.there days I am so depressed I dont want to get out of bed I dont eat even after chemo I am so vain about going out in public with no hair .It is so hot here I cannot wear the wigs or hats because i sweat so bad . so I JUST STAY AT home unless its a treatment or a doctor appt. Is there any one who is like me Ifeel so alone and I feel like a burden to my family.I am taking an antidepreeion drug .BUT IT SEEMS NOT TO WORK VERY WELL. Iwould appreciate any help. thank you and have a blessed day.

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  • pip57
    pip57 Member Posts: 12,401
    edited June 2008

    Don't be so hard on yourself. There is nothing you 'should' be doing right now. Take a day at a time.



    I think a lot of us go through depression during bc. I have been taking prozac which helps tremendously and is even shown to help chemo attack cancer cells. However, during tx, just getting up and down the stairs was an effort and there wasn't much motivation for anything. I spent most of the summer on a chaise lounge on my front porch, sleeping. I couldn't even read or play games on the computer. So, yes, it was quite depressing. Fast forward to now. I feel terrific. I am living my life again. Of course there are some changes but ones that I can live with.



    About the hair. I found it awkward going around bald at first but got over it. I usually went without anything but occasionally wore a scarf if it was cool out. Definitely no wigs. Too hot and, usually, too obvious. I now wear my hair very short (and curly) which I would never have had the nerve to try before.



    Take Care

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  • wishiwere
    wishiwere Member Posts: 3,793
    edited June 2008

    Not all meds work for everyone.  And they do take time to take effect. How long have you taken them? I've read it could take a couple months sometimes.  Perhaps you need a combination of the, or just a different type?  Please don't accept depression as a state you can't escape.  There are other ways to deal with it, call you doctor!

    And accept this Big ol' {{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}} till you get relief :)

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  • flyrzfan
    flyrzfan Member Posts: 557
    edited June 2008

    mawmaw I feel your pain...I too think depression goes with bc for many of us...but I also would recommend you call your doc - it can take a while or it could be you need a different kind...I was in your same place a month ago and finally asked my doc to help. I have been on cymbalta for 3 weeks now and the difference is night and day...being tired and the occassion "blue" feeling is one thing but you don't have to suffer through the depression type feelings you have now...please, ask them to try another med for you. Best wishes, I hope you find one that works better for you!

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  • Connie07
    Connie07 Member Posts: 636
    edited June 2008

    Mawmaw, it's hard. Give yourself a lot of compassion, it's okay to do little things that make you feel good. I'm deep in it too, and my treatments have been over for a while. I see a therapist who is a survivor - but I can only afford to go about twice a month, she is great and that 50 minutes goes by really fast. Yesterday I went to lunch with my son and a lady in there had on a pink shirt and a pink bandana on her obviously bald head. I wanted to hug her. I wish I had.

    Try getting outside, even if it's just on a porch, even if it's just a few minutes at a time. Deep breathing helps too. I also find that doing something 'creative' helps. sketch, sew, whatever you like. Journaling helps if you like to write. Spreading out your feelings on paper really can help.

    It really sucks feeling down and sad - but I'll bet that your family doesn't think you are a burden, but I know how you feel, even if they say you aren't, you still feel that way.

    Please - KNOW THIS - You are not alone. And tomorrow will come. Give YOU what you need, no one else can know what that is, but its' alright to give to yourself. Take a long, bubble bath. Plant something. Get a massage. Visit an assisted care place and talk to older women. They are a huge source of light. Pray. Rest. Pet an animal. There are abundant ways to give yourself a break and enjoy it. Savor the moments that make you smile and see how you can get  more of them.

    Write it out in here. Everyone cares. I care. Be good to you. It's time. It's YOUR time. What do you like?

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  • pabbie
    pabbie Member Posts: 370
    edited June 2008

    mawmaw-I have found the medication celexa to help me with depression, fatigue, and anxiety. I also take the medication clonazapem for sleeping & irritability. But in addition to meds, you must be extra kind to yourself-eat good, try and walk a little when you can, get out in nature, hug a kitty (I have 3 kitties and all have been my nurses), and conserve your energy. Do things when you have the energy & rest the other times of the day. I also found listening to soothing music, meditation, and prayer to be very calming. Take take of yourself.

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