Depression after Treatment

Thanks darl for your lovely response. Sorry to let you down - being all downmouthed! I'm much better now - I suppose it I need to take some time out to get a grip really. I've had some time off work (for once I wasn't going to any drs which was novel!) and have reassessed things in my life.

But I have taken on board everything you and all the other ladies said and agree with you all. I am on Effexor-SR but I really don't think it's helping in terms of the depression so I'm going to talk to the GP about the dosage or switching to another one.

Yukky old Tamoxifin is causing heaps and heaps of hot flushes (which I hate). It isn't helping with sleep either but I'm hopeful that this might settle over time. Have to take the damn stuff for 10 years!

Anyway the main thing is, with a bit of time out and some 'me' time I'm feeling much, much better so thank you for your post and concern.

I really hope things are going well with you too, luv to hear what you've been up to.

cheers for now

Luv Helen

Thanks for sharing your experience Moira - really appreciate your honesty. I am exactly like you - I was super resistant to the idea of taking anti-depressants or any other pill for that matter until cancer came along!

Didn't really get much of choice! Now I'm on numerous pills a day including Tamoxifin and Effexor-SR. I simply hate Tamoxifin - makes my hot flushes so much worse and more frequent! As for the Effexor - I'm yet to see any real benefit from that.

But happily I am alot better, thanks to a bit of "time-out" time and having a damn good look at myself and reassessing my priorities...I've decided not to be so hard on myself for a start! I expected to go back to work full of energy and up to the same standard I was - only to discover there was no way I was going to return the same as I left!! I think I was either a bit naive or in denial - one or the other....so I was particularly upset with myself that I was constantly tired, not efficient at work and just not coping. I'm very lucky that I had a very supportive team at work who helped me through all this.

It was traumatic but I think I've come out the other end - a stronger person with more realistic expectations of myself.

So now I'm feeling much better and more in control, although I will reluctantly discuss this with my GP as I do worry it may occur again - perhaps he can give me some strategies on how to deal with it, if it ever does raise it's ugly head again.

Thanks again

cheers

Helen

Hi Safarian

Get where you're coming from...already on it darl - doesn't seem to do much for the hot flushes (or the depression at times!).

Shall be discussing dosage and/or change of antidepressant with GP shortly.

Thanks for your reply.

cheers

Helen

Thanks for your reply...perhaps a psychologist might be a way to go...??

I'll talk to my GP even though I am feeling better now - I do worry this may happen again.

cheers

Helen

Thanks for your reply Julia....you're absolutely right - we have been through a life threatening battle...I forget that at times. And I hadn't considered good old Tamoxifen being a contributing factor ... but it makes sense.

I have recently purchased some nice candles and relaxation CD's so hopefully that will also help as I begin to feel better.

Hoping you are well and looking after yourself too.

take care

regards

Helen

Thank you ladies for all of you advice and care. I'm a tad overwhelmed by the response to be honest! You're all very special ladies for caring.

I think all of you have given me lots of ideas as to why I felt so down and I could really relate to some of them such as 'not enough me time', 'pressure at work' and accepting that I don't have the stamina I used to - very frustrating for a person like me (I'm usually tearing around with 5 projects on the go at the same time!).

I don't think not sleeping well and having terrible hot flushes is helping either - totally sick of that! :) I'm already on Effexor SR so that doesn't seem to be helping much.

I also have my parents getting older and sicker (dad had an op 2 days before Christmas) and it is difficult to see them deteriorate before you eyes...especially as they supported me so much during my battle. It seems all I can do is be there, act as the driver and take them to appts and try to keep abreast pardon the pun!) of all their speciailists. They have both aged considerably since last Christmas and I think that was worrying and upsetting me too.

But I'm happy to say that I'm much better! It's taken time - hence why I haven't responded - sorry about that! I needed to relax and regroup.

I've decided to take up painting - hopefully water colours, I'm better organised at work and I've had a good rest (3 wks off) including a nice weekend away with hubby.

It's funny how you can pull yourself out of the depths of depression isn't it....just takes time. But I am eternally grateful for your luv and support and your responses.

Look out world - I'm BACK!!

Cheers and much luv to all of you

Thank you again

Helen xxxx

Sorry to hear you are down cos you seemed such a bubbly person when I met you in Melbourne. I think we put on a brave face to get through all the treatment. We convince ourselves to stay positve.However,when we are a safe distance from the trauma we relook at it and realize we can now cry. Some of the anti hormone drugs like Tamoxifen can really mess with your head. I was having a few dark thoughts and my oncologist put me on Endep(very low dose of 10mgs) but it really helped with hot flushes and low mood. I didn't need any further help.I think this network is a great place to express your feelings and "talk" to others.See your doctor and get checked out.The girls above me give great advice and at the very least,you know you are not alone with these feelings. I found it took me about 2 years after each breast cancer bout(2 bc rides) to feel more confident about my health and feel like my old self. I do art therapy each week and I find that helps. Are you working too hard and not having enough"me "time?Take care darl,let us know how you are. love and hugs,Tonya xx

Sorry to hear you are down cos you seemed such a bubbly person when I met you in Melbourne. I think we put on a brave face to get through all the treatment. We convince ourselves to stay positve.However,when we are a safe distance from the trauma we relook at it and realize we can now cry. Some of the anti hormone drugs like Tamoxifen can really mess with your head. I was having a few dark thoughts and my oncologist put me on Endep(very low dose of 10mgs) but it really helped with hot flushes and low mood. I didn't need any further help.I think this network is a great place to express your feelings and "talk" to others.See your doctor and get checked out.The girls above me give great advice and at the very least,you know you are not alone with these feelings. I found it took me about 2 years after each breast cancer bout(2 bc rides) to feel more confident about my health and feel like my old self. I do art therapy each week and I find that helps. Are you working too hard and not having enough"me "time?Take care darl,let us know how you are. love and hugs,Tonya xx

I was saddened to read your blog.  Yes you have been so cheery and helpful and have got through so much.... and that's just it.  BC is such a challenging battle with so many wonderful people to help you on the way....then...nothing.  Once I returned to work after my first diagnosis I just couldn't cope.   I had changed but others hadn't.  I found it difficult to "mould back to normal".  I saw a Psychologist for weeks.  I don't like taking pills either but when they are needed to get us back to some normality after such a challenge then so be it.  At the recent Strength 2 Strength conference, it was noted that a Psychologist is now included in the treatment team for bc patients.  You are just fitting into the "normal" range.  As Moira stated don't feel hesitant to discuss it with your GP. XLeonie