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Ne's avatar
Ne
Member
10 years ago

UPDATE ...Life after Cancer....DEFINE LIFE!

To all you lovely ladies who have responded to my recent post Life After Cancer....Define Life!

I thought I owed you all an update and an apology for carrying on like the very sleep deprived, hormonal mess that I was. I have since started on the newly prescribed anti-depressant, Effexor and since yesterday has been on the full dose of 75mg….GEEEWIZ!!! What a difference since yesterday! I no longer feel overwhelmed like I did last week and looking back at my rant the other day I can’t even recognise who that person was! I must have definitely just crashed due to the switch over between medications and of course being sleep deprived, what can I say.
I was bowled over by the love and support from you all. You made me feel NORMAL!!! Which is such a big relief when we struggle to recognise ourselves and feel that lost. I am happy to report too that I had my first counselling session yesterday and have already been given some practical advice on how to help with the behaviours that are brought on by my fears and anxiety and negative thoughts.
Another silver lining and I don’t know if it is a bit premature to say, but I can almost sense that my hot flushes seems to be responding to the Effexor. They are less overwhelming and although still very uncomfortable, I almost seem to tolerate them better. Now that could also be because It is an anti-depressant which helps my brain and mood cope better with the stress of the hot flush itself, I don’t know.
More good news is I slept reasonably well last night till about 4pm which is a small improvement (this was without sleeping tablets).

Coming back to Effexor, I have read that women who switch over to Effexor to help relief their hot flushes experienced up to 50%improvement with their hot flushes.  I am hoping this will be the case for me as I will never be allowed hormone replacement therapy.  I will write an update about my experience with it in a couple of weeks.

Thank you so much for your kind words of support and compliments and advice.  I hope in future I will be able to return the favour and want to wish you all well with your battles.  Be strong and please don't judge this battle of cancer only by my previous post.  I have had to remind myself of the many little victories and milestones I have reached and of how far I have come since last year.  As one lovely lady said to me in her comments "we are just a little battle weary"...I couldn't have put it any better!  Stay strong, upwards and onwards. Bless you all xxxx

coping

6 Replies

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oh wow, 150mg? didn't know it had a higher dose.  My GP asked me which strenght of Pristique I used (which was the 50mg)  so I think she just matched it to more or less the same dose, hence maybe why she referred to it as 'my' highest dose.  I know Pristique has a higher dose (more than 50mg too).  At least now I know if I am feeling some relief on 75mg, maybe I could ask to use the 150mg if I feel I need more relief (depends if it will have an effect).

    How are you travelling on the Effexor?  Side effects? and how long have you been on it?

  • InkPetal's avatar
    InkPetal
    Member
    10 years ago

    I am so so so so so so (etc.) amazingly happy that you are happy.

    Effexor was one of my first anti-depressants and all it did for me was turn me into a zombie! I hear some horror stories about "finding one that works" so I'm THRILLED to see that you've got it on the first try!

    You never have to apologise for a mope or a rant, it's what we're here for.

    xo

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Ne, so pleased to read that you are noticing an improvement. There was nothing wrong with your previous post. You probably put Into words feelings most of us have at different times. Sleep deprivation is a terrible thing. As a long time shift worker, I know that feeling well. Hope you continue to improve.

    Take care, Lyn

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oh Ne,

    No need to apologise and you are normal!!! Sometimes we have times where it all becomes too much and we just don't think that we can do it anymore. That's when you need this site the most. Invariably there have been others who feel like you do and their support, advice and just general caring can make ssssssoooooo much difference. I'm so pleased to hear that you are feeling better than you were and that the counselling has proved beneficial. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks as the meds really kick in you will continue to feel much better. 

    I was interested that you said you were on the full dose of Efexor at 75mg. I am on 150mg a day. ?? Karen xox 

  • ChrissK's avatar
    ChrissK
    Member
    10 years ago

    Glad to hear you feel a little better Ne, I haven't heard of Effexor but my gyno said that in no way am it to take HRT as my cancer was hormone + I have had a hysterectomy back in 2013 but ovaries are still there.

    We are all here to support and help one another any way we can!

    Take Care and let us know how you go.

    Chriss xx

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Ne - pleased to hear that you are on the road to what is considered normal - bless you too and take care

    Remember we are all here to help each other through this

    Christine xx