Very depressed

When you get a bc diagnosis,everything happens so quickly and it's scary and surreal.It's not until after surgery and results that we really begin to process what just happened.You've had to face your own mortality and had an amputation of a body part.Now throw in a drug with lots of side effects- of course you'd feel down. I became quite moody/teary/irritable when I started Tamoxifen and had bad hot flushes.After 3 months my oncologist put me on Endep 10mg which is a very low dose anti depressant for sleep and hot flushes.It really helped and no side effects( for me).I had tried Effexor but that drug left me semi conscious! We are all different.You may find talking to a psychologist helpful or even just blogging back here to vent your fears.We know what you've been through and can relate to your worries. I've had early bc twice. First time was in 2003(47yrs old) and then again in 2010.I had similar pathology to you.From my experience,it takes about 18mths or so to get abit of confidence back in your health.It is quite normal for you to feel worried but in time your fears will lessen.I'm fine now but always get abit anxious around mammo/ checkup time.Perhaps finding some quiet time for yourself might help?eg art therapy,meditation,yoga,walking.Time to look after YOU : ). Big hug,Tonya xx

Hi Jay,

Sorry to hear you are feeling so lousy.  I'm not on any of those drugs so I can not speak in regards to them.  However, I was speaking to my pschcologist the other day and she was saying that it is not unusual for women to struggle when their treatment is finished (or in the more maintenance phase such as tamoxifan).  Basically it all happens so quickly and then we are thrown into treatments and we do what we have to to get through what we need to.  Once things quieten down we start to realise what we have been through and all the implications associated with it. 

There is no reason why this happens to any of us.  None of us deserve it.  It is a disease and it doesn't discrimiate unfortunately.  It just is what it is.

You need to speak with your doctors about how you feel and look at a plan to help you deal with things, whether through changes to your current medications, counselling or perhaps antidepressants.  Try to change your thinking around in regards to being monitored by your specialists for the next 5 years.  By doing his, if there is a reccurance, it will be caught early.  You are getting the best possible care available.  None of us have any say in how we will die or when, we just have to make the most of the time that we have. Take care and I hope that you start to feel more positive soon.

Karen xox

 

I'm so sorry you have had to find us as it means another woman with breast cancer. Did you have a single or double mastectomy, reconstruction or not? Now it's very early days into your recovery, the shock of the diagnosis, the fear of the future, the trauma of the surgery, the affects of anaesthetics and drugs, the pain, the tiredness, the care of 3 young children, a home, a husband.... Really kiddo, why would you not feel down. I did, and I did for the longest time, sometimes I wished I was dead, I felt so alone, sometimes I still do, my life changed beyond all recognition....... Then I found this site and these amazing women who helped me, got me, shared with me, gave me advice and educated me...... So I'm actually not sorry you found us, I'm happy,for you, I'm coming back and if I can do anything to help you come back to yours I will as will others here. If you would like to chat with me at anytime day or night, please call. Send me a personal message and I'll send you my email and contact numbers. In my thoughts, it's going to get better, just not immediately, but you can do it, you already have by getting treatment and like me your one of the lucky ones having found it early...big hug susan xx

Hi Jay,

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but you can't see it yet. I am over 50 so I am on Arimidex which is an awful drug. My friends are on Tamoxifan and they tell me their symptoms are similar with depression, aching joints, headaches etc but all these symptoms do lessen over time. After 18 months I found I was pretty good and my mindset changed so I could cope so much better. Try and stick with it but do talk to your oncologist as there are other drugs which might suit you better. My advice would be to join a support group as mine is invaluable. The other women were what kept me going.

good luck

xx Lynne

Welcome to the online network.You have come to the right place for assistance in getting over the hurdle in front of you at the moment:). I was diagnosed almost 18 months ago now.My tumour was considered small at just under 2 cm.It was also grade 2. I take Tamoxifen every day,and in the beginning,I did have some side effects.Slight nausea,hot flushes,and moodiness.My oncologist at RPA in Sydney,encouraged me to persevere with it,as side effects with Tamoxifen are almost always short lived.As time goes on your body adjusts.Of course there are always going to be a small number of women for whom Tamoxifen doesn't agree,but even in those circumstances,doctors can prescribe medication to help.Some ladies on here take a very mild anti depressant called Effexor which they say seems to help.I encourage you to persevere,as it is very early days for you.Perhaps you are still in shock from your initial diagnosis,and having 3 young children,doesn't always allow you to take the time you need to really come to terms with a diagnosis of BC.Try to remember,that Breast cancer caught so early as yours,has a VERYgood prognosis.The MAJORITY of women with BC go on to lead perfectly normal lives,and it never comes back.Please stay connected on here.I think you will find it very healing to chat with others in a similiar position as yourself,and there are many ladies on here that have had varying degrees of depression along with their BC diagnosis.If you feel that you can't go on taking Tamoxifen,make an appointment with your doctor and tell them how it is making you feel.I am sure they will be helpful.Sending a big cyber hug your way:):) xxxRobyn