Emotions and Femara

I just wanted to say that it is actually very common for alot of ladies to suffer PTSD as BC is a Trauma and it can bring it on, so its definitely something worthwhile talking to someone about, it certainly has helped get my thoughts together and bring the emotional forward and link them in a way that I can step forward each day. Hugs Melinda xo

Ty here's hoping so

Hi Momma4!  when we are going through treatment it is all consuming and then when it is over for some it is a feeling of abandonment and reflection and wondering who, why, what and if it is gone or it will surface again! Your move for a plan is a positive one and no doubt will be very beneficial!
Take care xx

I've read it's common when you finish treatment to feel tearful, angry, anxious I think it's a sort Iof grieving similar to PTSD I'm off to the gp next week for the same issues getting a mental health plan hoping to find an empathetic psychologist, if I get through half a day without tears it's a good day, get some support be kind to yourself it's a massive transition and it's hard to see anything positive xx

To PrimeK, Afraser and Melinda, Thankyou for your sage advice. I was thinking some form of counselling was the way to go regardless of the cause as I've been convinced of the usefulness of being on femara, despite some pretty horrible potential side effects. It seems this cancer treatment is all about statistics and odds, sounds like the tab, and I've never been into gambling. As I also feel I've been robbed of much of the joy of living a dear friend gave me a book by Russ Harris called the Reality Slap. I'm slowly making my way through it, doing the tasks that pop up regularly, mindfulness is really what it is about. I think a meaningful chat along the way will help too. Job for tomorrow, organise that help, think I'll try the oncology support nurse where I went for treatment as she would know about the people on offer there before trying an avenue non cancer related. Thanks again, I hope you are all in a good head state, hugs to you all :)

Now Curly, sorry to hear of your journey this far. I'm with Primek I don't think its the Femara, but rather the whole journey, I know from having my recurrence its been very difficult emotionally and mentally to combat, everything you described is exactly how I feel. I know it sounds strange but the tears are good and I actually caught up with a Psychologist last week after not speaking to her for 3yrs and was amazing. She pointed out the obvious that I was grieving, grieving my journey the past 6yrs, grieving my pending surgery and mastectomy coming up. It certainly helps to talk to somebody and your GP could assist with a mental health plan which will get you 6 visits through Medicare. It really would make the world of difference. And of course you have US!!! nothing you could say that we havent thought or felt...so keep talking. Sending a big hug Melinda xo

I've been on femara for nearly 4 years and haven't had any symptoms, certainly not emotional distress. I agree with primek, the concentration on treatment can keep you clear of an emotional reaction (to the whole thing, not just treatment) until you actually stop and then you mentally have to catch up. And often people can't understand why they are reacting at this stage, when when they were coping so well earlier. I didn't experience the sad or apathetic reaction myself, but I felt the wind knocked out of me by realising (in the space of 6 weeks) that I had 3 long term side effects. My terrific oncology nurse recommended a counselor, and the counselor was excellent in helping me identify my real issues, get to terms with them and get back to a happy outlook on life in a very short time. Not depressed, no drugs, just got a tad overwhelmed. Sometimes you need an outsider, to help you focus again.  Best wishes.

It could be adjustment to femera or it could well be depression following the trauma you have been through. I would suggest a return visit, a mental health plan and a psychology review would be a good start, regardless what is causing it.

It takes time to recover from not only the phyical aspect of cancer treatment but also the mental part of it. It often doesn't hit you until there finally is time to take a breath.

Take care. Kath x