Depression

cammie
cammie Member Posts: 102
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Will this ever end? I have been Susie Sunshine throughout this whole ordeal. I have a 13 and 10 year old, so I have been the strong mom. But oh my this week has got me so in the dumps, and I can't shake it. I'm on the last leg of reconstruction - I have the expander and will get my implant in August. My hair is starting to come back. I should be happy now that it is coming to a end, but I am depressed. Normally I can laugh at jokes, pretend I am a turtle without my wig, comment on my oversized left breast etc., but not this week. Help me snap out of this. Cammie

Comments

  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 Member Posts: 476 Member
    You have been through so much. It is the cumulative effect catching up with you. We can be brave on a moment to moment basis for just so long before each of us "hits the wall." Expanders lead toward a good thing, but are an added issue on top of everything else. I also rely very heavily on the ability to find the humor value in every given situation, but have learned that some things are just not funny. Or maybe it is more like that on some days, things are just not funny. A lot of time, I find that simple normal activities like grocery shopping offer an oasis of normalcy. During the past 3 weeks, I've taken each of the cats up to the vet to have their shots updated as much for my own equilibrium as for their wellbeing. When you feel the way you are feeling now, it is hard to imagine that the future holds many joyful days for you. I rely strongly on the fact that it is hard to imagine that the stars are still in the sky when a mantle of clouds obscure all celestial delights. On a rational level, I can accept the fact that the stars are still there, and sure enough, I do get to see them again when the clouds pass. I'm sorry I cannot come up with anything better than that, Cammie, and even more sorry that you are having that kind of week. Hugs, Denise
  • blossomtime
    blossomtime Member Posts: 98
    Boy do I hear what you say. I just had my expander exchanged on Friday and guess what, I have the wheepies today. I just talked to my mom and could barely keep from crying but she talks about how strong I am and I feel I cant let her know how hard it is some days. But I know tomorrow is another day and will most likely be better. Keep your chin up and take it one day at a time. Good luck to you
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    Hi Cammie:

    What you're experiencing is perfectly normal. At some point, we each hit a wall, as Denise described. That wall can be different at different times and for different reasons. IT'S OK. Go ahead and let yourself cry it out.

    Holding everything in and trying valiantly to show everyone just how peachy we are getting along, will, sooner or later, need addressing. When it's time to cry, go ahead and make no apologies about it. If we can feel so sad for a dear friend or loved one going through such an ordeal, then surely we can allow ourselves to express our own sadness, anger, frustration, fear, and/or depression. I think it's all part of being kind to ourselves and treating ourselves like someone we love and care for.

    Sometimes, theres this aura of "oh you're so strong". It snowballs and gets bigger and bigger. Pretty soon, we may come to think that if we cry or feel down, that people will be disappointed or upset. Truth is, we have our strong moments and we have our less strong moments and we must give credit to the value of both. WE HAVE to acknowledge both as part of our experience. I think it's the only way we can find balance and find emotional solid ground. Recovery is WORK. Allowing ourselves to feel sad is not a betrayal and certainly isn't a sign of weakness. Rather, it's part of our recovery. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

    Longer and longer stretches of better and better days WILL arrive! DON'T get down on yourself or feel that you're not allowed to grieve for all you've been through. I think the Suzie Sunshine
    demeanor you've maintained thus far is quite miraculous!

    So, go ahead, lighten your load. All you have to lose is some emotional baggage which only gets heavier and heavier the longer we try to carry it around.

    Hope you're feeling brighter really soon.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    Hi Cammie, I think sometimes it's almost easier to stay "up" during treatment. You have something that you're doing to help yourself get well and you get a lot of support from the frequent interaction with the medical pros and other patients. Afterwards, you can feel kind of lost and it takes awhile to find your "new normal." Your life has centered around treatment, doctor's appts. and side effects. Being done can be scary. Be good to yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help from your doc. There are a lot of meds that can help if you can't kick the funk on your own. Diane
  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    ksfc said:

    Hi Cammie, I think sometimes it's almost easier to stay "up" during treatment. You have something that you're doing to help yourself get well and you get a lot of support from the frequent interaction with the medical pros and other patients. Afterwards, you can feel kind of lost and it takes awhile to find your "new normal." Your life has centered around treatment, doctor's appts. and side effects. Being done can be scary. Be good to yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help from your doc. There are a lot of meds that can help if you can't kick the funk on your own. Diane

    Thank you everyone. I actually went on a field trip with my sons school today. It helped a lot. I need to get back to the norm of life, I'm sure that is what keeps us all grounded. Thanks again for the advice, I'm sure we all have been there before. Cammie