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After Treatment?

jwolfsen
jwolfsen CSN Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I finished treatment the end of last year and came through with a clean bill of health. I had a very positive attitude throughout it all but now depressed and seemingly have a delayed reaction. Anyone experience that? What helped?
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Comments

  • jeancmici
    jeancmici CSN Member Posts: 665 *
    #2
    I think time will help. Remember you had to be very involved during your treatment - actively pursuing the demon cancer - and now have a chance to relax somewhat - time to think abpout the future. All that purposeful treatment and now a let-down as you slowly adjust to a normal life again. Give yourself some time - and as Tara always says, be good to yourself.

    Are you now on tamoxifen - I think that can have a depressing effect.

    Good Luck,
    Jean
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  • jmears
    jmears CSN Member Posts: 266
    #3
    I was 7 months out of treatment and went into a "major" depression. I went to a pyhcologist who sent me to a pyhciatrist who prescribed Zoloft and I'm feeling pretty perky! Prior to the medication I cried about anything and I had a hopeless feeling ... I wasn't suicidal but I convinced myself I had no future and had already decided if I had a reccurance I would not take treatment. That's pretty depressed. All that went away in about a week, I'm active, laughing, happy, and calm. Good luck. Jamie
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  • 24242
    24242 CSN Member Posts: 1,398 *
    #4
    Yes some of us do have delayed affects from treatments and yes some do have depression. I always want to raise the issue of those of us that are in pain or still not well therefore situational depression becomes an issue. I have fought long and hard to address the pain and physical issues and in past when those symptoms addressed I too am a different person. I do not want my tears to dry up I am an emotional being. Never could help that. Most say I wear my emotions on my sleeve always have always will. Hopefully I won't be writing many more posts like this. You oldies must be getting a little sick of hearing it. OH WELL...
    Be good to yourself always,
    Tara24242
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  • maud
    maud CSN Member Posts: 178
    #5
    I experienced the same feeling when I was finished with treatment.I think that it has alot to do with being so busy running to the Drs. going for chemo and tests and having everyone taking such good
    care of us that when we finally settle down and relax it hits us.I would sit and cry and think about what if it comes back again, and it seemed like I had so much time on my hands that I didn't know what to do. I think trying to keep busy will help but if you need to see someone then do so by all means.I have also been on a low dosage of antidepressants for awhile and it does help.We are all here for each other, feel free to email me if you would like to. Take care of you and try to do things that you enjoy doing. Keep us posted and I will be praying for you.
    God Bless
    Debbie
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  • wgbgb
    wgbgb CSN Member Posts: 7
    #6
    I felt the same way after my treatment and all the followup exams were done. It seemed like everyone was watching my health so closely and all of a sudden I was on my own, and I was supposed to just get on with my life. I also saw a counselor/psychologist just once to talk it through and make sure I was on the right path and would be alright. Maybe you need an antidepressant for a little while. I take zoloft for my hot flashes, but it helps depression too. Be easy on yourself. Take care, wgbgb
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