Has Anyone Experienced This? What Helped?
Comments
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Lynn--and everyone else.
Lynn--and everyone else. This is the reason I love this board so much. I am always amazed when I find out that I am not the only one with some of these problems. I am also taking Synthroid, Zoloft, Ambien, Xanax when needed. I have always been prone to depression but this anxiety after my recurrence with bc in 2009 has been something else. My med onc has recommended me taking Femara. Scared to try it. I am almost embarrassed to admit the medication I feel I need just to get through the day. I also have marital problems and have been seeing therapist for a few yrs now. I agree that bc takes a toll on our minds and our bodies, and hope we all find peace and good health in this new year. Love to all. Marilyn0 -
This is the very reason Imarilyndbk said:Lynn--and everyone else.
Lynn--and everyone else. This is the reason I love this board so much. I am always amazed when I find out that I am not the only one with some of these problems. I am also taking Synthroid, Zoloft, Ambien, Xanax when needed. I have always been prone to depression but this anxiety after my recurrence with bc in 2009 has been something else. My med onc has recommended me taking Femara. Scared to try it. I am almost embarrassed to admit the medication I feel I need just to get through the day. I also have marital problems and have been seeing therapist for a few yrs now. I agree that bc takes a toll on our minds and our bodies, and hope we all find peace and good health in this new year. Love to all. Marilyn
This is the very reason I came to this site in early December. I completed my fight with BC and all the surgeries last winter. My onclogist hugged me and told me to go out and enjoy life. The life I face each day is a struggle, mentally. I experienced what I call a melt down and my family and friends say is a breakdown, I like my word better however prior to the holidays. My brother-in-law who I love to pieces told me to get over it. Unfortunatley for us that is not a choice, we move forward, however we can. I reached to this board for direction and to learn about experiences everyone else has had. What I learned from my many hours of reading is that I am normal, my life is normal and what I am experiencing is normal. Only normal for us is something totally different than what we had before or what others experience that have not been down this road. Previously I was on Alprasonam (spelled really wrong) until the bottle ran out, just about a week before my melt down. I have not been back to the doctor to have the prescription refilled but am seriously leaning towards always making sure I have some on hand. Leading up to the holidays I had a tough time, although it appears to be getting a little better I still have those days when it feels like I am going to fall apart. Work is crazy, our calendar at home is nuts and living this new life is a huge adjustment. Although I cannot relate to any type of adjustment to a prescription I can say that I have found out that I am okay because I am experiencing a lot of the same things many of you are. For me it was the posts on this site that helped me through something I had not experienced until now and knowing that others are going through what I am and are willing to talk about it has been the best medicine I have found. To all of you I say Thank you for your kind words, advice, humor and sharing your experiences. It has helped me a get through a very tough month. You are all very special in so many ways and I am thankful that I found you. There is no miricle drug for what we go through so God has given us one another so that we feel better and better every day. God bless and thank you for just being you.0 -
Arimidex
I have been taking Arimidex since August and have been feeling severely depressed off and on. I didn't even realize it was the medication until I started reading more about it. I just thought I was going crazy and that everyone suddenly turned against me. Reading your post has made me feel better, reinforcing that it is not me, it's the Arimidex. I went back to my medical file to see just how much I really needed Arimidex, according to my personal statistics, taking Arimidex decreases my chance of recurrence by 18%, so I need to continue. Thank you for being so open and sharing your experiences. I am so sorry that you are going through such a hard time. I wish you the best.0 -
Depression
Hi Lynn,
When I read your posting, I felt like I was reading my own words as I can totally identify with "horrible feelings and emotional paralysis." I also have to take thyroid pills (synthroid) and am under the care of a endocrinologist as well as taking Femara to inhibit any estrogen produced in my body. I wonder about the effects of my lack of estrogen and its possible link to my depression. It's just difficult to get through each day and so I'm writing to let you know that you are not alone and I understand your symptoms of anxiety. I send you hugs and strength to continue on although it sounds like you are trying very hard already and doing the right things.
Take care of yourself and feel free to email anytime as we've got to stick together.
Teri0 -
I take lexapro the minute Ispoonchek said:Depression
Hi Lynn,
When I read your posting, I felt like I was reading my own words as I can totally identify with "horrible feelings and emotional paralysis." I also have to take thyroid pills (synthroid) and am under the care of a endocrinologist as well as taking Femara to inhibit any estrogen produced in my body. I wonder about the effects of my lack of estrogen and its possible link to my depression. It's just difficult to get through each day and so I'm writing to let you know that you are not alone and I understand your symptoms of anxiety. I send you hugs and strength to continue on although it sounds like you are trying very hard already and doing the right things.
Take care of yourself and feel free to email anytime as we've got to stick together.
Teri
I take lexapro the minute I got rediagnosed i said load me up. I knew I would need it for the chemopause. I also take ativan at night. I will have to wean off that ewhen my treatment is done. It does help with anxiety. I wonder if doubling your synthroid is too much as you are jumping out of your skin. do you have any other symptoms like increased heartrate. of course you can get that with anxiety. darn they took that othert med out. you were doing well on your regime. things will get better, they will find the right combo. hang in there. hugs0 -
To everyone….thanks so
To everyone….thanks so much for your responses. I haven’t been able and/or haven’t had the energy to be on here very much lately. Many of your posts I first read today.
So, thank you Diane, you cute kitty, you.
Marilyn, your post helps ME not feel so all alone, too. I saw my psych Friday and asked her about the possibility that the Arimidex may be part of the problem. She said she doesn’t have enough experience with the pharmacology of Arimidex and that I should contact my oncology doctor or his nurse. The problem is, where I live is so rural, and the center, which my oncologist only visits on Wednesdays, is an hour and a half away. Then, trying telephone tag while I’m at work compounds the craziness of it all. When I had my first bout with these feelings a little more than a year ago, he basically just said that I should see a shrink and that I shouldn’t let the “cancer win.” I wonder, if anyone reading this has an oncologist who specializes in BC and the effects of Arimidex? Dear Marilyn, I wish peace and good health to you in this new year, as well.
Tracey, I too am so glad we have one another. I had been feeling so much better since last July; I never saw this train wreck coming. I call the worst episodes “melt downs,” too. I shared so much of my pain with my friends here where I live last time; I don’t want to put them through this pain again. Yet, I know that I HAVE to share this with people who love me. It’s one of the things that helped me get better before. It’s really a dilemma and at the moment isolates me, as I try to wear my “everything’s fine” mask at work and as I go about my day.
Scout, I am in the same situation as you. The Arimidex significantly increases my 5 year survival rate, so it's not something I want to up and quit. I wonder if the psycho-emotional effects of aromatase inhibitors is being seriously studied as to the percentage of women who respond as we do, and how those effects can best be ameliorated? How many of us are there?
Thank you, also, Teri, dear kindred spirit. Let’s hold each other up! I wish you many, many good days.
Carkris…I’ve been reading your posts since summer. What a good soul you are. “Chemopause!” Of course, I love it. The Synthroid just boosts to 125mcg. It may be a little high… Here's another question: Are there advantages/disadvantages to Ativan vs. Xanax? Anyone know? I am trying to hang in. Thanks for the hugs, carkris.
To everyone who posted, xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
Ativan vs Xanaxlynn1950 said:To everyone….thanks so
To everyone….thanks so much for your responses. I haven’t been able and/or haven’t had the energy to be on here very much lately. Many of your posts I first read today.
So, thank you Diane, you cute kitty, you.
Marilyn, your post helps ME not feel so all alone, too. I saw my psych Friday and asked her about the possibility that the Arimidex may be part of the problem. She said she doesn’t have enough experience with the pharmacology of Arimidex and that I should contact my oncology doctor or his nurse. The problem is, where I live is so rural, and the center, which my oncologist only visits on Wednesdays, is an hour and a half away. Then, trying telephone tag while I’m at work compounds the craziness of it all. When I had my first bout with these feelings a little more than a year ago, he basically just said that I should see a shrink and that I shouldn’t let the “cancer win.” I wonder, if anyone reading this has an oncologist who specializes in BC and the effects of Arimidex? Dear Marilyn, I wish peace and good health to you in this new year, as well.
Tracey, I too am so glad we have one another. I had been feeling so much better since last July; I never saw this train wreck coming. I call the worst episodes “melt downs,” too. I shared so much of my pain with my friends here where I live last time; I don’t want to put them through this pain again. Yet, I know that I HAVE to share this with people who love me. It’s one of the things that helped me get better before. It’s really a dilemma and at the moment isolates me, as I try to wear my “everything’s fine” mask at work and as I go about my day.
Scout, I am in the same situation as you. The Arimidex significantly increases my 5 year survival rate, so it's not something I want to up and quit. I wonder if the psycho-emotional effects of aromatase inhibitors is being seriously studied as to the percentage of women who respond as we do, and how those effects can best be ameliorated? How many of us are there?
Thank you, also, Teri, dear kindred spirit. Let’s hold each other up! I wish you many, many good days.
Carkris…I’ve been reading your posts since summer. What a good soul you are. “Chemopause!” Of course, I love it. The Synthroid just boosts to 125mcg. It may be a little high… Here's another question: Are there advantages/disadvantages to Ativan vs. Xanax? Anyone know? I am trying to hang in. Thanks for the hugs, carkris.
To everyone who posted, xoxoxoxo Lynn
I took Ativan during chemo and it helped with panic attacks and nausea. I take Xanax when I'm really depressed, it does make me drowsy. For me Xanax is stronger.0 -
Dear Lynnscout5000 said:Ativan vs Xanax
I took Ativan during chemo and it helped with panic attacks and nausea. I take Xanax when I'm really depressed, it does make me drowsy. For me Xanax is stronger.
I am very sorry for your situation and difficulties having medical help. My oncologist is a nationally recognized specialist in breast cancer treatment. When I complained about fatigue and lack of energy, while being on Tamoxifen, he concluded these symptoms are due to lack of estrogen and sent me to psychiatrist. My psychiatrist has been specializing in cancer patients and prescribe anti-depressants Effexor then switched to lexapro. Because Arimidex is relatively new drug there is a very limited data on it side effects I think the general practice is prescribe anti-estrogen therapy and treat side effect of estrogen blockers by anti-depressants and other psychotic medications.
I encourage you to talk to your oncologist even it is difficult and seek a second opinion for both oncologist and psychiatrist.
Hugs,
New Flower0 -
Thanks, New Flower andNew Flower said:Dear Lynn
I am very sorry for your situation and difficulties having medical help. My oncologist is a nationally recognized specialist in breast cancer treatment. When I complained about fatigue and lack of energy, while being on Tamoxifen, he concluded these symptoms are due to lack of estrogen and sent me to psychiatrist. My psychiatrist has been specializing in cancer patients and prescribe anti-depressants Effexor then switched to lexapro. Because Arimidex is relatively new drug there is a very limited data on it side effects I think the general practice is prescribe anti-estrogen therapy and treat side effect of estrogen blockers by anti-depressants and other psychotic medications.
I encourage you to talk to your oncologist even it is difficult and seek a second opinion for both oncologist and psychiatrist.
Hugs,
New Flower
Thanks, New Flower and Scout. Knowledge is such a good thing. New Flower: How lucky you are to have a specialist in breast cancer treatment and also a psychiatrist who specializes in treating cancer patients. I am hesitant to switch from Arimidex to a different aromatase inhibitor precisely because I suspect that it is the lack of estrogen that is at the root of what's going on...a rose...is a rose....is a rose....
I often wonder if I would be going through this emotional stuff, had I not had cancer? What role does the cancer play in this painful drama?
Hearing from all of you makes me feel less alone.
xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
Lynn, thank you for posting.lynn1950 said:Thanks, New Flower and
Thanks, New Flower and Scout. Knowledge is such a good thing. New Flower: How lucky you are to have a specialist in breast cancer treatment and also a psychiatrist who specializes in treating cancer patients. I am hesitant to switch from Arimidex to a different aromatase inhibitor precisely because I suspect that it is the lack of estrogen that is at the root of what's going on...a rose...is a rose....is a rose....
I often wonder if I would be going through this emotional stuff, had I not had cancer? What role does the cancer play in this painful drama?
Hearing from all of you makes me feel less alone.
xoxoxoxo Lynn
Lynn, thank you for posting. I was thinking of you and hoping that your doctor appt last week was more helpful.
Do you know who I think would be a great resource? A pharmacist. Joe's sister is a pharmacist who takes time to answer patients' questions and research what she does not know. Your pharmacist will know all the meds you take and can advise you. Again, a little research may be needed, but I'd start with the expert on medicines. And that's pharmacists.
Other options that come to mind are to go to the Johns Hopkins breast cancer site and ask Lili. She is the nurse who answers questions. She is a two-time survivor herself (she has has TN and hormonal bc). She is blunt and honest and very knowledgeable. When she doesn't know, she does not hesitate to direct women to other resources.
Hope this helps some, Lynn. You remain in our prayers, and we want to see you smiling again. You have suffered enough.
Moopy0 -
just guessinglynn1950 said:Thanks, New Flower and
Thanks, New Flower and Scout. Knowledge is such a good thing. New Flower: How lucky you are to have a specialist in breast cancer treatment and also a psychiatrist who specializes in treating cancer patients. I am hesitant to switch from Arimidex to a different aromatase inhibitor precisely because I suspect that it is the lack of estrogen that is at the root of what's going on...a rose...is a rose....is a rose....
I often wonder if I would be going through this emotional stuff, had I not had cancer? What role does the cancer play in this painful drama?
Hearing from all of you makes me feel less alone.
xoxoxoxo Lynn
maybe you need to switch to Tamoxifen? Just a an idea. It has different than aromatase inhibitors mode of action. Thank you for posting this questions. Unfortunately, oncologists do not want to talk about it. They believe that estrogen dependent cancer should be treated with anti-estrogen drug, leaving emotional and mental health issues to psychiatrist. How far are you from University with Medical school or teaching hospital? Some breast centers have psychiatrist on staff.
Sending you a big hug.
New flower0 -
Hi friend, Asking aMoopy23 said:Lynn, thank you for posting.
Lynn, thank you for posting. I was thinking of you and hoping that your doctor appt last week was more helpful.
Do you know who I think would be a great resource? A pharmacist. Joe's sister is a pharmacist who takes time to answer patients' questions and research what she does not know. Your pharmacist will know all the meds you take and can advise you. Again, a little research may be needed, but I'd start with the expert on medicines. And that's pharmacists.
Other options that come to mind are to go to the Johns Hopkins breast cancer site and ask Lili. She is the nurse who answers questions. She is a two-time survivor herself (she has has TN and hormonal bc). She is blunt and honest and very knowledgeable. When she doesn't know, she does not hesitate to direct women to other resources.
Hope this helps some, Lynn. You remain in our prayers, and we want to see you smiling again. You have suffered enough.
Moopy
Hi friend, Asking a pharmacist is a good idea. However, because it is so expensive, I don't buy my Arimidex locally;instead I get it through MEDCO, an on-line pharmacy.
I will go to the John Hopkins site and see if Lili has any insights.
Thanks for the thoughtful suggestions.
xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
Dear New flower, I live inNew Flower said:just guessing
maybe you need to switch to Tamoxifen? Just a an idea. It has different than aromatase inhibitors mode of action. Thank you for posting this questions. Unfortunately, oncologists do not want to talk about it. They believe that estrogen dependent cancer should be treated with anti-estrogen drug, leaving emotional and mental health issues to psychiatrist. How far are you from University with Medical school or teaching hospital? Some breast centers have psychiatrist on staff.
Sending you a big hug.
New flower
Dear New flower, I live in the middle of Idaho ----many hours from a teaching hospital. I don't believe there is a psychiatrist specializing in cancer, much less breast cancer, in the entire state. One of the reasons I love this site and you, my pink sisters, is because you are my link to so much information and experience. We can share so much with each other. I am so grateful for the prayers and guidance with which I've been blessed here and hope I can give at least a teensie bit back.
xoxoxoxo Lynn0 -
Thank you, Marcia, myMarcia527 said:Very sad to read this post
Very sad to read this post as I thought this issue was behind you. You've already gotten good advice and I don't have any. Hang in there. For every question there is an answer. We just have to find it. Hope you find yours soon.
Thank you, Marcia, my friend. Lynn0 -
Lynnlynn1950 said:Thank you, Marcia, my
Thank you, Marcia, my friend. Lynn
I hope you are feeling better today.
Somehow I forget two remedies which I used:
Yogi Tea Kava Stress Relief Tea it works a mild antidepressant and it did help me.
My primary care recommends SAME it is supplement 200mg/day.
Dr. Susan Love research foundation has some info on estrogen/menopausal relief and you can also ask any questions
http://www.dslrf.org/
Hugs,
New Flower0
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