PTSD and cancer

ms.sunshine

Is there such a thing. Can one experience PTSD after being dx with cancer, or after treatments.
When I was dx with cancer 10/2009 I did fine. Went thru all treatments: chemo, surgery, rads, still ok. Had tests 10/2010 still good. Here recently in the past month I feel like I'm falling apart mentally/emotionally. I don't understand I did so well before so why am I feeling anxious.
1. Can't sleep, nightmares. I'm fighting cancer asking for help, and no one will help me.
2. I have feelings of hopelessness.
3. I have anxiety, fear, dread. I have a feeling something bad is going to happen to me.I feel if I want to do something I better do it now because my life is limited.
4. I'm scatterbrained, bad thoughts come and go.

I hate this black cloud hanging over me. This is so not like me. I have never experienced these feelings, and thoughts. Of course I never had to deal with cancer. Anyone experience this? What has helped you. Is there a remedy without having to take meds. I really don't want to pop another pill.

Thanks for understanding, as I'm sure most of you will.
Jennifer

roseann4

Hi Jennifer.
Your symptoms sound like depression. This is a common condition following a cancer diagnosis and treatments. It often starts after treatments are over and we need to return to our lives. There is nothing more to be done so our fear and anxiety appear. You brain chemistry can also be thrown off due to the treatments. Call your doctor and get treatment. You may only need it until you get through this rough patch.

Roseann

Gabe N Abby Mom

I think you should see a doc
I think you should see a doc about this, I'd start with your primary or your oncologist. And I think you should print this posting, take it to the appointment...it clearly expresses what you're going through and can help your doc help you. And the doc may be able to help without meds.

Best wishes, and let us know how you're doing.

Hugs,

Linda

sbmly53

I believe with all my heart that PTSD
likely follows cancer. Especially, once you've gotten through surgery/treatments. That's when you've slowed down enough to have it wash over you. While many people don't want to take 'one more pill', I think that if you need too, you should. I resisted for quite awhile, but circumstances made me realize that I did need some help. I was given Lorazepam initially, but then prescribed Effexor. It does what it's supposed to. It helped me cope when I needed that help, I am no longer on it, but who knows?

Sending a big hug with those nice little pats on the back,

Sue

New Flower

sbmly53 said:

I believe with all my heart that PTSD
likely follows cancer. Especially, once you've gotten through surgery/treatments. That's when you've slowed down enough to have it wash over you. While many people don't want to take 'one more pill', I think that if you need too, you should. I resisted for quite awhile, but circumstances made me realize that I did need some help. I was given Lorazepam initially, but then prescribed Effexor. It does what it's supposed to. It helped me cope when I needed that help, I am no longer on it, but who knows?

Sending a big hug with those nice little pats on the back,

Sue

You have done your first step by sharing your feeling
double post

New Flower

sbmly53 said:

I believe with all my heart that PTSD
likely follows cancer. Especially, once you've gotten through surgery/treatments. That's when you've slowed down enough to have it wash over you. While many people don't want to take 'one more pill', I think that if you need too, you should. I resisted for quite awhile, but circumstances made me realize that I did need some help. I was given Lorazepam initially, but then prescribed Effexor. It does what it's supposed to. It helped me cope when I needed that help, I am no longer on it, but who knows?

Sending a big hug with those nice little pats on the back,

Sue

If you take estrogen blockers
if you are on estrogen blockers or are in induced menopause those symptoms also can be side effects of medications. It takes almost 1 year to recover physically and emotionally after Chemo and radiation. Chemistry of brain could change too.
Please talk to your medical oncologist who might prescribe you antidepressants, in addition you maybe need to consult with specialist as well.
Good that you decided to share your feeling with us.
Please let us know.

MAJW

PTSD
I was told point blank by my surgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist that indeed having BC can indeed cause PTSD..AND I had it and still do...to some extent...It 's something we have to work through.. and it's easier for some than others...I was encouraged by all 3 physicians to attend "Finding Your New Normal" when all my treatment ended...I'm not a group type person....I had an absolute meltdown in my radiation oncologist' office one week before treatment ended...For almost ten months, I fought for my life every day in one way or another...I asked him " now what do I do?". He is so kind, caring and understanding...He explained that what one goes through, fighting cancer, fighting for your life is about as traumatic as it gets! And that I should realize it is perfectly normal...Again, I decided against getting involved in a group setting...although I think it it helps many.

I have a wonderful support group in my family and friends....I have been out of all treatment for 17 months...I am triple negative...no further treatment available, like TamoxifAn, etc..that's unsettling in and of itself..Slowly I have found part of my " old self.". It was really hard at first, fighting the effects of chemo and radiation...tiredness, fatigue, the " what if it come a back"..Time has helped, my energy level is back to almost normal..I once more enjoy the things I did before the beast entered my life...

Don 't hesitate to ask your physician for an anti depressant...use all the resources available to you...I did not go the drug route after treatment..I was prescribed. Low dose Valium that I took before surgery, during all the many tests and the first day of chemo...It was a god send...took the edge off..
Please continue on this board,so many wonderful women willing to share their experiences, what helped them, etc...we care...

Peace be with you,
Nancy

ladyg

Jennifer
It sounds to me like you need an antidepressant. I have alway been a strong person and I did really well until the last week of rads when my niece passed away from cancer. I made it through going to be with my sister but after I got home it all hit me. I went to see my medical onc and he sent me to see my pc dr. She put me on Lexapro immediately. I have since changed to Citalopram. It makes a world of difference. I have also started going to yoga for the relaxation of it. Give it a try if you can.

Hugs,
Georgia

disneyfan2008

sorry you are going through this
I know I have mentioned before (not sure if you have read) BUT JOURNALS help me a great deal. A friend gave one at the start and then radiation center gave me one(theirs had sayings etc as well) I DINT" Really think it was helping..but in hind sight now...they helped alot...

i'll be thinking of you..!

Jennifer1961

I've been going through the
I've been going through the same thing, post treatment. I started taking Effexor (antidepressant) and seeing a shrink. Also talking to other cancer patients has helped. Turns out this post treatment depression is pretty common. I'm also looking at getting a book on the subject. Look on amazon.com to see if they have anything that sounds good. I haven't decided on one yet. Having cancer is so life changing and I don't think we realize it while we are in treatment. We just put our heads down and get through it, then afterwards it hits us. It's like holy crap, that was really horrible! It hits you that no matter what they tell you there is always that small chance that it could come back. No one can give you a guarantee (sp?).

There's no shame in "popping another pill". On the plus side the Effexor has given me more engery without making me hyper and I've lost that last five pounds!

If you are really against the meds, try meditation. A lot of Wellness programs teach meditation. Check it out.

mariam_11_09

Hi Jennifer,
Sorry that you
Hi Jennifer,

Sorry that you are feeling this way. Like others I also got confirmation of that PTSD could follow chemo. After chemo I said to the Oncologist that I felt I had been through a war zone and that chemo was very traumatic, almost like torture, even though according to doctors and friends I had handled it very well (physically and emotionally). The Oncologist very meekly agreed with me and said that some people do suffer from PTSD afterwards. He also mentioned that women who have chemo are at a higher risk of depression and to not be afraid to speak up should I feel that way.

The Onc. also said that it is sooo important to have continued support post cancer treatment not just from doctors but friends and family which can sometimes be difficult as many people feel that once you are done with treatment life goes back to normal like nothing ever happened.

Please talk to your doctor about this or even a therapist if you can afford one and don't want to take pills. I have found I have trigger points (my 11 year old daughter's occaisionaly passive-resistance behaviour) and I take Ativan (Lorazepam) during this period (just a few days) otherwise exercise (walking, dance) really helps me feel better.

take care
Mariam

Bedee

PTSD
Jennifer

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I agree with the above comments; see your doctor, consider antidepressants, keep a journal.

There's one more resource you might consider. Dr Bernie Siegel's books, specifically How To Live Between Office Visits. I've found his books, and this one in particular, to be thought provoking and affirming.

I'm sending you my best -

deb

woodsygal

PTSD
Jennifer,

Absolutely, there is such a thing. I have a therapist that I have been seeing since Dec. 2009. We discussed this very issue a couple weeks ago. Cancer is a trauma in our lives. When we are in treatment, that is all that consumes our minds at the time. I know with me, when it was all over, I felt alone and had many of your symptoms!!! Scatterbrained? I still am, chemo fog, takes up to two years to clear ( even if mine is due to getting older) I can play the chemo card LOL! Your body goes through a lot of punishment with the toxic drugs. They affect people in so many different ways. You are human, and surely a therapist would definately help!! I do take an antidepressant, but, so doesn't most of the population. I know how you feel with the amount of meds. Your therapist may be able to help you with relaxation and anti-anxiety techniques. If you do need meds, Go with the flow, it may only be temporary. Let me know if I can help more, I am here!!!! Carlie