Depression...I guess

Chris62

I have esophageal cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2021 and since then have done chemo, radiation, surgery and I thought I was done. Oh, no. NOW I've got to do immunotherapy for the next year. This was a complete surprise to me and now my emotions are out of control. I cannot eat regularly anymore, no favorite foods, no beer, and the list goes on and on. I'm tired of being asked should you eat that? Are you ok? Do you need to lie down/rest? You look tired. Well, yeah! I AM tired of the whole damn thing and then someone wants to know why am I so emotional. Well, because all I can think about is when will the cancer come back and kill me. I've had better days.

paul61

Hi Chris,

I know living as a cancer survivor can have it's challenges on a daily basis. When I was diagnosed 12 years ago I was at first fearful, and then angry about the lifestyle changes that my treatment required. However, as time goes on things will get markedly better. I think the first year after my surgery was the most difficult but over time I got used to eating a new way and found I could in fact eat almost all the foods I liked, just in smaller amounts. My energy did return gradually over a few months . One of my big challenges was dealing with the depression that frequently follows a major surgery and lifestyle change. It is very common to feel depressed and frustrated, but this too will pass.

Hang in there Chris, it does get better with time.

Regards,

Paul

Chris62

Thank you! You made my morning. I swear that the surgery, coupled with treatment, coupled with a long hospital stay left me with some sort of PTSD! That, and being left so very week, was tough as I am typically an active guy. I'm feeling the same emotions that you speak of and it has not been easy coping with it all and then to be informed that I need additional treatment was like a kick in the head. Anyway, thanks for your kind words. They were much appreciated.