Depression and anxiety

Gracie07

anyone experiencing depression and anxiety after double mastectomy, and after chemotherapy is over. I should be happy but I am more depressed and anxious now than I was at the earlier treatments. Anyone feeling like me??

bibliophile

I have not had the same cancer as you, but I wanted you to feel heard. I think it is quite common to struggle with the long-term effects of all the treatments/surgeries we have to go through, so you are definitely not the only one. I for sure have my days. I hope that you are able to find some encouragement, whether it is considering talking to a therapist who specializes in cancer patients, or somewhere else. You are not alone.

Gracie07

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724553#Comment_1724553

thank you. I have reached out to a psychiatrist that does work with cancer patients. Thanks for listening.

ldbanner

I literally just signed up to ask this question! I am having terrible anxiety and OCD, especially since my double mastectomy. I live in the middle of nowhere so finding a therapist was difficult, but I have an appointment this Thursday. I read that your body can experience surgery as trauma, and can cause this anxiety. Im sorry you're experiencing this, but Im glad to know it isn't just me.

Gracie07

nope its not just you. I will be praying for you, cause this anxiety and depression are real.

ldbanner

I will pray for you as well. It seems so weird to be afraid of everything and nothing all at the same time this late in the game. I was fine until my 6th chemo (2nd round of red devil) and then got really bad when I got home from surgery. (Three weeks ago yesterday). May God heal us quickly, in both mind and body.

Gracie07

I had the exact same experience, I was fine until the second round of red devil as well. I did see a psychiatrist who put me on some medications, but those medications won’t work overnight, so I have to be patient. I am a woman of faith, but this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. I pray for patience and trust, but it isn’t always easy. I hope you will keep me posted, would be helpful for both of us. Even the people who love me don’t understand how this feels, they sympathize the best they can, but they really can’t comprehend our feelings.

ldbanner

I feel like I'm talking to myself!! It is incredibly hard, and I waited too long trying to manage it myself before I got on anti-anxiety medication. How strange that we had the same experience with the same chemo at the same point.

Let's keep checking in. Sunday was the day I felt most like myself since surgery, almost normal, but yesterday and today have been a little more of a struggle. I can tell I'm getting better every day. And I pray my guts out and have lots of prayer warriors, so I know that is helping.

I will pray for you every day!

Gracie07

yeah thats what I go through also. Good days and bad days. Prayers and positive vibes coming your way my friend. Lets talk again soon.🙏🏼

ldbanner

I hope your day was better today. Im praying for you.

Gracie07

ditto my friend. Im praying for you too 🙏🏼

Gracie07

Good evening my friend. I hope you had a good day today. I had a really good day on Friday, but unfortunately today wasn’t as good, but I’m going to be grateful anyway. Here’s to praying tomorrow is a better day. Keeping you in prayer as well.

ldbanner

I'm glad yesterday was better, and will pray extra hard that tomorrow is better.

Thank you for praying for me.

Sleep well.

Gracie07

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers, and I will keep you in mine for sure. How are you feeling???

ldbanner

I am feeling much better. Thank you!! Lots of prayers for God's peace every day.

Gracie07

Glad to hear you’re feeling better !!! Definitely prayers for Gods peace every day, he keeps me going everyday…. Talk to you soon friend and thanks so much for responding to my message, I feel such a kindred spirit with you and continue to pray for you daily.

aguzaza

completely understand what you mean. 💛 So many people expect to feel “happy” once treatment is over, but it’s actually really common to feel the opposite — more anxious, more emotional, even a bit lost. When you’re in treatment, you have a clear plan and constant medical support, but afterward, things can suddenly feel quiet and uncertain.

You’ve been through so much — your body and mind are still healing. It’s okay to not feel okay right now. You’re definitely not alone in this.

Have you been able to talk to anyone — maybe a counselor, support group, or even someone who’s gone through the same thing? Sometimes sharing those feelings helps lighten them a little.

How are you coping day to day? What’s been helping you even a little bit? 💕

Gracie07

Exactly!!!!! thanks so much for the support…. I am seeing a counselor and went on some medication. My faith and trust in God continues, I know he will sustain me in his time. I just have to be patient , easier said then done, but my faith is strong and I have many prayer warriors , and pray I’ll be back to myself soon. Your message was so supportive and filled with kindness, I appreciate that so much ❤️

Gracie07

Hi Aguzaza

This is Gracie07. I was thinking about your kindness that you have shown me and just wanted to reach out to you to see how you are doing??