Depression and cancer

megbrorn
megbrorn Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My mother in law has recurrent ovarian cancer. She has just completed another round of carbo/taxol, but on her CT scan "significant disease burden still exists" She says that she is having pain in her joints and muscles for which she is getting Physical Therapy. She has no appetite, is having trouble sleeping and cannot even do her activities of daily living. This normally vibrant individual is turning down invites to dinner, etc. She really is wondering if it is all worth it. She has stated that she is depressed, sometimes, and anxious about the future. This is making me wonder if she needs to try a mood elevator. Has anyone tried this? I just think it might help. We have tried everything else. We need to make some good memories for the time she has left.....which may be a long time. No one knows.

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    So sorry to about your MIL. It is pretty normal to suffer depression and definitely let the Dr know and he will prescripe something for it.

    Prayers and Hugs

    BonnieRose
  • megbrorn
    megbrorn Member Posts: 13
    #3
    Thanks Bonnie..........I think if we get her pain under control she may have a better outlook on life. However, I also think that she is worring too much (understandably) about the unknown. I was wondering if an antidepressant has helped others? I wonder if Onc MD's are pretty receptive to prescribing? We are going to her doctor tomorrow.
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
    megbrorn said:

    Thanks Bonnie..........I think if we get her pain under control she may have a better outlook on life. However, I also think that she is worring too much (understandably) about the unknown. I was wondering if an antidepressant has helped others? I wonder if Onc MD's are pretty receptive to prescribing? We are going to her doctor tomorrow.

    Lots of women dealing with cancer have taken antidepressants. For some like myself it is after the first go around with chemo and everything. I think between having no estrogen and the fight isn't so bad it all gets overwhelming. For me I was only on them for a couple months and haven't had to take again since. But some of the other women I have chatted with have been on them for a year. The oncologists are very aware of the depression factor that goes along with this disease. Good luck at the Dr and hopefully they'll have some suggestions for less pain also.

    Prayers and Hugs Bonnie
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #5
    I've been taking Zoloft for over a year now. The cancer diagnosis is a tough thing to take, and I talked to my doctor about the anxiety I was feeling, and she prescribed Zoloft for me. I took Prozac some years ago, and it's a lot more powerful than Zoloft. I haven't had any apparent side effects, so I'd really recommend that she try it (or something similar).

    I wish her (and you) the best of luck getting her pain under control. Life is too short to live it in misery!

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