Feeling down... it can be a side effect?

Personal opionion for what it's worth, those feelings can come up at anytime during treatment after treatment, once it happens to you it is like an annoying part you can make peice with but it can always tag a long to bite your butt. Example for me I felt the worst mentally so far after my 4 rounds of A/C, bilateral mascotomy, and reconstructon then facing 12 rounds of Taxol was like being told I had cancer all over and I am half done is a stupid kinda of way. One would have thought I just got started on treatment, but im moody anyway so I hope this helps.
Heather

Sylva
I think it can be from several sources. A side-effect is possible. Remember many of our treatments affect our hormones. Also learning you have the disease can cause depression. If it continues I would talk to your onc. They can help you deal with your feelings and determine where the problem is coming from.

Well, I can relate to this one big time! But not especially from the radiation and meds. I think mine stemmed from just the sheer emotion of it all. I used to cry every day on the way home from the cancer center. That was 36 days of tears. I just felt so overwhelmed by everything. There were days that it made me very angry at work to hear people complain about the nit-picky things. So when I finally got some time off from work it took me a good 5 weeks to just get back to my old self. I also had other things going on...I was not getting my disability checks, so I had the stress of worrying about this. I was only eating once a day...not enough to heal what needed healing. It is only in the last two weeks that I have started to feel stronger emotionally and physically. With all the ladies who do chemo and try to take care of their families, I think that just wears on you. You think you are strong, but most times it is the little day to day things that will wear you down. Most doctors will prescribe a short-term anti-depressant if you talk with them. But those drugs don't kick in right away. There is no shame in asking for help. Sometimes you need a drug boost. Sometimes you just need to talk with others who have gone through and are feeling what you are. I too am limited as to what I can do. I had prior back surgery. I get tired easily. Sometimes, if I just stop for the day, get some rest and get up the next day and try again, I find my outlook has changed for the better. Sleep does really help just like our Moms said it does. I send you a hug, Cindy

chenheart said:

Well, guess what? All of us are fighting for our LIVES! This isn't a bowling league, or a book club, or weight-loss management...it is Cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and family issues, body image changes, fear of death, tired of acting chipper, etc. etc. etc!!! We are so strong and brave, but no one expects us to be up and happy every minute of every day. Well, maybe WE expect it of ourselves, but it isn't realistic, is it?

You have every right to vent~ and as you have seen, this is the perfect vent place! I recently handed off my crown as Queen of the Pity Party~ we never keep it for long, as there is always someone who needs it more than we do!

Hugs, and just know that your feelings are validated!

Hugs,
Claudia

I had to laugh when I read my first research article a few years ago that was on the topic of cancer patients experiencing stress disorder symptoms. Like what did THEY think we were going through! Cancer is no trip to Disney World. Victims of violent crimes or violent situations like war expect to get post traumatic stress symptoms. That means things like flash backs, nightmares, sweaty palms and depressed feelings. Anyone who has been through a cancer diagnosis can probably relate to some of those symptoms to one degree or another. The great thing about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is that it is treatable. Some folks respond to medication, others just need a way to talk about their experiences often enough that their conscious brain gets totally in control of the situation. Then the flashbacks, nightmares, and such lose their power and life gets more normal. So keep in touch with other survivors, keep a journal, create art, or whatever works for you. Eventually the good days will outnumber the bad and you will find your new normal.

You are not alone. Pitty Party's happen from time to time but you don't have to stay there long.

I think I'm getting to be an old pro at this fight for life deal. There are still times when i get back to that old party. Today i know that it don't last long.

Three mos after going into remission the second time my previous Onc. told me my bad day was what they call "survivor's guilt" because i complained about why i was still alive but couldn't do what i used to be able to do like work,play ball,etc. He wanted me to see a psych Dr. I didn't see one but i did throw myself into more prayer and helping others and a spiritual group. I still get those feelings from time to time but it's okay. Many of us do have bad moments...who wouldn't.

Normal reaction to an abnormal situation is what a friend told me. Makes all the sense in the world to me.

Hang in there life is even better on the other side of "the pitty party"!

Love and Hugs

Sylvia I have two words for you Zoloft and Xanax. I wouldn't have made it through without them.

It dosent matter what causes mood swings, depression, anxiety etc. we all need help sometines,so dont' be afraid to ask for it.

Vent all you want to you certainlly have the right to and we are always here to listen.

Exactly 13 days after my 3rd chemo and here I am still feeling down, tired and don't understand why I had all this side effect. I will get my 4th / last round Friday next week and it seems that I didn't even feel better in the days in between. I keep complaining to my husband that "I'm feeling this / I'm feeling that", I know he can't do anything. He just says, at least you have one last chemo to go through.
That is true but what's next on the harmone therapy???

God bless,
Liz

Jadie said:

Liz you will have the hard part over when you finish chemo. The hormone therapy (I suppose you are talking about tamoxifen) is a breeze compared to chemo. You may have a few side effects but nothing to compare to what you are going through now.

When you finish chemo you will return to a new normal. Now you have a right to vent or complain or whatever you want to do. Cancer gives us this right.

Yesterday I was really sick (headache and body pain) and good thing today I have some energy to
walk to the mall. Jadie, yes it is Tamoxifen but I have not discuss it yet with my onco doctor about the possible side effects. I am praying that the 4th round would be easy on me because the 3rd round is really bad. I will keep in touch. Thank you for all the support.

God bless,
Liz