Counselor

chiller
chiller Member Posts: 11
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I was diagnosed fall last year. Had surgery and finished my last chemo at the end of April. I have been feeling pretty well physically, but my emotions have been haywire lately. I'm not one to take anti-depressants. I have been taking Ativan to help me sleep. Even it doesn't seem to be helping lately. I've been considering going to a counselor and wondered if anyone has some experience with this.

Comments

  • Karen1418
    Karen1418 Member Posts: 48
    #2
    Counselor
    Hi chiller, I have not gone to a counselor since my cancer diagnosis. But that is because I have had lots of experience with counselors and antidepressants on and off for most of my adult life. Both have done wonders for me, and I'm sure I'm hanging together now because of the meds I'm on and my past experience with counselors. Please don't be afraid to go if you think that is what you need. Love, Karen
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #3
    If misery likes company :-)
    Hi Chiller,

    This is a pretty normal place to be at. I don't know if I have met many people with cancer who, once they make it through the battle, the depression hits. Some use anti-depressants for a short time just to help. Think of all your body has been through and then not estrogen it is alot. If it helps, for me I keep a journal. :-) Write my letters to God.

    Coming here and sharing is great too as we all have been there done that or with great compassion understand. Sending lots of hugs ♥ prayers Bonnie
  • chiller
    chiller Member Posts: 11
    #4
    BonnieR said:

    If misery likes company :-)
    Hi Chiller,

    This is a pretty normal place to be at. I don't know if I have met many people with cancer who, once they make it through the battle, the depression hits. Some use anti-depressants for a short time just to help. Think of all your body has been through and then not estrogen it is alot. If it helps, for me I keep a journal. :-) Write my letters to God.

    Coming here and sharing is great too as we all have been there done that or with great compassion understand. Sending lots of hugs ♥ prayers Bonnie

    Thanks
    I've tried the journal but I'm not good at sticking with it. The meds they had recommended were affixer. It sounded a bit scary to me - taking months to really kick in then months to wean off. I'll ask for an alternative. Maybe just talking with you ladies will give me my release. That's why I asked about the counselor. I don't want to burdem friends, family, or my husband.
  • rasunshine
    rasunshine Member Posts: 28 Member
    #5
    Chiller, I have been going to a Reiki Master for over 7 years, so when I found I needed A Hysterectomy, she was one of the first people I called. She supported me through that ordeal, the finding that I had Ovarian Cancer, and then through the chemo.Reiki deals with your body energies and believe me, she is wonderful. I have not once thought of my cancer as my death sentence, I breezed through the chemo and today I never give it thought. There are more important things in my life than for me to sit around and ask" what about me', why do I have this and this is so terrible. It is just my life right now. You can check her out...even call her if you like...www.innerprosperity.com..

    Blessings to you,
    and always remember....let the sunshine in.
    Rasunshine
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #6
    emotions
    I'm sorry to hear that your emotions are "haywire". Are you in remission now from the cancer? I know that once chemo is finished and you aren't "doing" anything about the dx, it can be more stressful than going thought the treatment.

    If you are having a hard time dealing with your emotions, a good counselor can really help you with that. They could also help you to determine if you have low seritonon levels and need an anti- d or just a good sleeping pill.

    I have used counselors off and on over my life, and especially after my dx. Although my family and friends have been awesome and coming to this site has been very helpful, a pro who can listen and help to process all the "junk" is very therapeutic for me. I have walked to bring up my seritonon levels and that really made a difference. There seems to be good info out there now on omeg3 stuff for raising the levels too.

    Whatever you do, please take care of yourself. And let us know how it is going.

    Warm hugs,
    Kathleen:)
  • chiller
    chiller Member Posts: 11
    #7
    kayandok said:

    emotions
    I'm sorry to hear that your emotions are "haywire". Are you in remission now from the cancer? I know that once chemo is finished and you aren't "doing" anything about the dx, it can be more stressful than going thought the treatment.

    If you are having a hard time dealing with your emotions, a good counselor can really help you with that. They could also help you to determine if you have low seritonon levels and need an anti- d or just a good sleeping pill.

    I have used counselors off and on over my life, and especially after my dx. Although my family and friends have been awesome and coming to this site has been very helpful, a pro who can listen and help to process all the "junk" is very therapeutic for me. I have walked to bring up my seritonon levels and that really made a difference. There seems to be good info out there now on omeg3 stuff for raising the levels too.

    Whatever you do, please take care of yourself. And let us know how it is going.

    Warm hugs,
    Kathleen:)

    haywire
    I went in today for my maintenance. I'm in a study. I go every three weeks. I saw the PA today and she gave me some meds. I filled them tonight but will start this weekend. I don't like to experiment when I have to work. I'm also going to see a counselor, actually, I think he's a psychiatrist. He works at the KUCC and can help determine if I'm just out of balance or what. The PA said I probably am suffering from an imbalance and/or chemo brain. I've never been on anti-d's but I' willing to give it a try. I know I need something right now. Thank you so much for the info. I should probably consider going for walks more often. It was nearly 100 degrees today with humidity about the same level. So, my walking will have to be evenings or something. I do appreciate your kind concern.
    Chiller

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