Depression!

Hey Carlie,
I know how you
Hey Carlie,
I know how you feel, Carlie. I have battled depression since I was a teenager. They just called it mood swings back then. I will say that it is often normal to feel sad when you are battling the beast. If you are talking about depression, please let your onc. or reg. doctor know. There are so many good medications that can help you through this. You just have to find the right one.

Tasha is so right!!Don't be sorry for coming to the board about this, That's what we are here for. You are a warrior or you wouldn't be having feelings at all. You are strong enough to look at your feelings and try to figure them out.

Please don't say that you or anyone else has breast cancer as a punishment from earlier mistakes in life. You don't have this disease because of your behavior!!!! Maybe alone is the best right now so you can focus on what you need to help yourself heal. Just know that you are not alone. We are all here for you.

Love and gentle hugs,
Donna

awwwww.....
I feel bad for you. It is aweful to feel alone. Here is the number for the ACS hotline that you may want to keep handy. Sometimes just picking up the phone and talking to someone can help to ease your sad feelings. Here it is: 1-888-227-6333 They also have what is called a "Reach to Recovery" program where they will match you with someone going through your similar situation that will walk with you through your recovery. It helps I think to have a live friend to talk with too. We will help you all we can through cyberspace. I hope you give them a call as you don't have to be alone in your fight. Hope you feel better soon, Carlie. (:(-) Pammy

This, too, is normal....
I always felt that my fight was like my pregnancy...everyone had advice and good intentions, but when it came down to it I was the one with the morning sickness, and the swollen feet, and the back ache.

You are wise to realized that this IS your fight, and, even with all the support in the world, it is still a terrifing experience. I once said 'If one MORE person tells me how strong I am, I am going to deck them!!!!!!'

The best news is that, if all goes well, this part of your life will be over before you know it, and you can walk on, surely changed by the experience, but not destroyed by it. I know I have mentioned this before, but what REALLY helped me was to plan a special getaway for ME ONLY after the treatments were over. I decided on a spa that I loved, that had a hotel attached, in Palm Springs. I planned it all out, and then, when I was feeling better after the treatments were done, I called and booked the room, and 2 day package for the spa. IT WAS GRAND!!!!

HUgs, Kathi

lynn1950 said:

I remember
feeling depressed. It's a companion to many of us on this ride. I remember everyone telling me that it just takes time; that it takes a year to "recover." "Takes time" was small solace for the "big bad" I was feeling! I needed help and I finally found it with the right therapist and the right meds. ( I had a "wrong" therapist and a very scary psychiatrist before I hit on the right combination!) I'm not saying that counseling and meds is the solution for you; just that there is nothing to be sorry about and there is nothing that you "did" to get cancer! You are a fighting you, coming to the boards and seeking answers and confirmation. That is a powerful you seeking help on your journey. I am so sorry that you are feeling isolated - you are not alone! You have an army surrounding you with hope and love. xoxoxo Lynn

Carlie,
I'm with you ...I'm alone ... no husband or family around. I love my job. And think I also have a very positive attitude regarding my diagnosis. I've had the lumpectomy, chemo and now I'm finishing up with radiation ... and through all of this I have been "fine" and people keep telling me how "amazed" they are at how well I'm doing. Well ... I thought I was doing well too ... until this past week ... and I've been in the dumps ever since. But I will come out of it. I always do. Thanks to the miracle of modern chemistry (anti-depressants ... and anti-anxiety). If you haven't discussed your emotional feelings with your oncologist ... you need to ... soon. He/she will be able to prescribe something that will help you through the rough spots.

hugs.
teena