Off remission

fuzzytrouble said:

Thank you
I know I have many ears out here and like you I also get so nervous when the scan time comes. I kind of had a feeling about this one, because I just wasn't feeling right for awhile. My body felt heavy and my ankles were swelling more than usual. I don't want to frighten anyone but please pay attention to your body more than ever. I am very depressed now and don't know if I should ask for anti-depression pills or not, will it make me worse or will they help with the feeling of this new dx? I cry at everything now and I don't even want to move to go anywhere. I would like some help with the depression bit. I am not a person of faith, I have my reasons, so please don't be upset with me for that. My husband does and I know so many of you have on this site. I know that many of you have gone past the two different times of chemo and I to will fight this with all my heart and your support, but right now it's a toughie to deal with.

Living with great hope

Huge Hugs to you Sharon...
I have not been on the site much lately and am saddened to hear of your reoccurance. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sharon. You are living all of our scariest nightmares. You are strong and we are all sending you more strength. I rarely use the word hate, but I have so come to hate cancer with such intensity.
Please ask your doctor for something for the depression. Attitude is everything when you are fighting a life threatening illness! You need to be able to see things more clearly and find some light in this tunnel. I have been taking meds for depression since I was diagnosed in Sept. 2008. I also talked with a lady a couple of months ago who is a 10 year cancer survivor. She was diagnosed 10 years ago with Stage IV colon cancer with mets to the lungs and liver and she is still alive today to talk about it. She still sees a cancer therapist...psychologist. I think it is so important for your spirit and mind to be healthy for this fight for your life!
I am also going to pray for you. I know that you said you are not a person of faith, but God can give you peace that passes all understanding! I won't preach... I am sure you have heard all the arguments. Still gonna pray for you!!!
Keep that hope... we all need to keep the HOPE!
Love and Hugs!

daisy366 said:

Caution about benzodiazepine medication
Ativan, xanax, klonipin, valium, librium, and others are benzodiazepines - they are sedative DEPRESSANTS. This class of drug is insidious - and personally, I think dangerous unless properly monitored by a competent professional. Take caution and research all benzodiazepines. They are meant to be taken for a VERY SHORT TIME - generally 3 months. They are addictive and when taken with alcohol can cause black-outs (being awake and not knowing what you are doing). I have personal knowledge of the danger!!!

Doctors are prescribing these like candy and for long term with sometimes disastrous results. We have enough problems and don't need any others.

With caring, Mary Ann

Using medication
Medication can be used wisely. Ativan usually does not interfere with the liver and chemo. I have taken it and never had trouble stopping it. I had never taken that type of medication before. Some persons have receptors that can cause addiction. If you have not had an addiction problem in the past you most likely can take these drugs safely. Learn them well and work with your Doctor in how to take them; I kept a diary during taxol reactions so the pain could be managed; otherwise I would never have been able to take the chemo. I really believe in maintaining quality of life during this very difficult time. If medication helps for a while don't beat yourself up. Also, pain management today is becoming well researched and the importantce of controlling pain to prevent further pain is being understood. I had reactions to taxol and had to take alot of percocet; I never take them now. For neuropathic pain I am taking Lyrica and find it really helpful. It has given me my life back and I can work and keep health insurance. Health professionals in chronic pain management are wonderful at helping you maintain safe doses. I had cancer ten years ago; had to take alot of medication and stopped it and never took it for years. It helped me get through the drug reactions and participate in life. Even though you are in chemotherapy for cancer you should still be able to enjoy and live life. You deserve the opportunity to make every day count. There are safe ways to do it.

deanna14 said:

Hi Mary Ann
I am doing very well. I hope you are too. Time gets away... I am trying to browse through the many posts since I have been on here last.
I had my first "clean" CT scan last month. God is good!

Hey, I was just wondering how the ct went
Deanna,

That is so encouraging to hear it went well.

I am so very happy for you.

I see your hair grew in a different color. : ^ /

daisy366 said:

Deanna,
Super - a breath of fresh air for awhile

I get tests TODAY and see the doc next week. Fingers crossed!!

Take care. Mary Ann

Mary Ann wishing you good results on your tests
Hope all turns out well for you with your tests. Hope you will be celebrating after you see the doctor. In peace and caring.

unknown said:

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

thank you
Thanks ladies, I'll keep you posted. It's great to have such support - I feel it all the way here in SW Florida.
Mary Ann

daisy366 said:

thank you
Thanks ladies, I'll keep you posted. It's great to have such support - I feel it all the way here in SW Florida.
Mary Ann

Thinking of You
crossing with everyone else... you are in my thoughts and prayers.


Marge

daisy366 said:

thank you
Thanks ladies, I'll keep you posted. It's great to have such support - I feel it all the way here in SW Florida.
Mary Ann

Thinking of you Mary Ann!
Mary Ann....I am praying that your tests come out just fine....but know the anxiety that precedes the dr. visit! Know you will be dancing next week!!!
Karen