Is daily crying common?

karmelapple
karmelapple Member Posts: 12
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello everyone,
I posted earlier this summer about my mother who found out this year she had cancer. She had a debulking surgery, and is currently halfway through her 27 weeks of chemo they have scheduled.

It has been about 7 months since she's known, and about 5 months since the surgery.

The chemo is certainly making her weak, and she's having neuropathy in her hands and feet which are not helping things.

She gets emotional to the point of crying daily. Is this common?

Any ideas on how best to cope with it? I ask as much for me as for my Dad, who is with her all the time and doing an absolutely fantastic job of caring for Mom.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #2
    Sorry you're family is
    having such a tough time. My advice would be to tell her doctors about your Mom's emotional state. Many of us have been put on antidepressants with wonderful results. I'm so glad to hear that your Mom has such a wonderful support system.
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • clamryn
    clamryn Member Posts: 508
    #3
    Call doctor
    I agree with Maria. You should contact her doctor and I am sure that they will be able to help her. I have my meltdowns every once in a while but after I have my good cry, I am usually okay.

    Linda
  • mom2greatkids
    mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
    #4
    clamryn said:

    Call doctor
    I agree with Maria. You should contact her doctor and I am sure that they will be able to help her. I have my meltdowns every once in a while but after I have my good cry, I am usually okay.

    Linda

    I was also going to suggest
    I was also going to suggest that she (or family) speak to the doctor. I don't know what I would do without my anti-depressant. Best wishes! Carla
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #5
    mom2greatkids said:

    I was also going to suggest
    I was also going to suggest that she (or family) speak to the doctor. I don't know what I would do without my anti-depressant. Best wishes! Carla

    God knows you have every right
    to feel like crying everyday but I agree with the rest of the ladies, ask for help. It isn't just our bodies that go through the difficult treatment, our minds and emotions do as well. My best to you.

    Karen
  • Susan53
    Susan53 Member Posts: 178
    #6
    another suggestion
    Besides checking with doctor about anti depressants she may have to see a counselor or a psycholist. I went for counseling and it made so much difference. I was full of fear and sadness, I couldn't get past it. There is nothing wrong with taking meds to help get through or talking to someone to help. Goodness my first 3 visits were full of crying and I guess I needed that. I am now dealing with everything differently.
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #7
    cancer treatment takes it's toll
    on our bodies! I cried a lot after my first surgery and chemo treatment. I opted not to take anti-d's but did do counseling and group therapy, which has helped. I recently have read several articles that say that chemo does deplete the seratonin levels. I can almost feel that happening after a few months of chemo, and then when I have a chemo break, feel it building back up in the brain. I think the platninum in particular does a number on me, although the side effects of any of the chemo's are enough to send most of us spiraling.

    I do have a question for those of you taking anto-d's. Have you noticed weight gain from taking them? Was the dosage adjustment a hassle? I usually tend to gain weight from the chemo for a number of reasons, and the thought of gaining more is enough to depress me even more. I am seriously considering taking a low dose seratonin booster in January - too busy to go to the doctor now, and would love to know your anti-d of choice. I know it takes a couple weeks to kick in etc etc and the wait and see if it is right for you etc etc. The though of another drug into my system is not a pleasant one, but I know my seratonin is low.

    On the good news side, celebrating 2 amazing 14-year-old's Birthdays today. December babies are special and so is their mom's for making sure they get a bang on both celebrations!!!! Just wish my body would cooperate with all it has to do.

    Hugs all around!
    kathleen
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #8
    kayandok said:

    cancer treatment takes it's toll
    on our bodies! I cried a lot after my first surgery and chemo treatment. I opted not to take anti-d's but did do counseling and group therapy, which has helped. I recently have read several articles that say that chemo does deplete the seratonin levels. I can almost feel that happening after a few months of chemo, and then when I have a chemo break, feel it building back up in the brain. I think the platninum in particular does a number on me, although the side effects of any of the chemo's are enough to send most of us spiraling.

    I do have a question for those of you taking anto-d's. Have you noticed weight gain from taking them? Was the dosage adjustment a hassle? I usually tend to gain weight from the chemo for a number of reasons, and the thought of gaining more is enough to depress me even more. I am seriously considering taking a low dose seratonin booster in January - too busy to go to the doctor now, and would love to know your anti-d of choice. I know it takes a couple weeks to kick in etc etc and the wait and see if it is right for you etc etc. The though of another drug into my system is not a pleasant one, but I know my seratonin is low.

    On the good news side, celebrating 2 amazing 14-year-old's Birthdays today. December babies are special and so is their mom's for making sure they get a bang on both celebrations!!!! Just wish my body would cooperate with all it has to do.

    Hugs all around!
    kathleen

    I cried all the time, at
    I cried all the time, at first. I think it was a combination of the shock from the diagnosis, the "30% long-term survival rate" that I kept seeing on the internet, plus the total and sudden loss of hormones. The day before surgery, I had both ovaries. The day after, I had none. I think that's bound to affect you.

    It will get better. Like Kathleen, I opted not to do the anti-depressants, but some people find them very useful. I took Prozac for about 6 months, years ago, and all it did was make me sadder than I already was.

    Carlene
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #9
    Hissy_Fitz said:

    I cried all the time, at
    I cried all the time, at first. I think it was a combination of the shock from the diagnosis, the "30% long-term survival rate" that I kept seeing on the internet, plus the total and sudden loss of hormones. The day before surgery, I had both ovaries. The day after, I had none. I think that's bound to affect you.

    It will get better. Like Kathleen, I opted not to do the anti-depressants, but some people find them very useful. I took Prozac for about 6 months, years ago, and all it did was make me sadder than I already was.

    Carlene

    Weepiness during chemo
    Maybe I'm wierd but I had a lot of weepiness during my first round of chemo without feeling sad, scared, depressed or whatever. It was just something that I couldn't stop. It definitely felt like there was some kind of biochemical change going on inside of me rather than an emotional issue.

    I also read that carboplatin depletes serotonin. Eventually, the weeping stopped when I finished chemo. I think crying should be listed as a carboplatin side effect.

    I think my family was bothered by seeing me cry more than the crying bothered me. Now that I am on the next round of chemo, I can say that I am kinda depressed about not ever getting into remission but I don't cry. I am getting IPT chemo (which uses only 80mg of carbo instead of 600mg). Just wierd I guess.

    There is a natural supplement that helps increase serotonin without causing weight gain--5 HTP. It should not be taken with antidepressants or the serotonin level can get dangerously high.

    Some anti-depressants do "double duty" by increasing both serotonin & norepinephrine levels. Some people feel more functional on one of those. Effexor & Pristique are the ones that come to mind. There is an anti-depressant that is also used for neuropathy (Cymbalta) but I don't have any anecdotal info to share about that one.
  • fanniemay
    fanniemay Member Posts: 53
    #10
    LaundryQueen said:

    Weepiness during chemo
    Maybe I'm wierd but I had a lot of weepiness during my first round of chemo without feeling sad, scared, depressed or whatever. It was just something that I couldn't stop. It definitely felt like there was some kind of biochemical change going on inside of me rather than an emotional issue.

    I also read that carboplatin depletes serotonin. Eventually, the weeping stopped when I finished chemo. I think crying should be listed as a carboplatin side effect.

    I think my family was bothered by seeing me cry more than the crying bothered me. Now that I am on the next round of chemo, I can say that I am kinda depressed about not ever getting into remission but I don't cry. I am getting IPT chemo (which uses only 80mg of carbo instead of 600mg). Just wierd I guess.

    There is a natural supplement that helps increase serotonin without causing weight gain--5 HTP. It should not be taken with antidepressants or the serotonin level can get dangerously high.

    Some anti-depressants do "double duty" by increasing both serotonin & norepinephrine levels. Some people feel more functional on one of those. Effexor & Pristique are the ones that come to mind. There is an anti-depressant that is also used for neuropathy (Cymbalta) but I don't have any anecdotal info to share about that one.

    starting chemo soon
    Thanks ladies for letting me know about the serotonin. I have had migraines for many years and am on a beta blocker and anti-depressent for that . I was told my migraines are from a depletion of serotonin. I will have to mention that too my dr. Well wishes for everyone in this journey, fanniemay
  • EnglishGal
    EnglishGal Member Posts: 101
    #11
    fanniemay said:

    starting chemo soon
    Thanks ladies for letting me know about the serotonin. I have had migraines for many years and am on a beta blocker and anti-depressent for that . I was told my migraines are from a depletion of serotonin. I will have to mention that too my dr. Well wishes for everyone in this journey, fanniemay

    Yes it is!
    When I was diagnosed and operated on and during the six month chemo timeframe in 2010, I pretty well cried every day (or perhaps the first three months). I would tend to lie in bed while hubby put the coffee on. We have this little tradition before starting our day of sitting in the living room with our coffee and reading the daily paper. I would come into the living room tears streaming down my face. Like the rest of you my mind was full of statistics and feeling I didn't have much life left. I am happy to say that now nineteen months later, I am much better mentally although I am still apprehensive about the future.

    I do take an anti-depressant which I feel has really helped. I was able to cut it back to half dosage at the beginning of this year.

    I try and keep busy and go out with friends.
  • EnglishGal
    EnglishGal Member Posts: 101
    #12
    EnglishGal said:

    Yes it is!
    When I was diagnosed and operated on and during the six month chemo timeframe in 2010, I pretty well cried every day (or perhaps the first three months). I would tend to lie in bed while hubby put the coffee on. We have this little tradition before starting our day of sitting in the living room with our coffee and reading the daily paper. I would come into the living room tears streaming down my face. Like the rest of you my mind was full of statistics and feeling I didn't have much life left. I am happy to say that now nineteen months later, I am much better mentally although I am still apprehensive about the future.

    I do take an anti-depressant which I feel has really helped. I was able to cut it back to half dosage at the beginning of this year.

    I try and keep busy and go out with friends.

    To Kathleen
    The anti-d's have not affected my weight. I lost 40 lbs. during my cancer experience and put it all back on after completing chemo. Now I am maintaining a steady weight and hubby thinks I look just right, so does my doctor.

    The anti-d I am taking is: Citalopram, 20 mg. I started out taking 40 mg. and was able to cut back the dosage.

    Ann
  • karmelapple
    karmelapple Member Posts: 12
    #13
    Mwee said:

    Sorry you're family is
    having such a tough time. My advice would be to tell her doctors about your Mom's emotional state. Many of us have been put on antidepressants with wonderful results. I'm so glad to hear that your Mom has such a wonderful support system.
    (((HUGS))) Maria

    Medication is already part
    Medication is already part of the equation, actually. Too large a dose seems to do bad things (no emotion whatsoever, just kind of zoning out), so that's not good either.
  • karmelapple
    karmelapple Member Posts: 12
    #14
    Mwee said:

    Sorry you're family is
    having such a tough time. My advice would be to tell her doctors about your Mom's emotional state. Many of us have been put on antidepressants with wonderful results. I'm so glad to hear that your Mom has such a wonderful support system.
    (((HUGS))) Maria

    Medication is already part
    Medication is already part of the equation, actually. Too large a dose seems to do bad things (no emotion whatsoever, just kind of zoning out), so that won't work either.

    It doesn't happen for hours every day, but it does happen some everyday. I think Mom would be doing better if she could concentrate on other stuff, but I can only imagine how difficult that is.
  • karmelapple
    karmelapple Member Posts: 12
    #15
    LaundryQueen said:

    Weepiness during chemo
    Maybe I'm wierd but I had a lot of weepiness during my first round of chemo without feeling sad, scared, depressed or whatever. It was just something that I couldn't stop. It definitely felt like there was some kind of biochemical change going on inside of me rather than an emotional issue.

    I also read that carboplatin depletes serotonin. Eventually, the weeping stopped when I finished chemo. I think crying should be listed as a carboplatin side effect.

    I think my family was bothered by seeing me cry more than the crying bothered me. Now that I am on the next round of chemo, I can say that I am kinda depressed about not ever getting into remission but I don't cry. I am getting IPT chemo (which uses only 80mg of carbo instead of 600mg). Just wierd I guess.

    There is a natural supplement that helps increase serotonin without causing weight gain--5 HTP. It should not be taken with antidepressants or the serotonin level can get dangerously high.

    Some anti-depressants do "double duty" by increasing both serotonin & norepinephrine levels. Some people feel more functional on one of those. Effexor & Pristique are the ones that come to mind. There is an anti-depressant that is also used for neuropathy (Cymbalta) but I don't have any anecdotal info to share about that one.

    Thanks for your thoughts, I
    Thanks for your thoughts, I really appreciate it from everybody.

    My Mom is a very private woman - I have mentioned considering going on a forum like this, but she has refused so far. Do you think there's anyway to encourage her to? Or since she doesn't want to, is it probably simply a good idea for her not to?
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #16
    karmelapple said:

    Thanks for your thoughts, I
    Thanks for your thoughts, I really appreciate it from everybody.

    My Mom is a very private woman - I have mentioned considering going on a forum like this, but she has refused so far. Do you think there's anyway to encourage her to? Or since she doesn't want to, is it probably simply a good idea for her not to?

    You can come for her
    and if at any time she wants to join, we'll be here. You and your Dad need support also and many family members and caregivers are part of this group. I'm so glad that your Mom has a caring support system.
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #17
    Mwee said:

    You can come for her
    and if at any time she wants to join, we'll be here. You and your Dad need support also and many family members and caregivers are part of this group. I'm so glad that your Mom has a caring support system.
    (((HUGS))) Maria

    Filtering the forum for your mother
    karmelapple: maybe your mom needs to only know about the good news and be protected from the sad news on this forum. If she doesn't want to join, you could just share the encouragement we have for her.

    Best wishes.

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