I will have my last Herceptin infusion Nov. 2nd. Now will be on 5 years Aremidex. Why am I getting very depressed now? [I had a total mastectomy May, 2008] I also have had multiple sclerosis for 40 years.
I will have my last Herceptin infusion Nov. 2nd. Now will be on 5 years Aremidex. Why am I getting very depressed now? [I had a total mastectomy May, 2008] I also have had multiple sclerosis for 40 years.
Depression after treatment is not unusual. During treatment, the patient is busy doing specific activities to fight cancer, but when that ends, anxiety can increase. Also the permanence of the losses begins to sink in. If extra rest and cheerful activities don't lift your mood, talk to your doctor about the possibility of an anti-depressant medicine. A counselor experienced in working with cancer patients could help you explore other coping strategies. The physical changes from cancer treatment added to the emotional stress can be a very real cause of depression. I'm sure you've learned many coping skills and how to deal with the medical community during your forty years coping with MS. Let your doctor know you need some extra help.
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Cancer itself might tend to be depressing, Barbara; it's quite a blow. And I know some women become depressed taking tamoxifen, so it may have something to do with lack of hormones, too. I hope you're being treated for it - luckily, doctors do have a pretty good handle on how to treat depression. And, as you said in your question, stopping Arimidex may be an option as well. Good luck - hope you feel better in the near future. PJH