depression

16 years 4 months ago #9630 by Gene Beane
Replied by Gene Beane on topic depression
Aimeth,
Yes, my husband dealt with this as well, the key is to know what is just mild and severe depression. The Cleveland Clinic had a whole staff of Doctors just for these issues. If you feel the need jump in and get help as it is temperary, cancer alone has the depression site effect and with all the other issues its not a wonder. Get outside with nature, see people, and if drugs are needed don't hesitate to ask for them. Ginger

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16 years 4 months ago #9589 by Renee
Replied by Renee on topic depression
Hi Aimeth,
I think it is only understandable that your husband has depressive episodes. My husband suffered from depression for about 40 years and medication can help stabelize him, but it may also cause side effects. Everyone reacts different,so it is very hard to say what the side effects will be. Therefore, I am not sure if you want to add another medication to the ones he already takes. Did you try to talk to him and discuss his depression?
Also the suggestion of Stephany to contact Cancer Centre for psychological therapy is very good advice.

As you wrote before it is a recurrence of the cancer and the prognosis was not too great. If I remember correctly the chemo is MVAC, the "mother of all chemos" as Wendy wrote, "... and not easy to take". The recurrence, the prognosis, the hard time he has with chemo have of course an effect on him mentally.
It may be good to talk about it, which isn't easy, but it may help to clarify things and make it more understandable for all parties.
Take care,
Renee

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16 years 4 months ago #9584 by momof4
Replied by momof4 on topic depression
Hi...After alot of trial and error my husband takes the following for nausea/depression:

1. Phenergan 25mg for nausea every six hours as needed
2. Ativan 1 mg (this will also help with depression so it is a 2 for 1 deal)every six hrs. as needed.
3. Zantac 150 mg 2x's a day worked for acid reflux/nausea.

Just a few things to ask the Dr. about.

Hope it helps,
Karen

Caregiver for my Wonderful Husband Angelo, who has Metastatic Bladder Cancer.

Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

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16 years 4 months ago #9580 by aimeth
Replied by aimeth on topic depression
Well thank you all for your suggestions and comments on depression. Today he seems to be feeling a bit better but still in some pain. He is currently taking zofran and compazine as needed for nausea and it seems to work but this new line of chemo seems to be taking the best of him. I will certainly consult with his oncologist and maybe she can suggest something.

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16 years 4 months ago #9556 by mznoregrets
Replied by mznoregrets on topic depression
Hi Aimeth,

When a person gets depressed after a cancer dx, it is generally called "situational" depression. The situation has caused the depression rather than it just spontaneously happening. Knowing this has made it easier for me to accept help mentally. More like it is just something else the cancer affected vs I just failed to effectively cope with day to day living. Maybe if he looks at it this way the help will be easier to accept.

You are both in my prayers, God Bless, Holly

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16 years 4 months ago #9547 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic depression
I would certainly contact his oncologist and get something better or something changed regarding his nausea...that can go a long way to alleviating his depression and his oncologist will know which drugs he can take for his depression that will not interact with his present chemo. Just about all anti-depressant drugs these days will interact with grapefruit juice or the fruit itself so just be mindful of that. Pat

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