Cancer & depression

So i was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 & although i knew when i was told i had a PSA of 130 that i was going to be told it was cancer i don't think i was ready to hear that there wasn't a cure for me as it had gone to far. So to cut a long story short i have been having Hormone therapy & had 7 1/2 weeks of radiotheraphy. So on the plus side my PSA has come down to less than 1, which is amazing. On the other side i have unfortunately been suffering with depression which at times has been a lot worse than the Cancer. Luckily for me i now have a fantastic GP who is not only interested in giving me pills but has helped in making a plan to work to help me through this, also i have been seeing a therapist which has helped immensley, as they say its good to talk....So my point is i know there are lots of people who are suffering in silence...DON'T....see your GP & make sure he gives you more help than just pills & talk to other people...there are some fantastic people on here who will help you...do not be alone & think that no one cares, they do, you just need to ask.

  • Hi pops

    My dad is in exactly the same situation as you. He too has prostate cancer and is on hormone injections.

    he has been committed to a mental health unit 3 weeks ago with severe depression. The consultant said that the hormone objection can cause this.

     I'm glad to hear that therapy is helping you. My dad is still waiting for the therapy to start!

     

    debbie

  • Hi  I have the female version, breast cancer that has spread. On hormone treatment and a new drug that seems to be working. I haven't been depressed. Have my dips now and again when a treatment stops working. It's great to talk, completely agree with you there. I'd rather stay off any more pills if poss. I have trouble getting to sleep hence me on here so late.

  • Hi Pops,

    Welcome to this friendly forum. I also had prostate cancer but allthough my psa was high at 70, the cancer was still contained. I would just like to tell you, having cancer has had the opposite effect on me. I used to be fairly shy until my third day of radiotherapy when overnight I changed.  It was just as if someone had found a hidden switch, it was that sudden. I still dont understand why it happened but I am just so thankful that it did. I am now doing things like giving talks which I would never have entertained before and although I have always been a happy person, I even happier now and appreciate the simple little things in life so much more. British Telecombe ran an advertising campaing years ago entitled, "IT'S GOOD TO TALK" , and that is never more true than when we experiance the emotional turmoil that cancer brings into our lives. 

    I wish you and Deb's father all the very best. I have been a member of this forum for over three years now and is something I would never have joined in the old days and have talked to some wondeful people on here. Please stay in touch and let us know how your getting on. Sending kind thoughts and best wishes your way, Brian.

  • Hi Deb 67

     

    I'm sorry to hear that about your Dad, luckily for me i have not had to go into a mental health unit, although i have sometimes felt that it would be safer in there.

    I am really surprised that his Consultant said that about the hormone injections, no one told me that. I've been very lucky in that i've had a year with one councillor....she was brilliant but is now retiring & through my GP i'm getting some more therapy which is very helpful.

    I like to tell myself i don't need the anti depressants but the reality is i may be on them for quite a while yet.

    My suggestion while he is waiting for therapy is to talk to someone else, i've found the people at Mcmillan are very good

    Hope your Dad is feeling a bit better

     

    Lawrence 

  • Hi Celery

    Thanks for your comments, i've found talking to a professional who acually understands & cares makes such a difference....saw my therapist today & feel so much better after talking to him & more confident to use a site like this which i wouldn't have done before 

    Lawrence

     

  • Hi Brian

    Yes its amazing the way we are all effected diferently by this horrible disease & i applaud you for the way you are dealing with it.

    Its always good to have the support of friends & familly but unless they have gone through what we all have then they will never understand.

    I am so glad i have joined in this forum & if anything i say helps someone one iota then i will be eternally gratefull, also if someone can help me then i would be forever grateful

    Lawrence