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Low mood

Harrison
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 I have a lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy last year. I started taking tamoxifen in August 2015 . I am finding that I am miserable constantly and keep telling myself to cheer up and snap out of it but feel that I am unable to control it. Do you recommend seeing the doctor for anti-depressants?

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    Hi Harrison

    Your feelings are quite normal, but do talk to your doctor about it. There are many ways to combat depression other than medication, if you have a good GP they should discuss these with you. My partner has a long term incurable disease (not cancer) but it drives her down just the same. She took up doing some new enjoyable activities, and finds that helps a great deal. The GP might offer you some sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy, it does help. I hope you can find a way to lift yourself up and begin to enjoy life again. Kim

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    Hi

    I'm  guessing it will be due to the side effects of your drugs? Prozac has worked for me in the past but it's always a trade off when taking drugs for drugs! Excercise like a country walk and Tai Chi has helped me too? 

    David  

  • Offline in reply to dvar

    Hi,

    Welcome to this friendly forum. Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy and it is well documented that these type's of medication can cause mood swings. I had zoladex hormone therapy fro my prostate cancer and it affeted in that if I heard anything sad, I would have tears running down my face, which as a man I found very embarassing and tried to hide this from my wife. Unsucessfully I suspect. You should mention this to your doctor or medical team, but do not stop taking the medication.

    Wishing you all the best, Brian.

  • Offline in reply to dvar

    Hi David

    My partner also lists Tai Chi in her new interests, really just going for a walk is good for your mood. It wont cure depression but will lessen it, Kim

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