Phesgo depression?

Hi Sharky5,

Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing how you are feeling, it is completely understandable that you are worried things won’t start to feel better once your treatment is completed.

You are going through a lot and is sounds as though you are looking after everyone else’s feelings which is so kind, but it is important you have a safe space just to be you. It is also amazing that you have continued to work through your treatment.

You mentioned that Phesgo boosts you back up again, but there is a possibility that the treatment may also be contributing to some of your symptoms. A loss of appetite and difficult sleeping are common side effects.

It is important that you speak with your specialist team or breast care nurse about your symptoms and weight loss. We would always advise with any new or worsening symptoms that you contact your chemotherapy/treatment support line and specialist team to be assessed urgently. They may also be able to refer you to a dietitian to support your nutrition.

The fear of cancer recurrence or a new cancer is very real and can make you feel very worried and anxious. People who have been through cancer treatment live with some worry, uncertainty, and a heightened awareness of when things are different within their own bodies. Although the cancer may be gone, the fear of cancer never goes entirely.

Many people after having cancer can suffer with mixed emotions and struggle to return to what they think is normal. After cancer treatment many people feel and see life differently and it can be difficult to adapt to these changes. It can also be difficult for family or friends to completely understand how you are feeling.   

If you are struggling speak with your GP or breast care nurse who can help you access additional support and advice if needed. Getting the right support will help to manage these fears or worries you are having. You are not alone feeling like this. There are many people who struggle after a cancer diagnosis.

There are many ways your GP can help you such as referring you for talking therapies. We can also make a referral to Bupa for an assessment for emotional support, or you book can yourself via our webpages if you would prefer. Talking over how you are feeling can make things easier, to help you gain an understanding of what you are feeling and find ways to manage this.

Mission remission is a helpful site for people managing life after cancer treatment. We also have an online community group life after cancer that may offer you support, friendship and advice from others going through a similar experience. Many people find this kind of support invaluable.

Maggie’s, another cancer charity, can also offer support when you are worried about your cancer coming back. We also have a welcoming and supportive breast cancer forum, sometimes talking to others that understand can really help. You can check our webpage to find details of support and information organisations in your area.

Breast Cancer Now have a Moving Forward course to support you when you have completed treatment. They recognise that coping with the shock of your diagnosis, treatment, and side effects, as well as worries about your cancer coming back, can make it hard to readjust to everyday life. 

I hope you will find the information useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need to. You can always give one of our nurses a call directly. Sometimes talking over your worries with someone can be the best way to help.

Best wishes and take care, 

Heidi

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref/EM/HC