Depression Thru Cancer

Welcome, , to the club no one wants.

In answer to your question, yes. The trial nurse picked mine up towards the end of chemo, and they referred me to the in house service of counsellors. Which after a rocky start, did help. I have always been able, to a certain extent, to self assess myself (through necessity!) but external help did put another spin on things. I am also very much a fan of Charlie Mackesy, his work has helped me through the last couple of years, I'm known to share the odd one! Look him up, The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse. Happy to help you if I can. By friend if easier. Also the Macmillan helpline is amazing.

Question 2, also yes. Hands in my case, which is awkward as I work with them. I was first prescribed Pyridoxine which did help for 6 months or so, can't quite remember! Then they were getting sore again, so I got swopped to 10mg amitriptyline which still helps now. There are times I overdo the use of hands, and they get sore, but this seems to work. I go through phases when I loose my fingerprints, not good for touch screens!! I too was told it should subside but it didn't. It is manageable at the moment. If they hurt I take paracetamol. 

Really hope you get some answers. Perhaps speak to the oncologist again. I know I had to be firm that it was bugging me, despite the fact he thought I shouldn't have it, hence the amitriptyline. In the low dose form it is used a lot for neuropathy, so ask. Take care xx

Thank you for your reply, and with such promptness. I have taken this a number of time with the Oncology Team, they keep on saying, If I  can manage it then that will be the best course.

I too have taken Pyridoxine and Amitriptyline, both gave such bad side effects, made me very uncomfortable, dizzy, and made the pain worse. SO had to stop, now i just manage it, but recently the pain in the legs is getting worse. But will speak to them.

Thank you of your help.

U too TC..

Amitriptyline side effects wore off after a few days when I started it. Must admit I did feel rough for a few days, week maybe, then it all seemed to work. 

Hi . I’m sorry that you’re struggling so much. The neuropathy is a pain and unfortunately there seems to be no magic treatment for it. I’m lucky in that my hands are not affected but my feet feel to be permanently swollen and hot - like bad sunburn. I found that reflexology helped a bit ? 
Cancer affects everybody both physically and mentally and a lot of people think that once you’ve finished treatment then you should be fine again. I found things improved a bit after each clear scan then after 2 years and then 3 years. Have you discussed counselling with your doctor? Some areas have a self referral scheme or your local Maggies Centre maybe be able to help? 
A lot of people have found this paper helpful and the nurses on here are always available for a chat every day from 8-8 on 0808 808 00 00

www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/.../After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Hope you are able to find some help

Take care

Karen x

Hi Karen,

During the day, with my feet covered they seem to be ok, and walking around does not help with the pain, but at night times, it get worse, the hotness and the burning, with the ongoing spams from my toes to the shins and the burning in I my hands does not help at all. 

To answer your question on Counselling - I have been thru  Hypnotherapy thru Macmillan Centre at the hospital, helped a little, but with this ones needs time to do the treatment yourself, i gave up due to lack of motivation from my side, cause got depressed and mentally tired.

I will look at the document and take what i can from it.

Thanks for you valuable input.

A