Depressed after treatment finished

Yes, I finished chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer well over two years ago, a very challenging treatment.

I was always upbeat, never one to be down, but we did go through a lot with CRT, PTSD kicks in, poor sleep, low mood, lots of little hurdles to get over, my CNS was very helpful with low mood issues....I'm fine now, my appetite and taste have returned to nearly normal, I have been on some sunshine breaks, enjoy swimming and cycling.

PTSD still surfaces now and then, which is very understandable.

How cancer may affect you emotionally | Macmillan Cancer Support

Peacelily11decbba said:

has anyone else had this feeling

I think we all do to some extent. There is a good essay by a clinical cancer psychologist  that is worth reading 

HERE

Yes i have days when i feel really low usually because i feel i am not progressing at the rate i think i should be, this treatment changes your life altogether for the time it takes to recover .Before i was diagnosed i loved cooking and eating out i loved drinking wine i loved laying in the sun all this is now impossible so most things i enjoyed have been taken away and been replaced with pain and spending most my time pumping liquid into my body via a syringe .So yes i feel down but i keep going because in reality its the only thing i can do .So you are bound to feel depressed.

• Oh dear.  I wish I didn't agree, but I feel exactly the same.  I do hope it improves.  I'm 14 months post treatment and now having challenging dental/mouth issues. It just never seems to end.

Thanks Dani much appreciated 

That's sounds exhausting, sorry to hear about dental issues.  Are you seeing the restorative dentist at the hospital ? Another thing that J worry about is my teeth and the cost. Hope your teeth improve soon 

Yes, its a massive life change, just got to keep going and hope for the best 

Peacelily11decbba said:

I miss the old me and am not sure about the new me,

Can I just add that at three months post Tx it’s still early days and progress is backwards as well as forwards. My oncologist told me that the cancer would take a year out of my life but that he would cure me. It did and he did. That first year really does pass. You will get there. Just be kind to yourself and don’t set unrealistic goals. The old you, shaken a bit, will be back. 

Thanks Dani yes, I need to give it more time. Its a massive life change need to be  alot kinder with myself . Thanks everyone for your advice