Depression after Cancer

Hi Therese 

So sorry you feel like this. We all suffer from PTSD and some of us are badly affected. 
Can I suggest you look into some counselling. Have you a Maggie’s near you? They are wonderful and if you can pay them a visit I think you’ll find it could help. 
Lastly have a read of this piece by psychologist Dr Peter Harvey who specialised in cancer care. 
Here is the link 

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Thank you so much

Over 2 years since I finished treatment for H&N cancer, Tinnitus has steadily got worse, arthritis kinda limits my activities and sleep is not so good, this does lead to some low mood days.I swim, cycle and do some gardening, these activities help to take my mind off the treatment fallout. There are local cancer support groups in my area, I'm seriously considering joining one.

Mental health aftercare for cancer patients is an area that needs addressing, my GP has never been in touch to ask how I'm coping.

Our GP couldn't give two hoots!  That's why I'll always speak to H's team as they're quick to respond and put referrals in for him.

Good wishes to yourself and Therese.

Gill xx 

Gill H said:

Our GP couldn't give two hoots

No never had any communication from mine either about the cancer but I should imagine with the number of patients my practice has along with the number of part timers staffing it I'm not surprised

Aye, I reckon you're right there but it sometimes makes me wonder who they're actually there for. 

H hasn't seen his regular GP since his stroke, two years ago, as he's only at the surgery two days a week.  Instead, we get one who doesn't know him at all and seems to have little, if any, experience with laryngectomees. And, of course, locums.

H does seem pretty low recently.  This morning we got back from an appointment and bumped into a guy he knew from when he played cricket.  Within two minutes, H started crying and I had to comfort him on the pavement.

He's cried since, so I asked him to write if he could express his feelings.  He's not great at opening up but wrote how he misses so many things from our old life.  I'm gutted for him and so sad he's feeling rotten.

I'm going to be onto it but the last thing on the cards is the GP, as all he'll do is dish out happy pills.

Sorry for the ramble but I just wanted to get it out to someone who understands.

Gill xx 

Hi Gill

Many  hnc patients do get depression I’ve a contact who runs a help and advise  group he’s an also a laryngeal patient.

if you look online for life after lary yih should be able to find it. If you message them say youve been speaking with Hazel  or send me a friend  request I’ll send you the link. Don’t think I can put on here. 
If you’ve a baggies they are very good as well 

hugs 

Hazel. 

Thanks so much for that Hazel xx

There's a Maggie's very close to Bexley Wing and the team and me were talking about it at clinic on Wednesday.

I'll see if I can find the site you suggested. As I said to Dani, H isn't very good at opening up but I really feel it would help him.  It's just rotten to see him like this and I so want to help.

Thank you again love.  I don't know how to do friends requests though.

Gill xx 

Hi gill I’ll send you a friend request in a Leeds patient as well 7 yeses ago. Whose H oncologist? The maggies  was being built when I was there. 
H

I’ve sent friend request. 
If you accept I’ll send the link direct tinyiu 

Hazel.