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Depression - have you experienced it?
I have been having a rough time with depression. Starting to wonder if anyone else has experienced this too? I do received therapy and am on two medications. Happy to be in remission, but trying to find some joy in the aftermath.
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WeatherNurse13 - Name: Gracie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 10/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
I am guessing that dexamethasone has been part of your therapy. I would encourage you to ask for a referral or to see a psychologist and a psychiatrist for evaluation. I have had patients find this very helpful.
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Dr. Jason Valent - Name: Jason Valent, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
WeatherNurse13, sorry to hear you're dealing with depression. I'm not in a position to give advice on how to deal with depression after multiple myeloma treatment, or any other time for that matter. But I wanted to reply anyway.
Multiple myeloma is a tough and scary disease. Even being in remission, it can be hard psychologically, knowing that in all liklihood there will be a relapse at some point. Every once in awhile I'll catch myself starting to worry about relapse, and I have to consciously tell myself to stop thinking like that.
But I do want you to know that I'm thinking about you and wishing the best for you. It's been a big help to me knowing that I have people rooting for me. So just know I'm rooting for you, and I'm sure many others in this Forum are too. I hope that's at least a small help to you.
Multiple myeloma is a tough and scary disease. Even being in remission, it can be hard psychologically, knowing that in all liklihood there will be a relapse at some point. Every once in awhile I'll catch myself starting to worry about relapse, and I have to consciously tell myself to stop thinking like that.
But I do want you to know that I'm thinking about you and wishing the best for you. It's been a big help to me knowing that I have people rooting for me. So just know I'm rooting for you, and I'm sure many others in this Forum are too. I hope that's at least a small help to you.
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
I have been receiving treatment and therapy with a psychologist since April of 2013. I have not taken dexamethasone for over a year now. I think there are just a lot of events that cause my sad emotions to pile up. Kind of wanted to know if lots of multiple myeloma patients have depresssion.
Mike thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much. You understand how I feel, wondering if relapse is around the corner. Still learning how to try and stifle it. Thanks for pulling for me!
Mike thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much. You understand how I feel, wondering if relapse is around the corner. Still learning how to try and stifle it. Thanks for pulling for me!
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WeatherNurse13 - Name: Gracie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 10/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
I don't want to minimize other people's experience with depression as it relates to Multiple Myeloma because we all deal with things differently. But here is my experience with depression.
When I was diagnosed I was depressed for 2-3 weeks and I found myself feeling much sicker than I really was. Somehow I figured out that it was the depression and not the Multiple Myeloma that was causing some of my physical symptoms (mostly tiredness and aches and pains). I decided to try to be as positive as I could looking towards the future and almost instantly I started to feel somewhat better. Also, I decided that whether I have 2 years, 5 years or 10 years left I don't want to "go out" being depressed. What will be, will be. I want to make the most of my years alive. That has helped me to maintain a more positive attitude even when I'm not feeling that great due to treatment side effects and other myeloma aches and pains. Having said that, I still find it OK to have a pity party every now and then...that is only healthy in my opinion. I just don't let them last.
Good luck in your journey since we all have a different one.
When I was diagnosed I was depressed for 2-3 weeks and I found myself feeling much sicker than I really was. Somehow I figured out that it was the depression and not the Multiple Myeloma that was causing some of my physical symptoms (mostly tiredness and aches and pains). I decided to try to be as positive as I could looking towards the future and almost instantly I started to feel somewhat better. Also, I decided that whether I have 2 years, 5 years or 10 years left I don't want to "go out" being depressed. What will be, will be. I want to make the most of my years alive. That has helped me to maintain a more positive attitude even when I'm not feeling that great due to treatment side effects and other myeloma aches and pains. Having said that, I still find it OK to have a pity party every now and then...that is only healthy in my opinion. I just don't let them last.
Good luck in your journey since we all have a different one.
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DallasGG - Name: Kent
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 6/20/2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
Hi WeatherNurse13,
Glad my message helped a little. You just made my day by telling me that.
Good luck to you!
Glad my message helped a little. You just made my day by telling me that.
Good luck to you!
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
When I was first diagnosed, I didn't recognize depression. I was ANNOYED at everyone and everything not sad or lacking energy. My primary had some insight and put me on a low dose .25 mg of Zoloft. (my oncologist calls it Vitamin Z when it's given at that low a dosage).
In three weeks I felt like a screen had been lifted and I was once again my normal self. (My husband jokingly says I returned to my normal level of bitchiness.).
I tried decreasing it after a year but feel I am a nicer person on the meds at the .25 dose so I continue. I also saw an oncology psychologist for one visit and that was most helpful. Now doing well physically and emotionally.
In three weeks I felt like a screen had been lifted and I was once again my normal self. (My husband jokingly says I returned to my normal level of bitchiness.).
I tried decreasing it after a year but feel I am a nicer person on the meds at the .25 dose so I continue. I also saw an oncology psychologist for one visit and that was most helpful. Now doing well physically and emotionally.
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torimooney - Name: tori
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: apr 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 64
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
Torimooney ... thanks for making me laugh!! Funny post.
Stann
Stann
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Stann
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma I too have experienced it. I do my best to keep busy on things i like doing. Seems to help me.
The farther away from my original diagnosis I get the less I have. So just hang in there. Just also know there are a lot of people on here who are thinking and praying for you.
Marvin
The farther away from my original diagnosis I get the less I have. So just hang in there. Just also know there are a lot of people on here who are thinking and praying for you.
Marvin
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gmarv54
Re: Depression - have you experienced it?
I have started on a second medication and have also had a good report from my oncologist about my most recent blood work.
I think my depression is more related to life after cancer than the cancer itself or its return. I keep plugging along and have had a few good days this week.
Thanks all!
I think my depression is more related to life after cancer than the cancer itself or its return. I keep plugging along and have had a few good days this week.
Thanks all!
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WeatherNurse13 - Name: Gracie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 10/2012
- Age at diagnosis: 49
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