Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
post mastectomy depression
avatar
tucson18 posted:
I had a successful bilateral mastectomy for DCIS, 4 weeks ago. I am feeling better physically and am happy that everything went well. Unfortunately, I am now suffering from depression. I am not sure why I am so sad. Has anyone else felt this way? I don't understand why I am depressed when everything went well and the doctors said that I only have a 1-2% chance of reaccurance. I seem to understand all this intellectually but not emotionally.
7 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionI had a successful bilateral mastectomy for DCIS, 4 weeks ago. I am feeling better physically and am happy that everything went well. Unfortunately, I am now suffering from depression. I am not sure why I am so sad. Has anyone else felt this way? I don't understand why I am depressed when everything went well and the doctors said that I only have a 1-2% chance of reaccurance. I seem to understand all this intellectually but not emotionally.
Reply
 
avatar
wendy08 responded:
I had a bilateral mastectomy on 12/30/2008. All went well for me also and I had a great prognosis. However, I was very depressed afterward. I believe we grieve the loss of our breasts. Even now, from time to time, I can sit and have a good cry for "no reason". There's no telling what will bring it on, but it never lasts for more than a few minutes or so and I feel much better after. Don't know if this really helped, but just know you are not alone in how you are feeling.
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionI had a bilateral mastectomy on 12/30/2008. All went well for me also and I had a great prognosis. However, I was very depressed afterward. I believe we grieve the loss of our breasts. Even now, from time to time, I can sit and have a good cry for "no reason". There's no telling what will bring it on, but it never lasts for more than a few minutes or so and I feel much better after. Don't know if this really helped, but just know you are not alone in how you are feeling.
Reply
 
avatar
kiwiallright responded:
I think a lot of women go through this - I have mentioned this before - my shower and I are the best of friends. I do how my emotions but a lot of the time I hide it and just cry all I want in the shower. If you are able to go outside and walk do it, find some sunshine or increase your vitamin D levels - eat foods that say they may help with depression. If there is a BC support group close by join and talk with other women - it really helps - - I am all for excercise.

Have a great day
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionI think a lot of women go through this - I have mentioned this before - my shower and I are the best of friends. I do how my emotions but a lot of the time I hide it and just cry all I want in the shower. If you are able to go outside and walk do it, find some sunshine or increase your vitamin D levels - eat foods that say they may help with depression. If there is a BC support group close by join and talk with other women - it really helps - - I am all for excercise.<br /> <br />Have a great day
Reply
 
avatar
An_188713 responded:
tucson18: Depression hits a lot of us with breast cancer survival. It doesn't seem to matter how well physically we are doing, it's this scare we have been through. Also, there's the future, we have good reports that it may not recur but do WE believe that. It helps tremendously to keep your mind on other things. Easier said than done. I call it cancer cloud, a fog that drifts through my mind. Don't let cancer dominate your life; I let it happen and had to go on anti-depressants. Please know that you're not alone. We all deal with the aftershock, some do better than others; yet, some hide their emotions. I'm doing much better now - I hope and pray you too will overcome. Try to get into a BC group where you can get answers and support. By all means, don't forget to come here! This site has been a blessing to me and a lot of other survivors. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, you will overcome with time and effort.
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressiontucson18: Depression hits a lot of us with breast cancer survival. It doesn't seem to matter how well physically we are doing, it's this scare we have been through. Also, there's the future, we have good reports that it may not recur but do WE believe that. It helps tremendously to keep your mind on other things. Easier said than done. I call it cancer cloud, a fog that drifts through my mind. Don't let cancer dominate your life; I let it happen and had to go on anti-depressants. Please know that you're not alone. We all deal with the aftershock, some do better than others; yet, some hide their emotions. I'm doing much better now - I hope and pray you too will overcome. Try to get into a BC group where you can get answers and support. By all means, don't forget to come here! This site has been a blessing to me and a lot of other survivors. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, you will overcome with time and effort.
Reply
 
avatar
susancham responded:
I too had blm Oct 22,2010 did not need chem or radiation, but trying to get adjusted to needed meds is throwing me for loop,
I have great days where I feel like my old self other days like yesterday that I just was sad, weepy & stayed in bed all day. This is happening even with antidepressent drugs
I know one of my problems is that once the MAJOR surg was over & I didn't need follow up treatment, everyone thought oo okay she is find, cancer is cancer, no matter how severe- so I am dealing with feeling stranded even thos I did have cancer.
Just hang in there- the days will get farther apart when you feel like you are having a pity party, Don't feel guilty about pity party just share it with someone

Has the doctor put you on antidepressent? Please may I recommend researching it before you start. Be very wary of Effexor
susan
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionI too had blm Oct 22,2010 did not need chem or radiation, but trying to get adjusted to needed meds is throwing me for loop,<br />I have great days where I feel like my old self other days like yesterday that I just was sad, weepy &amp; stayed in bed all day. This is happening even with antidepressent drugs<br />I know one of my problems is that once the MAJOR surg was over &amp; I didn't need follow up treatment, everyone thought oo okay she is find, cancer is cancer, no matter how severe- so I am dealing with feeling stranded even thos I did have cancer.<br />Just hang in there- the days will get farther apart when you feel like you are having a pity party, Don't feel guilty about pity party just share it with someone<br /> <br />Has the doctor put you on antidepressent? Please may I recommend researching it before you start. Be very wary of Effexor<br />susan
Reply
 
avatar
susancham replied to susancham's response:
sorry I was wanting to ask if you were doing reconstruction? Expanders? I am and find that every week even tho I am happy I growing I ususally have at least 2 days of blah.
It is on going procedure that does bother the emotions
sus
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionsorry I was wanting to ask if you were doing reconstruction? Expanders? I am and find that every week even tho I am happy I growing I ususally have at least 2 days of blah.<br />It is on going procedure that does bother the emotions<br />sus
Reply
 
avatar
janinbwa responded:
Oh I do understand. I have finished my 9th surgery the last one being a full reconstruction of my right breast. I did not have cancer but a negligent doctor. I have felt suicidal at times, after surgery #8 from an open wound at the t zone my breast was removed and just reconstructed here in Seattle at the Polyclinic. I too am suffering from depression, I am sad because I realized I could die and almost did. The doctors cover for each other and after almost 2 years and thousands later, I still have no answers. She is still operating in Bellevue....
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionOh I do understand. I have finished my 9th surgery the last one being a full reconstruction of my right breast. I did not have cancer but a negligent doctor. I have felt suicidal at times, after surgery #8 from an open wound at the t zone my breast was removed and just reconstructed here in Seattle at the Polyclinic. I too am suffering from depression, I am sad because I realized I could die and almost did. The doctors cover for each other and after almost 2 years and thousands later, I still have no answers. She is still operating in Bellevue....
Reply
 
avatar
An_247872 responded:
My reply is for anyone reading now...Yes I also was very happy with the surgery but am also very very Depressed!
Report This| Share this:post mastectomy depressionMy reply is for anyone reading now...Yes I also was very happy with the surgery but am also very very Depressed!
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

More from WebMD related to this Discussion

breast cancer | mastectomy | depression | radiation | suicidal

See Related Women's Health Communities

See All Communities

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Guidline Suggestions after Breast Cancer Diagnosis
BREAST CANCER GUIDELINES I. Diagnosis II. Find a Breast Surgeon and/or Plastic Surgeon, and/or Radiation ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
53 of 58 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, visit the Duke Health Breast Cancer Center