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Posted Today 11:30 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you so much for your support - it means a lot to me. MRI tomorrow. Doing my best not to catastrophize. I'll feel better when I know more.
Posted 2/17/2022 4:46 PM (GMT -5)
Ugh. Year after year, I struggle thru Dec, Jan, and Feb. (Remember, low grade chronic depression here that's never responded to any medication.) Then spring comes and I do better. Considering either,

1) trying ketamine (would one have to try in the bad months?)
or
2) moving south from Ga (born & raised in Fla)

Any experience or thoughts/suggestions from anyone?
Posted 2/18/2022 3:54 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Lynwood,
If you go back a page or two in this thread you can read my ketamine "journal". I went through the 6 treatment induction series in January. I thought it worked pretty well. Unfortunately two weeks later I got diagnosed with breast cancer which is putting the ketamine results to the test. I am doing pretty good, all things considered. Today is not a great day because I have the day off and not much to do except housework. Or put all my granny squares together to make a blanket - not a task I relish. But in general I am not sliding into the abyss as I might have done had I been diagnosed in November or December.
Posted 2/18/2022 5:10 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, Buena, I had followed that journey. Glad to know you think it's still helping!

Jan 24 (when you posted you'd had treatment #6) isn't that far in the past...

Did you find anyone who had it done a year ago and what did they say?
Posted 2/18/2022 9:07 PM (GMT -5)
No, I don't know anyone else who has done this. It was a leap of faith on my part. Considering that you can get a booster as frequently as every 3 weeks, I would be surprised if the initial treatment lasted a year, but I really don't know.
Posted 2/24/2022 6:14 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Lynnwood, Buena -- one other thing that comes to mind is SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which tends to happen during those dark and cold months. Maybe ketamine can be effective there. In any case, something specific to SAD might be in order.

Hope everyone stays strong on Ukraine, especially those with any relationships or friends there. I have some family roots near there, so it sort of hits home. It's hard to believe this is actually happening.
Posted 2/24/2022 9:06 PM (GMT -5)
Paul_t, if you still have family there, I hope their ok. I'm also hoping that this war stops before more people are hurt. I feel so sad for the people stuck there.
Posted 2/27/2022 5:38 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, Forever -- yes, they're nearby, but the missiles and artillery haven't been directed at their area just yet. The quote from Russian soldiers comes to mind: "We don't know who to shoot. They all look like us." This is almost a civil war. Also, the nuclear threat warning is out of left field. I don't know how it's possible in this day and age.

Best to everyone, especially those impacted by this.
Posted 2/28/2022 11:22 AM (GMT -5)
Paul, I hope your family is safe. What a terrible thing to be happening.

I had a tough week last week and I stayed in bed most of the weekend. I am disappointed that I am depressed, if that is possible, because I just finished my ketamine treatments 5 weeks ago. They held me through the first weeks after my cancer diagnosis but seem to have petered out. I guess that is to be expected. I want to do a booster dose but I think I should run it by the oncologist first. I don't see him until Thursday and it's been agony waiting because he's the one who will decide if I need chemotherapy or not. I also saw the genetic counselor last week who brought up the possibility of bilateral prophylactic mastectomies if I test positive for the breast cancer gene mutation! I have to wait until the end of the week for those results. I am trying to stay in the moment and not catastrophize, but it's hard.
Posted 2/28/2022 1:41 PM (GMT -5)
I am so sorry you are facing this Buena. I think it is only normal that you feel a little depressed considering the situation. I had radiation therapy, there was chemotherapy there too. If you need to talk to somebody feel free to email me. I can share my experience with you though yours may be completely different. But the emotions of the unknown are still there.

Do you take anything for anxiety? Or can you while having ketamine treatments? I think it is nice to have something calming.

I hope you get some answers when you see your oncologist. Until then, try to hang in there.

I didn't get the gene test. I think I was afraid to. My grandmother and sister both had breast cancer. So if it comes back I will definitely get the gene test. I have a mammogram coming up in March.

Take care

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 3/1/2022 9:51 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, Buena, and hope you get good news from the oncologist. I can't say I know what it's like, but cancer is not unfamiliar to me (my aunts have had it and recovered). Even if treatment is needed, the prognosis these days is vastly improved even compared to a couple years ago...
Posted 3/1/2022 11:09 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks Paul and Karen,

I don't have any medication for anxiety. I use Sleepy Time Tea with chamomile and valerian, which sort of works. I am afraid to ask my provider for any prescription anxiety meds given the current attitude towards scheduled drugs. I may ask her for something to sleep though, since I have been having insomnia lately. It's always something, isn't it?
Posted 3/4/2022 4:23 AM (GMT -5)
mums psychosis is very bad, my sis and i are exhausted, and we visited mum and are planning a major intervention. HT
Posted 3/4/2022 5:46 AM (GMT -5)
Hey Buena,

I think in your circumstances you deserve something for anxiety or sleep. You are going through a lot. I would ask.

Jamie,

I am sorry to hear about your mum. Intervention is good. Bless you.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 3/4/2022 11:49 AM (GMT -5)
Buena ditto on meds it makes A HUGE difference in stopping the invasive contastrophising

You deserve and will get relief if you ask for
Hugs
Posted 3/4/2022 11:52 AM (GMT -5)
Jamie so sorry to hear more troubles with mum.

Yes. Intervent again sound like the key
Hugs stay strongband focused
Huggles
Posted 3/5/2022 10:35 PM (GMT -5)
Well, I do have to do chemo followed by radiation. This will all start in the middle of April. I had a rough few days but I got my wig this afternoon and feel much better. I like to have things like this planned out. Surgery is on March 15th. I am going to do a ketamine booster next Saturday because I think I’ll need it.
Posted 3/6/2022 5:34 AM (GMT -5)
I feel for you. I know how scary this is. I am glad you have things planned out. It makes it much easier. I wish you the best with your surgery. I hope you have a support system. And like I mentioned before, if you feel the need, email me. I will be thinking about you.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 3/6/2022 4:58 PM (GMT -5)
Best to you, Buena... you can make it through this, like my aunt did (this brings back memories of her experience with chemo, radiation and surgery). Please keep us posted...
Posted 3/8/2022 10:15 AM (GMT -5)
B
Tough on Chemo.
Maybe think about a virtual support group as you meet people at the center.
I know lady from depression group that finally when and she is doing great
Everyone is different

You will find your path through this.
Huggles...
Posted 3/9/2022 3:31 PM (GMT -5)
Well this sucks...I just found out that my therapist is leaving. I've been with this therapist for years, and if I'm honest, I'm a bit scare and nervous of how my next therapist will be. Change can be so hard to handle some times.

GB, I hope everything is ok with you. I read on another post that you have somethings going on now in your life.
Posted 3/9/2022 4:31 PM (GMT -5)
Buena,

I agree with what Bnot said about joining a support group. Just be around people who had or has breast cancer might help as they know exactly how you're feeling. I'm sorry you have to go through this; however, you're stronger than you think and will beat this. Hugs.
Posted 3/9/2022 6:08 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you Forever...

Means a lot.

I'm sorry you have to get a new therapist. It isn't easy changing. Mine I think will be retiring in the not so distant future. That will be hard. So I can imagine how you feel.

Gentle hugs...

Karen...
Posted 3/9/2022 11:32 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, everyone. I have signed up for a support group through my oncology office, although they don’t meet again until April 6. I got a great massage and a short (for me) haircut to match my wig yesterday. Worked today and I feel pretty good. It helps to stay busy.
Posted 3/10/2022 6:52 AM (GMT -5)
Staying busy helps so much. I am glad you are able to. It sounds like your attitude is fantastic!

Glad you got a massage too. Relaxation, awesome!

You are doing all the right things to help you get through this. Cool on the hair cut and the wig.

I think that the support group is going to help a lot. You may even make some friends for life. Best wishes for the best outcome Kathy. You will get through it all.

Hugs, Karen...
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