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← Return to Tamoxifen and mental health
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Since I was diagnosed last August I have thought a lot about "quality of life." This is not just for the dying or for hospice patients. This is for everyone--young, old, sick, well. I had to ask myself_-what are my goals? And act accordingly.
Possibilities:
1. beat the cancer
2. extend life (first two are not the same. For example, very aggressive anti-cancer treatments can shorten life expectancy. And not every cause of death is cancer!)
3. live authentically
OK--so our families might go for the first--beat the cancer! And just want us alive, maybe ignoring depression, body image, side effects, etc. Fighting cancer isn't always successful, not does it confer immortality. I'm 70, with extensive co-morbities, so I'm not looking for a long life expectancy. Living is my first goal, and treating the cancer my second. I'm on an AI with minimal side effects, but I'd go right off it if it made it hard for me to function.
Obviously circumstances differ, age, prognosis, beliefs, needs etc. But personally I realized I couldn't do things just because my doctors wanted me to, or my family did. I've found some balance and a middle road. Wishing all of you the best and peace of mind.
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I am so sorry to read about your anxiety and depression. I remember those days, and wish I had an answer. I realize my situation was a little different. I was 36 years old with two children 8 and 6 and a wonderful husband. I had what turned out to be a luxuary. No Chemo, No Radiation, No anything. Radical Mastectomy and Simple Mastectomy two years later and that was the end of treatment. I saw my physician for about 1 year until i was able to use my left arm again and that was the end. I remember I was making plans, becuase I did not believe I would see 45. I do not intend to sound like Mary Poppins and say everything was wonderful I have had many medical problems (which I will not bore you with) but I seem to have made it through and just keep going. With a Smile I hope. I came to realize "No one can ever know what it is like to live all your life wondering if this is your last year". This includes you. God has a PLAN for each of us. I have had a number of times when I should be dead, BUT here I am.
(92 years old). I keep trying to get out, and he keeps throwing me back. So try to understand, you are not going to leave this planet ONE DAY earlier than he wants. Kiss your husband, take the kids to the beach, buy yourself some ICE CREAM, without feeling guilty and enjoy the gift that has been given to you (another day of life). God bless and keep you in his tender arms.
Gina5009