Dull mood: feeling "meh" on AI and abemaciclib

Posted by maryk206 @maryk206, 1 day ago

I’ve been on Arimidex for 11 months and Verzenio for 10 months. In the last several weeks, I’ve noticed that my moods have been really dulled. Moments and experiences that have gotten me excited or really happy previously now just sort of hit me as “meh." I really hate it. I don’t think it’s depression – I experienced some situational depression a few years ago and it doesn’t feel the same. Instead, it’s that when I am truly happy and know I’m happy (like watching my kid graduate from college this year), I just feel sort of mediocre instead of excited. I know I’m happy, I just don’t FEEL happy (if that makes any sense). Just wondering if anyone else has had this and if they have any tips. Exercising helps a bit to bring out the endorphins. But wondering if anyone has some hacks (a certain flavor of jelly belly . . . a type of tea . . . 🙂

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

keepmoving2 | @keepmoving2 | 1 day ago

Good morning @maryk206! Woke up to my day on the east coast to your query. The air is crisp, the ocean is sparkling & fall is in the air with the sound of Canadian geese flying by. Looked at your bio & saw you are about a year out from your new journey.

Every”body” is different - the themes or threads can often be the same but we are all different as is the sweater that is woven. I have been on both those drugs after a double mastectomy. Radiation was not an option at the time but that came later. I too was 57. I am sure if you look enough or if others weigh in, mood or behavior or “joy” can be affected by these drugs. And everyone will by affected by any step and all steps of our shared cancer journey. Therefore how you and your body is reacting is normal, to be expected but also uniquely “you”. I applaud you for being sensitive & honest enough to notice this aspect, and to reach out to this site. Be kind to yourself as you figure this out.

Based on my personal experience, exercise is wonderful and you are doing something that will absolutely benefit you. I needed to regain some control in my life - I realized I had to take some steps in the direction I wanted to go. I started yoga & then pilates to add new exercises. Recommitted myself to tennis but decided pickle is not yet for me. Did some awesome bike rides. Hiked in Glacier. Got a new haircut, tried some new recipes, kept working, volunteered with my happy puppy, and just said yes to everything in my new world. Most importantly, I told & showed my family & friends that I am happy that they are in my life. I have made the decision to turn my cancer journey into a serious of speedbumps that I put it my rear view mirror with a big “see ya”. Cancer has a small ‘c’ in my life. No idea what is around the next corner - does anyone? But I am living my best life.

Experiencing cancer makes you part of the best team that you never wanted to be on. Good luck!

briarrose | @briarrose | 1 day ago

I just love your perspective and attitude, keepmoving2!
Loving, self-care is absolutely necessary on our cancer journey. And that can take many forms and avenues.
Just fine the right one (or more like - ones) that work for you!
It's always the little things that can give us the most joy...that crisp air, sparkling ocean, the approaching fall with all its beautiful colors, the sound of beautiful birds surrounding us.
Yes, live your BEST LIFE - despite the cards one has been dealt.
Love It!