clinical depression in cancer patients adds

[Jean]

to decline in quality of life....

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=68048&nfid=al

Jean

[MJo]

This is a good thing. I go to a Cancer Center that has its own psychologist, but I think my oncologist is not as sensitive as he could be to the psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis. He is teachable, though. I have a family history of depression but, until I was diagnosed, tried to cope with it through occasional one on one therapy. The BC diagnosis almost sent me "off the ledge." I am grateful that I started taking daily Lexapro, with occasional Xanax for anxiety.

For me the depression risk was already there when I got the diagnosis. I wonder how many of the 40% who became clinically depressed had no history of depression.

[Jean]

Great Point MJO...


Keep that beautiful smile going!
Jean

[Joy]

I'll be so curious to see what approaches seem to work well and how that affects women's disease course.

I have had depression all of my life and cancer definitely amped it up. I've taken effexor for 7 years and am actually thinking about bumping up the dosage. It is just so hard when you are in constant cancer treatment to know what is my old depression, my situational depression, chemo induced fatigue and depression. With so many variable and chemicals I think it is a very tricky thing to navigate and remediate.

[Jean]

Hi Joy,

I am so sorry that you are fighting the blues along with dealing with your treatments.....life surely is not fair. But I do think that you should consider
addressing your med for depression. There is no reason to suffer and if
medication will help lift those blues then go for it.

I think depression comes on in layers and just piles up. Then before you know it you can be in a rut with it. Many accept having bad days and that is normal
a few bad days, when it is lasting into weeks etc. well it is vital to have some
help.

Please know I am praying for you in your scans and in your emotional health.
Wish I were closer to you....I would pick you up and take you out for a girlie
day....

Hugs,
Jean

[R.B.]

More on omega three.

RB



"Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17254747&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum
ABSTRACT


This review details the specific needs of women for omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and the very long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acid (dietary or in capsules) ensures that a woman's adipose tissue contains a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing fetus and the breast-fed newborn infant. This ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant. The presence of large quantities of EPA and DHA in the diet slightly lengthens pregnancy, and improves its quality. Human milk contains both ALA and DHA, unlike that of other mammals. Conditions such as diabetes can alter the fatty acid profile of mother's milk, while certain diets, like those of vegetarians, vegans, or even macrobiotic diets, can have the same effect, if they do not include seafood. ALA, DHA and EPA, are important for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease in women of all ages. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids could play a positive role in the prevention of menstrual syndrome and postmenopausal hot flushes. The normal western diet contains little ALA (less than 50% of the RDA). The only adequate sources are rapeseed oil (canola), walnuts and so-called "omega-3" eggs (similar to wild-type or Cretan eggs). The amounts of EPA and DHA in the diet vary greatly from person to person. The only good sources are fish and seafood, together with "omega-3" eggs.

[R.B.]

More on omega three.

RB



"Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17254747&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum
ABSTRACT


This review details the specific needs of women for omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and the very long chain fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acid (dietary or in capsules) ensures that a woman's adipose tissue contains a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing fetus and the breast-fed newborn infant. This ensures the optimal cerebral and cognitive development of the infant. The presence of large quantities of EPA and DHA in the diet slightly lengthens pregnancy, and improves its quality. Human milk contains both ALA and DHA, unlike that of other mammals. Conditions such as diabetes can alter the fatty acid profile of mother's milk, while certain diets, like those of vegetarians, vegans, or even macrobiotic diets, can have the same effect, if they do not include seafood. ALA, DHA and EPA, are important for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease in women of all ages. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to prevent the development of certain cancers, particularly those of the breast and colon, and possibly of the uterus and the skin, and are likely to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis, dementias (Alzheimer's disease and others), hypertension, toxemia, diabetes and, to a certain extend, age-related macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids could play a positive role in the prevention of menstrual syndrome and postmenopausal hot flushes. The normal western diet contains little ALA (less than 50% of the RDA). The only adequate sources are rapeseed oil (canola), walnuts and so-called "omega-3" eggs (similar to wild-type or Cretan eggs). The amounts of EPA and DHA in the diet vary greatly from person to person. The only good sources are fish and seafood, together with "omega-3" eggs.