antidepressants?
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antidepressants?

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  • Post
    • May 22, 2011 at 5:42 am
    julieannveronica
    Participant

    My 73 year old mom had a craniotomy in February.  It was stage 4 melanoma.  She had a mole removed from her neck in 2003.  after 10 full cranium radiations and 3 cyber knife shots to a small spot on her left lung – her PET and MRI came back free and clear on Wednesday.  She was very flat when she heard the news.  The next day she seemed happier and told me it was starting to sink in.  On Friday she seemed more disoriented and sad/flat.  Confused.  she is tired and not eating much.  Someone that had had the same operation 4 or more times said she

    My 73 year old mom had a craniotomy in February.  It was stage 4 melanoma.  She had a mole removed from her neck in 2003.  after 10 full cranium radiations and 3 cyber knife shots to a small spot on her left lung – her PET and MRI came back free and clear on Wednesday.  She was very flat when she heard the news.  The next day she seemed happier and told me it was starting to sink in.  On Friday she seemed more disoriented and sad/flat.  Confused.  she is tired and not eating much.  Someone that had had the same operation 4 or more times said she needs some Ativan.  Any feedback?  she is on Leukine – 14 days on and 14 off.  no reactions to the leukine.  What do you think?  thanks

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  • Replies
      • May 22, 2011 at 2:52 pm
      dian in spokane
      Participant

      Well.. I think your mom probably had herself steeled for bad news, so it's not so surprising she was 'flat' on hearing the good news.

      Ativan is an anti anxiety, rather than an anti depressant, a small distinction, and she may already have some. She might also benefit from an anti depressant, but I'd be surprised if her doctors had not already discussed this stuff with her.

      It's an exhausting trial having to live with a sword above your head all the time. Dealing with the emotional and physical rigors of melanoma takes it's toll.

      Having this clear MRI and PET is great news, but for your mom, it probably just feels like a short reprieve.

      dian in spokane

      • May 22, 2011 at 2:52 pm
      dian in spokane
      Participant

      Well.. I think your mom probably had herself steeled for bad news, so it's not so surprising she was 'flat' on hearing the good news.

      Ativan is an anti anxiety, rather than an anti depressant, a small distinction, and she may already have some. She might also benefit from an anti depressant, but I'd be surprised if her doctors had not already discussed this stuff with her.

      It's an exhausting trial having to live with a sword above your head all the time. Dealing with the emotional and physical rigors of melanoma takes it's toll.

      Having this clear MRI and PET is great news, but for your mom, it probably just feels like a short reprieve.

      dian in spokane

      • May 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      It is great that the scans are clear. Ativan can certainly be prescribed if the oncologist
      feels that would help, but one should be aware that every drug can have side effects.

      I am pleased that your mother is on Leukine. It is an underrated treatment that seems
      to make melanoma easier to control with surgery.

      Best wishes

      Frank from Australia

      • May 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      It is great that the scans are clear. Ativan can certainly be prescribed if the oncologist
      feels that would help, but one should be aware that every drug can have side effects.

      I am pleased that your mother is on Leukine. It is an underrated treatment that seems
      to make melanoma easier to control with surgery.

      Best wishes

      Frank from Australia

      • May 24, 2011 at 12:28 am
      nickmac56
      Participant

      My wife is on both clonopin (anti-anxiety) and zoloft (anti-depressant). Given that she is Stage 4 and just had a craniotomy and is about to start brain radiation – why the heck wouldn't one want to be on these? The prognosis for stge 4 with brain tumors is none too good. Why wouldn't you want the rest of your life to be better than "flat". She should have a "festive life" as my son says.

      My wife started all these when first diagnosed as Stage 4 back in September. They can start one off on a low dose. Her oncologist is totally happy making her as anxiety free as possible. The side effects are minimal or if they are a probem the meds can be changed (for example from Zoloft to Wellbutrin). She is 50. At 73 I would tell your mom to absolutely get on something.

      • May 24, 2011 at 12:28 am
      nickmac56
      Participant

      My wife is on both clonopin (anti-anxiety) and zoloft (anti-depressant). Given that she is Stage 4 and just had a craniotomy and is about to start brain radiation – why the heck wouldn't one want to be on these? The prognosis for stge 4 with brain tumors is none too good. Why wouldn't you want the rest of your life to be better than "flat". She should have a "festive life" as my son says.

      My wife started all these when first diagnosed as Stage 4 back in September. They can start one off on a low dose. Her oncologist is totally happy making her as anxiety free as possible. The side effects are minimal or if they are a probem the meds can be changed (for example from Zoloft to Wellbutrin). She is 50. At 73 I would tell your mom to absolutely get on something.

        • May 24, 2011 at 4:08 am
        julieannveronica
        Participant

        Thanks for the feedback on the antideepressants.  I was curious if it was fairly common to be on them once diagnosed.  the Melanoma dr today suggested Celexa but when we look at the side effects, it says sleep, and drowsiness.  she is already sleeping a lot.  i tell her she is making up for lost time – since there are 6 kids.  She never napped.

        The doctor also said she would not call in the prescription until I okay it with my mom.  So i will head over there and have lunch with her on Wednesday and talk about her smile being gone lately.

        I cannot even fathom the amount of stress this puts on a body…….

        We have an extensive family history of melanoma.  Great grandma had ocular, uncle passed away at 41, mom has had 2 bouts of it, my uncle on dad's side and cousin on dad's side have had it and my husband.  My 13 year old says "at least we know what we are going to die from mom."

        julie annveronica

        • May 24, 2011 at 4:08 am
        julieannveronica
        Participant

        Thanks for the feedback on the antideepressants.  I was curious if it was fairly common to be on them once diagnosed.  the Melanoma dr today suggested Celexa but when we look at the side effects, it says sleep, and drowsiness.  she is already sleeping a lot.  i tell her she is making up for lost time – since there are 6 kids.  She never napped.

        The doctor also said she would not call in the prescription until I okay it with my mom.  So i will head over there and have lunch with her on Wednesday and talk about her smile being gone lately.

        I cannot even fathom the amount of stress this puts on a body…….

        We have an extensive family history of melanoma.  Great grandma had ocular, uncle passed away at 41, mom has had 2 bouts of it, my uncle on dad's side and cousin on dad's side have had it and my husband.  My 13 year old says "at least we know what we are going to die from mom."

        julie annveronica

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