my friend is on chemo for colon cancer, he feels anxiety and depression when he is on it, is it normal?
2007-01-16 11:15:45 · 13 answers · asked by tostosh 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Well... isn't it more likely the cancer that's causing the anxiety and depression?
Although chemo is definitely not a health tonic.
2007-01-16 11:19:24 · answer #1 · answered by morgbert 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cancer causes anxiety and depression and when you are feeling like crap from chemo it certainly doesn't help. Don't expect your friend to be the life of the party - he is going through a very traumatic, life changing event. Just be supportive, even after the chemo is finished he still faces the fear and uncertainty of remission. It is a long road for him.
2007-01-16 13:29:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my husband not only felt anxiety and depression while on chemo for colon cancer; he said he could actually feel the chemo as it coarsed thru his body. for your friends sake, find out what TYPE of colon cancer he has. for example: some patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei or mucinous adenocarcinoma won't benefit from any chemotherapy
2007-01-20 08:29:41 · answer #3 · answered by kilrbabee 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the fact that he has cancer and the fears that go with it are probably what is causing his depression. it is normal. the chemo isn't causing it. it isn't for everyone, but mention to him that there are support groups he can join. he will find out that he isn't alone on a lot of what he is going through, and may even find ways other people have dealt with their cancer related issues. good luck,
2007-01-19 19:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by barb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you friend maybe feeling the effects of his drugs and/or he's feeling the effects of his diagnosis. he's just been handed what may to him seem like a death sentence. that's enough to make the calmest person twist like a plastic bag in the wind. and depression? just having to have chemo will depress someone. then add the diagnosis, the drugs, the stress of possibly already having a major surgical procedure. all this sounds like an equation to me. cause and effect. hmmm.
also, have him talk to his oncologist and find a talk therapist. both of these are a must.
2007-01-17 11:22:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is normal.
It is partly, as suggested above, the fear and anxiety from having cancer.
But, Chemo drugs do mess with one's brain cells, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, forgetfulness, dizziness, etc. The syndrome is often referred to as "chemo brain" or "chemo fog".
When he is finished with chemo, his doctors can prescribe him an anti-depressant which may help a lot.
Take care.
2007-01-16 11:48:34 · answer #6 · answered by Not so looney afterall 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i have Leukemia and i have 2 have chemo and the chemo is soo bad it makes u feel like poo it does cause anxiety and depression cause u feel so bad
2007-01-16 14:33:19 · answer #7 · answered by punk_ass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mom had colon cancer..and was going through chemo...it didn't really make her depressed it made it sleepy and tired and sometimes sick....which i guess some people could think that she was depressed..but i know that she wasn't....but she had a lot of people to talk to....
2007-01-16 11:45:31 · answer #8 · answered by rat_leg danny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemo the drug does not cause anxiety or depression. The disease causes fear and that leads to anxiety and depression.
2007-01-16 11:19:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't think so. I think it is the mind that control the emotion. I have people going for chemo. They think positively & always fill their time doing something they enjoy. Look forward & let all unhappiness be forgotten.
2007-01-16 14:31:20 · answer #10 · answered by Tan Y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋