Docetaxel-Depression

[NDJIM]

Has anyone experienced depression after starting Chemotherapy? I’ve been a fairly upbeat person for the past 5 years while “fighting the Beast”. Abiraterone failed after a couple of years then Xtandi worked for about 3 more. I still take 3 month Lupron and 6 month Zometa. I started Docetaxel about 6 weeks ago and have now developed a bad case of the “I’m having a hard time giving a sh-t anymore”. I am 100% safe, and have an appointment with a counselor, but this is so not typical of me. Thanks in advance. Jim

[Vangogh1961]

I would say the added fatigue that comes with chemotherapy and the changing diagnosis may have contributed. Talk to your oncologist, they should have someone to speak to.

[CAMPSOUPS]

I don't have a fix of course but maybe I can commiserate with you.

I had 6 docetaxel infusions Jan. to May 2020 and did ok, so,so.

In Jan. 2023 I started docetaxel again and progressed during 3 infusions. But also I had a bad case of what seemed like my brain, mental state had been severely compromised. Nothing, zero, nada looked good to me. Nothing I thought about, nothing I thought about doing interested me. I also couldnt relate to my family, I couldnt do more than say thank you when the time came. Didnt get excited and talk about how much I appreciated things that were being done for me. I was a blank page basically. Then I started Xtandi and that exaggerated the problem but progressed after about 3 months on Xtandi. Recovery took awhile.

I had Neulasta (WBC booster shots) during that docetaxel in 2023 and it seemed that may also have played a role. I just don't know though.

I'm doing really well these days except for a vomiting problem and appetite issue. I 've thought and researched about causes for this but with all the treatments I decided it would be hard for anyone even in the medical field to really pin down the reason. Kinda have settled on between the cancer and the treatments I'm just damaged goods. Lots of cause and effects stuff going on from central nervous system to physical health of body systems.

Anyway nothing helpful there. Maybe you can help me discover more about what might be happening sometimes mentally when we are on chemo tx. Please let me know what counseling reveals if you have a chance.

Hope the best for ya. Congrats on the long hauls on Zytiga and Xtandi.

[NDJIM in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

Wow, Campsoups….you nailed it with what my brain is doing to right now. I couldn’t describe it any better that you did in your reply to my posting. Thank you for taking the time to respond and I’m sorry that you had to go through something similar. It’s reassuring that I’m not alone and that there may be a light past this darkness. Thank you agin. My Best, Jim

[OuttaTime]

chemo triple drug therapy with docetaxel knocked the you know what out of me. I could not do sh$7(;! So I had to think of things to be grateful for and it is a lot, just the fact I am receiving treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Chemo is poison and the side effects suck. But had to keep hope in going forward with treatments and recovering after chemo also takes time. I am almost 3 months past chemo and starting to feel a lot better post chemo. Hang in there man it will get better. Keep hope at the top. There is no cure for advanced prostate cancer I am aware of but you never what will happen tomorrow. What also happens for me is prayer and following the Lord his suffering was much greater and a lot of good came from that! So hang in there man you are not alone for sure. Side effects suck! If you are not already a good diet and vitamin regimen is helpful I think too and they say exercise is a plus I am still working on that part! Merry Christmas to you and yours for sure!

[NDJIM in reply to OuttaTime]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your openness. It helps a lot knowing that others have experienced some of the weird side effects of chemo….sorry that you had to go through them. Thanks for sharing. Jim

[Retireddoc]

Good morning, Jim. Sorry you are going through this. I am 71 years old and in the last quarter of 2022 underwent triple therapy (Docetaxel, Lupron, Darolutamide) for oligo metastatic disease. I became depressed, a little paranoid, no energy, mental fog, anxious etc I contacted my Johns Hopkins oncologist and he said they see this in about a third of their patients (don't know which drug is to blame, maybe combo). I saw a psychiatrist and was immediately put on an anti depressant. It worked for me.

Good luck to you in fighting this disease. Unlike most cancers, we not only have to fight the cancer but have to fight the many side effects from the various treatments as well. Hang in there.

[EdBar]

Chemo was really tough for me, I had 6 rounds of Docetaxel back in 2015, it was the toughest of all the treatments I’ve had. Add to that I was going through Mohs surgery on my nose to remove melanoma (spotted by Snuffy Myers PA during a visit) I ended up getting most of the outer layer of my nose carved off and reconstructed. I remember thinking that I’d stepped into a nightmare. My faith in Jesus really helped me through that time, I really leaned into it. I’m still kicking today obviously and life is good, as I look around there is always something to be grateful for and gratitude helps to keep negative thoughts out. Today I don’t give a shit, but in a good way, things that were once important to me hold less importance. I try to enjoy every precious day that God has blessed me with and try not to let anything stand in the way of that. Hang tough, you’ll get through it, avoid self pity at all costs, it’s a slippery slope once we let it enter our mind.

Ed

[CAMPSOUPS]

Good comments here. But the tough it out attitude. That worked for me when I had my first chemo's in 2020. I got out of my pajamas everyday and put on clothes as if I was going to go out and about. Made sure I didnt cop a "I'm a patient attitude" etc.

But this thing you are experiencing and I experienced the 2nd time around in 2023 is different. Its not a "I feel down and depressed because I have stage 4 PC and chemo wipes me out". Its more just basically what I would call something resembling brain damage which as you recognized when I wrote above turns us into a complete blank page void of any emotion, any motivation, any anything.

[NDJIM in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

100% correct! I get up, work 12 hour shifts and repeat this routine for 2 weeks. Just don’t much give a sh$t about much. I’m encouraged that this has passed for some.

[j-o-h-n]

Watch some funny videos or movies and laugh your ass off. Either that or try some weed...Lots of members here know what to use... (not me)...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[NDJIM in reply to j-o-h-n]

John,

You always bring a smile to my face. Thanks for doing that for me and many many others. It is much appreciated.

Jim

[AlmostnoHope]

Totally. It goes with it. I don't know anyone who is happy going through it.