Residual Major Depression due to stopping ERT after DCIS estrogen positive breast cancer

brushjanus50t

Six months after I stopped ERT I fell into Major Depression. This debilitating depression has not lifted in over 4 years. I stopped taking a low dose of Tamoxifen two years ago. I see a psychiatrist, therapist, take antidepressants and have been taking Spravato. I believe this depression is due to stopping ERT especially because I have experienced several episodes of major depression during my life and have a mood disorder. I want to go back to taking a small dose of ERT because I can no longer live like this. It's highly unlikely a MD would prescribe this. I feel at this point I would rather risk getting cancer again than living this way. If my untenable mental health eventually kills me, which is more important? I am desperate to return of who I used to be and can't find a way out.

brushjanus50t

I meant to include I had DCI stage one, estrogen positive breast cancer. Just needed a lumpectomy.

moderators

@brushjanus50t, we are so sorry to hear that you are feeling this way. It is important that you discuss your concerns about treating your depression with both your psychiatrist and medical oncologist, so that both can coordinate a balanced treatment plan that would work for you and keep you safe from both the mental-emotional, as well as from the breast cancer wellness, fronts.

If you are feeling unsafe, thinking about hurting yourself, or need urgent help, please call 911 or 988 (or your country’s emergency number). Breastcancer.org and the moderators are unable to provide emergency help.