Head And Neck Cancer Radiation Therapy

I am an emotional wreck this evening. I am currently undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.  Have a hard time sleeping and have no appetite.  I have been taking ativan prior to radiation therapy. Have9 more treatments to go.  My daughter has given me an ultimatum - I either quit taking the ativan or lose her support.  She has gone out of her way to get me home nursing care etc but is now refusing to support me in any way because I just don't feel that I can go through this without the aid of ativan.She is constantly telling me how I have failed as a mother and it is so obvious that she resents me. She tells me she is afraid of me because I look like a dead woman.  This is all about more than I can handle.  My  heart isbroken and I feell like a worthless blob.  I don;'t like to cry "poor me" but in all honesty that is how I feel right now.  A home nurse has talked to my doctor who has prescribed antidepressants - over my daughers protests.  Can someone give me  some advise - I can't seem tocope.  Inciddentally, I am 77 years old

Hi there, I just wanted to reply to your post and offer you my support.  I have thyroid cancer right now and am 32 years old.  I suffer from a pre-existing panic/anxiety disorder that has begrudgingly ruled my life for 13 years.  I have been on anti-depressants for probably 8 years and have also recently added ativan to the mix.  I want to tell you that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking ativan before your radiation appointments.  Does your daughter have cancer?  Does she have anxiety?  Does she have to endure the emotional upheaval that this disease has caused you?  And does she have to experience the effects of radiation treatment?  My guess is that the answer to these questions is a big, bold NO.  Therefore, she has no right to give you ultimatums.  If you are not abusing the ativan (which I'm fairly certain you are not), use them as that is what they are for.  I'd be interested to know what her motivations are for acting this way.  This is a very stressful time for everyone, including her, but your well-being takes precedence.  I see a psychiatrist and I always express my fear to her that I will become addicted to these medications.  She has rightfully reassured me that taking ativan to deal with overwhelming anxiety is similar to an asthmatic taking a ventilator when dealing with an asthma attack.  You have a lot on your plate.  Do what you need to do to get well. 

 I wish you well.  take care.