CancerCompass message board discussion started by Beader1304 on 2/26/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21345,0.htm Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Hi all, this is the first time that I have actually posted here – coming from the UK it is not a site that I'd come across before. Brief history, three years on from SCC of the right tonsil – treated with right side dissection followed by 35 radiotherapy treatments.  In my own case everything went well for about two years – I can speak clearly (despite my Welsh accent), eat most things reasonably well and have only limited problems in swallowing. Where I have had issues is dealing with the after effects of the cancer surgery and radiotherapy. The surgery itself was fine medically – took me a while to get used to looking different and the radiotherapy went well – physically healed well with minimal scarring and bearable discomfort. The psycological after effects of the cancer experience took hold about a year after the treatment had ended - resulting in PTSD and subsequently depression which has caused havoc with both my work life and personal life. I have ended up on antidepressants (Elavil ) which have helped but do have some unfortunate side effects. The real issue I have now is with motivation, I work in for a large international company and my own performance over the last year has been poor but I have received little understanding from anyone other than my immediate family and to be fair the medical profession in the UK who have been as helpful as they are reasonably able to be. On top of all of this my mother is recieving treatment for breast cancer and this has brought back all of the troublesome emotions/anxieties and fears. Any comments/help would be greatly received. Beader1304 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I was so sorry to read that you have not had support from those around you in your work place. I can't even imagine how hard that must be. This is a time where family is everything! My last chemo treatment was in June so I am not quite a year out. I have not suffered from depression and for that I am really thankful. I think a large part for me is my faith. I spend time every morning having a quiet time with my cup of coffee and Bible. It gives me tremendous peace.Here you are just a year out and now your mother has breast cancer. I wish I had some wise words for you but I don't. You are obviously a person of tremendous strength to have endured all you have. Just know that many here are reading your "story" and sending thoughts of healing your way.I wish you peace... Molly s. Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT It is nice to hear from another welsh person.  I was on some antidepressants while going through treatment.  My daughter however was the one who had the PTSD from all of this.  She was by my side the entire 6 months.  She saw me sleep 20 out of 24 hrs a day, she saw the pain I was in, she came with me to treatments etc.  Her pediatrician thought it was good that she was aware of what was going on and that she came with me to appointments, but I question the rational.  She still has some issues with separation anxiety but it has gotten alot better.  Therapy seemed to work for her.  With me having a background in Social work and clinical casemanagement, I seemed to process much of what I went through on my own.  When I recovered, I had tons of energy and could not wait to get back to normal.  I got tired really fast, but the support from family, friends and work helped alot.  I think culture plays a role in what you are going through.,  I have found that after living in the US for 17 years I have grown a custom to the American lifestyle.  American's are more supportive, inclusive and understanding, where as the Brits are very "mind my own buisiness".  nic70 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT