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Patients with cancer will experience various degrees of depression and anxiety in their cancer journey.
One of the coping mechanisms in controlling depression and anxiety is to know and accept that this negative effect happens to practically all cancer patients. It is normal to have depression and anxiety. What is left is how to control them.
A good control strategy is to listen to the experiences of cancer patients and to learn from them.
In this page, various cancer patients share their experiences in depression and anxiety in their cancer journey and give their advice.
Question Template:
Name:
Age:
You are a _______ Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now?
What is your cancer diagnosis?
What major treatment did you undergo?
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
Name: RJBassig
Age: 71
You are a Breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor)
How many years now? 22 years
What is your cancer diagnosis? Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Right Breast
What major treatment did you undergo? Modified Radical Mastectomy
Q-1: During my entire cancer journey, from the time I felt a symptom of possible cancer that eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), I did go into several bouts of ANXIETY, ranging from mild to moderate.
Pls describe how you felt.
I felt worried on what the future holds. The fear of death haunted me. There were sleepness nights and restless days. It was so difficult to concentrate. I experienced muscle tension, fatigue, gastro-intestinal distress like diarrhea and constipation as well as mood swings.
Q-2: How did you cope with anxiety?
I tried to cope by avoiding situations that could cause anxiety/worry so that feelings or thoughts do not become consuming. I accepted that I have breast CA and entrusted my survival to God. Immersing in His words and prayers gave me peace and comfort. Until retirement in 2015, I was very focused on my job which distracted me from my medical anxieties. Lifestyle changes like exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, etc worked well. Confiding or talking to trusted friends and family members also relieved me of anxieties. The guidance and encouragement of my oncologist Dr Joson including the cancer story sharing and fun-filled activities of my cancer support group ( Cancer Crusaders Club) always heaved a sigh of relief.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
Up to now, I still have recurring anxiety. Notwithstanding my long remission, the fear of CA recurrence in the breast or in other organs very often creeps in esp if I have coughs, headaches, muscle tensions and other body pains or discomforts. Health issues like hypertension, diabetes and asthma add to my anxieties, not to mention the Covid 19 virus.
I try to cope thru constant prayers and positive thoughts. Other coping mechanisms include going out/bonding with friends, travelling/visiting museums and heritage sites, engaging in hobbies and crafts, exercise/ walking at home or in the street etc.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
In addition to what I already mentioned above on controlling anxiety, I would like to say:
Life is fragile. Let us be connected to God, the Giver of life thru prayers and service to the church/community.
There is life after cancer. Love and celebrate life to the fullest with meaning and intention. Find beauty in it again.
Sharing our cancer journey is also therapeutic. We can reach out to cancer patients and, when occasions permit, share our cancer experiences to give hope and inspiration.
Knowledge is power. Let us aspire to be medically empowered persons by enhancing our basic knowledge/skills about cancer so as to gain greater control over decisions/actions affecting our health. To learn more, let us join ROJPEPTALK given by our mentor, Dr. Joson.
2021
Name: CQuevedo
Age: 75 years old
I am a Breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor) for 37 years on my first surgery,( Stage 1 Cancer, right breast); and 8 months on my second surgery, Stage 0 Cancer, left breast.
What major treatment did I undergo? In both cases, Radical Mastectomy, no Chemotherapy was advised.
No, I did not go into depression. I think it was just anxiety. (I was 38 years old, and had just given birth to our 4th child). My anxiety was severe, and lasted for about a year, during my first mastectomy. I believe the support of my husband , family and friends was greatly felt, so it did not progress to Depression. To differentiate depression from Anxiety, Depression for me is despair and giving up; not wanting to face life’s problems; while Anxiety is feeling of concern for my children, in case something worse happens; of feeling angry at God sometimes; I engaged myself in self-pity; I decided to resign from my lucrative job in the bank and went into a small business .
How did I cope with Anxiety? I depended much on my Faith. In the beginning it was not easy. Many negative thoughts came to mind. But I had a community that I got involved in. My companions guided me and always reminded me of God’s immense love for all of us. That even this sickness was part of God’s love. I just had to entrust everything to our God. I also got involved in the Phil. Cancer Society for a while, and Sinag Hospital Volunteers Foundation, (for more than 30 years now). I wanted to reach out to my fellow Cancer Survivors, to tell them that there is hope! Then, the Cancer Crusaders Club was established by Dr. Rey Joson, and and he invited me to join this club. After sometime, the help of Dra. Elsie Dancel was sought due to their busy schedules. Thanks to you Doctors, I dropped Phil. Cancer Society, and decided to devote much time with my fellow survivors in CCC, with your guidance and support.
As far as I can remember, I did not have recurring anxiety after my first surgery. I did worry about a lump that developed near the collar bone, which the Dr. Joson was able to remove, and another lump that appeared on my right palm, which was also excised. My second bout with Cancer, (which happened last March of 2021) passed like a breeze, because I was so ready, psychologically and physically. Of course there was also a bit of anxiety, but because my heart and mind were pre-conditioned, I knew what to do.
Advice to Cancer Survivors: Don’t keep emotions to yourself. Join a Club or Group who will be able to listen to your concerns. Reach out to other patients. As You had been blessed, be a blessing for others . Watch out for signs of recurrence. Have a regular check up with your doctor. Recently, Dr. Joson’s weekly lectures have become another source of empowerment , because of added KAALAMAN, KAKAYAHAN , KAPANGYARIHAN . Last, but not the least, Pray unceasingly! Believe in God’s love.
2021
Name: FTijones
Age: 52
You are a Breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 7yrs
What is your cancer diagnosis? Breast CA
What major treatment did you undergo? mastectomy then medication
Q-1: Ans:
I felt depressed
If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? mild.
I felt/experienced loss of appetite, felt sad most of the times, sleep problem, feeling weak
Q-2:Ans:
I was able to cope with the support from family. The biggest factor in coping is when i get back to work.
Q-3: Ans:
I think yes - occasionally, i have recurring depression - big factor is due to pandemic. Keeping my self active (mental and physical) helped me a lot.
Q-4: Ans:
My advice to other patients is to “always think that they are not alone - that they have their family and friends to support. Be active (movement and exercise will help a lot).
2021
Name: NRamos
Age: 51
You are a BREAST Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 2 years
What is your cancer diagnosis? Breast Cancer, Right; Stage 1
What major treatment did you undergo? Modified Radical Mastectomy
Q-1:
I experienced anxiety thinking about what will happen to me.
If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Moderate.
Pls. describe what you felt.
I felt sad and anxious. I questioned God why did this happen to me. Accepting my condition was not that easy. Thanks to my family who supported me, I got through this all.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
I tried to vent my feelings with my son and daughter who were both in the medical field. I also asked them questions that they patiently answered. Knowing more about my disease somehow lessened my anxiety.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
Sometimes. I tried to divert my attention by doing my hobbies like gardening.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
Try to strengthen your relationship with God and your family. You are not alone in this battle. Trust your doctors and follow their advice. Be as active as possible in engaging with task that makes you feel good about yourself.
2021
Name:LBallesteros
Age: 44
You are a Breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 4years
What is your cancer diagnosis? stage 2
What major treatment did you undergo? Mastectomy and 5years tamoxifen
Q-1:
A little bit depressed because i cant accept what happen to me but it heals as time passed and because of prayer.
Q-2:
I always pray to God and ask his mercy.
Q-3:
I think i overcome it, i dont think it anymore, just move on and continue life..
Q-4:
It's normal that you felt depressed, but it doesnt mean u will give up, be positive, just continue living a normal life, at the end of the day everything will be ok.
2021
Name: VReyes
56 yrs old
survivor: breast cancer for 3 yrs and 5 months, renal cancer for 2 years and 6 months
Total mastectomy (R) and redical nephrectomy(L)
During breast cancer treatment, I was afraid that if I die, there were so much unfinished work and no one will handle our family business management and responsibilities bec. my husband never handled it before. I would wake up at night trembling with fear, afraid of the unknown. Until I realized that even if I can no longer work, both my sons were already earning, they can handle the situation. I entrusted my fate to God. When I was diagnosed with renal cancer the following year. At first I don't want to undergo surgery because my right kidney function was only 35 gfr. and I was told that I might live with dialysis after surgery. Aldric was so frustrated with me but still he told me that I decide. When I saw that my children had faced the situation calmly, I decided to undergo surgery and once again l put my fate in the hands of God. Miraculously, my right kidney function improved after the surgery.
I think I have underwent mild depression and anxiety. I was anxious that if I die, there will be no more income because I'm the one who was earning. I feel depressed because my husband was not capable to handle and manage our family business. But because I have a very strong personality and my children were very optimistic, I was able to overcome my fear for the future. I convinced myself that my children will be alright. I consider myself very fortunate because God would always give me a helping hand. When finances became tight, income would come. Like when both my garment and tutorial business were closed because of the pandemic. To help support my sewers, I decided to make fabric mask for donation, then friends recommend me to companies who gave orders for mask, then I started receiving orders for PPEs, when demand had stopped, a company offered to rent my tutorial space thus giving us continuous income.
During my darkest moment, I've received this quote from God's messenger, which since then served as my guiding light:
"Walk by faith and not by sight"
I always believe that when things are getting hard, help will always come.
2021
Name: MNgo
Age: 62
You are a BREAST Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 8 YEARS
What is your cancer diagnosis?
INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA (Right)
What major treatment did you undergo? Mastectomy and chemotherapy and hormonal therapy
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)?
NO
If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)?
MILD
Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
WHEN I KNEW IT WAS CANCER, MY MIND WENT BLANK. JUST FOLLOWED ORDERS TO HAVE SURGERY. I BECAME WORRIED OF MY CHILDS EDUCATION.
I WAS IRRITABLE, CANNOT SLEEP, THINKING IF I SHOULD HAVE CHEMO OR NOT. AFTER CHEMO, I ENJOYED MY LIFE, TOOK CANCER AS A CHALLENGE AND TRIAL FROM GOD AND ACCEPTED IT BECAUSE I FELT BLESSED WITH PEOPLE AROUND TO HELP ME. NOW, I AM READY WHATEVER THE NEXT CHALLENGES GOD WILL GIVE ME AND I AM READY TO FACE HIM ANYTIME.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
I LEARNED TO ACCEPT CANCER AND JUST LAUGH IT OFF, MADE FRIENDS AND EXPLORE NEW PLACES AND THINGS.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
NO MORE ANXIETY FOR NOW BECAUSE I LEARNED TO BE MORE PRACTICAL IN LIFE. I BECAME STRONGER AS A PERSON.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
BE AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF, KEEP YOURSELF BUSY, HELP OTHERS SO DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY WILL HAVE NO PLACE IN YOUR LIFE. ALWAYS REMEMBER GOD LOVES US. HAVE FAITH AND PRAY. THESE ARE ONLY TEMPORARY PHYSICAL PAIN. GOD GAVE US THIS LIFE SO ONLY GOD CAN TAKE OUR LIVES. ACCEPTANCE IS THE KEY TO PREVENT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.
2021
Name: GBSantos
Age: 68
You are a Breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 8 years
What is your cancer diagnosis? Breast Cancer stage 3A ( I think)?
What major treatment did you undergo? Surgery & Holistic Therapy; Dentrictic Cell, Gene Therapy, Mega Vit C drip, Glutathione, coffee enema daily, Hyperthermia, Ozone Therapy, Dental works, Cannabis oil, mistletoe, Beam Ray, vegetarian diet, no sugar, very little carbs, juicing, GCMaf pills, GCMaf injection, etc
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression?
Yes, in shock
Or just anxiety? Anxiety, too. I was fearful and every time I’d feel something unusual I would pray that it has not metástasis.
If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)?
Severe - felt isolated & in constant tears - felt unwanted, sensitive & lost.
If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)?
Severe ... fearful and that I was going die and leave so much unfinished business behind.
No one truly understood me.
Memories of my past traumas would come to mind and I d feel crashed. Being peeled later after later till I turned to God.
Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
I was depressed because I felt my body failed me and that I totally lost control of everything. I wanted to run ‘home’ to my mother (thinking she would know how to fix things) but she was long gone.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
By offering my fears & stress to the Lord. Going to mass daily and prayers.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
It comes back every time I am due for blood test and when I felt something strange.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
I would suggest that they turn to God and offer up all their fears and hopes. Then, they should always make an effort to do something about their CA even if all markers are good. It is a life style change and one that has to be lived for the rest of one’s life.
2021
Name: JEAlvarez
58 yrs old
Breast Cancer survivor
9 years
Invasive ductal carcinoma
March 7,2012
Mastectomy
Q1. Bec of the breast mammogram and ultrasound, it showed i had a cist/ lump. I had anxiety.
Q2 I prayed a lot and did Yoga.
Q3 I continued to pray and do Yoga.
Q4. I would advise them to count their blessings ( family and friends who are always with them through their cancer journey). Pray and have faith in God.
2021
Name:JRibon
49 yrs old,,,,2 yrs.,,,,Invasive Carcinoma nuclear grade 2 ,,, stage 4,,,,operation of the breast,,,
Q -1:worst ever
Q-2: Did not sleep,,,sleep more and work for my daily work in my house like cooking,washing the plate and after I clean the house.and after I clean my self,,After clean my self I work my daily habit I weaving bags and basket to that work I scape from depression and anxiety I'm happy when I made 1 bag like this ,,,in pictures.. I'm make busy everyday for releasing anxiety and depression and I planted many plants, like flowering plants and bearing plants.,,,
Q-4 : I advise to other cancer Patients on Controlling depression or anxiety relax and calm your self for everyday working,,,Keep busy your self ,,,and eat healthy food for everyday life,,,like more vegetables and more fruits and exercise and pray always for everyday life,,,and also I thank you for all the instrument when I battle my cancer journey
2021
Name: ARLucas
Age: 49
You are a breast Cancer Crusader (Survivor) How many years now? 11 years
What is your cancer diagnosis?
What major treatment did you undergo? Mastectomy left
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? NO
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
I just accept the situation, i never felt any depression or anxiety.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? NO
Q-4: What are your ur advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
Acceptance. It is Gods will on what is happening in our life, whether good or bad.
2021
Name: EOng
43
Thyroid Cancer
5yrs (Dec.1)
Q1. mild anxiety
Q2. family support and faith to God
Q3. I'm good now
Q4. look for family support and always pray to God
2021
Name: LDonesa
Age: 65 yrs old
A breast cancer survivor
It's been 30 yrs now
Breast CA Stage 2
Mastectomy and chemo of 6 courses
During the time i knew it thought was going to die, and was not ready because my son was just 6 yrs old, my husband is on and off on his job, my parents were in the province who is going to take care of my son and where will I get the money for expenses.... a lot of anxiety and depression, am just lucky that i have a very good doctor and aunt that help me thru this worst dream ....
At first I did know that it was cancer only when I see Dr Joson in his clinic and made a needle biopsy....
As of this day, still having depression but not that bad because with the help of my son and his family so with my Mom who always check my situation it really helps....
Actually, I lost my brother last June 3, 2021 due to Covid-19 then after a month, July 3, 2021 lost my husband who i took care for 7 months due to Lymphoma ..... am so sad and really don't know what to do ..... but with my family and friends around I was able to accept my present situation and just offer everything to HIM what HE wants me to do..... i became more closer to GOD.
My advice to other cancer patients is to accept it, see your doctor and follow what he says and leave the rest to HIM .... Be happy, join clubs or groups and never think of problems.... in that way, you'll just see one day you pass HIS test in flying colors!
2021
Name: AHERNANDEZ
Age: 43
You are a BREAST Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 1 YEAR
What is your cancer diagnosis? BREAST CANCER, RIGHT STAGE 2B
What major treatment did you undergo? MASTECTOMY AND CAPECITABINE 500mg
Q-1:
ANXIETY - SEVERE
Q-2:
ALWAYS PRAY, TALK TO MY FRIEND AND FAMILY, WATCHING MOVIES.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
YES. MODERATE. HINDI NA PO KATULAD NG DATI NA HINDI PO AKO NAKAKATULOG NG MAAYOS. MALAKING TULONG ANG PANALANGIN. NAKATULONG DIN NG MALAKI ANG FAMILY KO AT KAIBIGAN KO. LAGI SILANG NANDIYAN KAPAG KAILANGAN KO NG KAUSAP
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
ALWAYS PRAY. MASAYANG MAKIPAG USAP SA KAIBIGAN AT PAMILYA. MAGBASA NG MGA NAKAKA INSPIRED NA BABASAHIN. KUMAIN NG MGA MASUSUSTANSIYANG PAGKAIN
2021
Name: LLawang
Age: 84
What is your cancer diagnosis? Breast cancer
What major treatment did you undergo? Medications
Q-1:
-I was bombarded with thoughts about how am I be able to beat this disease. When I found out that I have cancer, I was shocked and devastated. I reflected on how much my life has changed since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But, now I have decided to just surrender everything to God and to avoid myself from worrying about the things that I have no control over.
Q-2:
-I am currently living a healthier lifestyle. I always tell myself to keep fighting and believing hay everything will be alright soon.
Q-3:
- I still feel sad and worried about my health, sometimes. But I don’t let those negative thoughts consume me. I make myself busy and focus on making myself stronger physically and emotionally.
Q-4:
-Always find a reason to fight for yourself and be happy. Never lose hope, everything happens for a reason. Cherish every moment that you have with your family and friends.
2021
Name: LRicaforte
Age: 49
What is your cancer diagnosis? - Breast Cancer (2nd year)
What major treatment did you undergo? - Mastectomy, Chemotherapy and Radiation
Q-1:
= Moderate depression when I was diagnose with Cancer, and when I was aware of my operation or removal of left breast. While my anxiety level were also moderate because somehow I've come to accept the diagnosis itself. To face the given circumstances up front.
Q-2:
= By praying. For God to give me strength to face my situation. And knowing that my immediate family is there to support me. Also, seeing the positive side of my life helped alleviate, both sadness and anxiety, during my cancer journey.
Q-3:
= Yes, I still tend to think of it at times but I've gradually accepted the fact that despite my diagnosis, I am still lucky to have overcome it.
Q-4:
= My personal advice is to pray, see hope despite the diagnosis, and be courageous in facing their health journey.
2021
Name: MLPoblete
Age: 44
You are a Cancer survivor Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 10 years and counting
What is your cancer diagnosis? Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
What major treatment did you undergo? Total thyroidectomy
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? By God’s Grace, I did not..
Or just anxiety? At times worried about life’s problems..
If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Mild anxiety.. because after lifting all my worries to the Lord, I am being comforted, so with the help of people around me too!
Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
Q-2: How did you cope with the anxiety? Through reading the Bible, it has been my daily bread every morning.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring anxiety? Yes at times..
How are you coping with it? Through prayers.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
My advice, as I have been through… it’s always a relationship with the Lord that matters. In Him we are complete. But its always our decision to make if we want to be near Him, for He has given us freedom to choose. And that’s what I did, I committed myself everyday to read His Word before any chores, He will always be my priority. And even if at times I’m not able to read the physical Bible, I see to it that I read my downloaded electronic Bible. For the Bible is our basic instruction before leaving earth.
2021
Name: LGTolentino
Age: 66 yrs old
You are a _______ Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ---17 yrs--- How many years now?
What is your cancer diagnosis? Breast cancer right
What major treatment did you undergo? Mastectomy right breast
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
Just anxiety since breast cancer runs in the family, i was able to take care of my tita and my mother and was with them during the long journey with the feeling that i actually carried their pain, so when it was my time i have to prepare my journey of death by reading the Preparation of Death by St Aphonsus Ligouri.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression? During those days, I do not know depression since we were trained to find solution to the problems, so when the problems arrive you have to think of the solution and that is going to confession weekly attend holy mass during wednesdays, fridays, saturdays and sundays begging God for help visiting sick people whether a friend or just strangers that needs attention, praying with them asking help from friends to accompany me so I can slowly teach them to care for the sick. Doing those apostolate I forgot about myself, even those sick with lung cancer i was able to visit and there some friends do not go with me so I ask the help of those in the church like the legion of Mary to pray with me even short prayers like the chaplet of the Divine Mercy then leave them comforted.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
None, being always at home with plenty of online holy masses,Holy Hour and Novenas with some household chores i have no time to have that feeling.
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
Just Pray. Hope and don't worry as what Padre Pio always advised. Have an old priest as your spiritual friend to be your adviser anytime and always reach out with the needy.
2021
Name: MAJose
Age: 55
You are a _________ Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now? 8
What is your cancer diagnosis? Stage 2B T2N1M0 Her2+ left breast cancer
What major treatment did you undergo? Mastectomy. Took Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Followed by Paclitaxel and Herceptin chemotherapy. Underwent genetic testing and BRCA gene mutation testing.
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety. I had some anxiety. Moderate I was worried about being bald, without eyebrows, without lashes and without breast.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression? I participated in a weekly seminar and activities at Raffles Hospital. I prayed. I attended training and drawing classes.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it? No more
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause? Never eat red meat, cheese, soya. Avoid processed foods. Find time to relax. Don't stress yourself. Keep away from soda and drink a lot of water. Eat soursop and drink soursop leaves, turmeric, citrus, berries, veggies, beetroot, banana, mangosteen, and yogurt. Keep a positive attitude. Be grateful that you have a chance and can fight, Get enough sleep. Look for things you enjoy. Be as active as you can. Always pray.
2021
Name: LOLITA L. GARCIA
Age: 71
You are a breast Cancer Survivor
How many years now? 10
What is your cancer diagnosis? Stage 3A
What major treatment did you undergo?
6 sessions of chemotheraphy and 33 days of ŕadiation
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? NO
Or just anxiety? SOMETIMES
If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)?
If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? MILD
Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? SOMETIMES
If yes, how often? NOT REGULARLY. WHEN I FEEL PAINS OVER MY BODY. BUT IT WILL BE OVERCPMED AFTET PRAYING
How are you coping with it? THRU PRAYERS
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
HAVE FAITH IN GOD. BY HIS STRIFE WE ARE HEALED!!
August 2022
Name - Bibian Gutierrez
73 years old by Dec.
I am a female
Breast cancer survivor 25 years in remission
Early stage
Total mastectomy of the Right breast
Q-1,2,3. Of course at first i was depressed because my 3 children are so young then, aged 15, 14 and 7. Depression did not take long because of my trust in Our Lord God Almighty and the full support of my husband, my children, my relatives, bosses and some true friends. No anxiety at all because i stayed positive and accepted what God gave me and that He will heal me.
Q-4: My advise to other cancer patients? Just hold on to God, for he is soo good all the time.
August 2022
Name:Lily Ballesteros
Age: 45
You are a Breast_______ Cancer Crusader (Survivor) ------ How many years now?going 5 years
What is your cancer diagnosis?stage 2
What major treatment did you undergo?5years tamoxifen
Q-1: During your entire cancer journey, from the time you felt a symptom that made you suspect possible cancer which eventually turned out to be really cancer up to now (after treatment and in remission), did you go into depression? Or just anxiety? If depression, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? If anxiety, how severe was it (worst ever, severe, moderate, mild)? Pls. describe what you felt. Make sure to differentiate depression from anxiety.
a little bit depressed because i cant accept what happen to me but it heals as time passed and because of prayer.
Q-2: How did you cope with the depression? Or the anxiety, if you did not have depression?
I always pray to God and ask for His mercy.
Q-3: Up to now, do you still have recurring depression or anxiety? If yes, how often? How are you coping with it?
I think i overcome it, i dont think it anymore, just move on and continue life..
Q-4: What are your advice to other cancer patients on controlling depression or anxiety, secondary to cancer or any other cause?
its normal that you felt depressed, but it doesnt mean u will give up, be positive, just continue living a normal life, at the end of the day everything will be ok, just always pray it works.
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