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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Depression After Breast Cancer Treatment?

I have stage 1 breast cancer, non invasive of lymph nodes, had surgery to remove cells, followed by radiation. Now on Femara for about a month. I am 78 years old but been very active, ballroom dancing and competitions. I seem to have a sense of desperation, maybe just depression. I can t decide if it is just a normal reaction to all I have been through or the Femara that I have been taking. Lost interest in dancing and really uncomfortable around other people. Will see my doctor in about a week, do you advise trying another form of the pill I am taking?
posted on Tue, 24 Jun 2014
Twitter Wed, 10 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 10 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
It could be both due to Letrozole (Femara) or an overall reaction to breast cancer or the combination of the two. Femara is known to cause depression.
In my opinion, simply changing to another form of the same medicine will not help.
If your depression is making you lose interest in life in general or if you have suicidal thoughts, you should seek psychiatric consultation immediately.
Otherwise, you may wait to see your doctor and get a referral.
You should join, if not already done so, a support group for breast cancer patients.
Hope this answer is helpful.
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What Causes Depression After Breast Cancer Treatment?

It could be both due to Letrozole (Femara) or an overall reaction to breast cancer or the combination of the two. Femara is known to cause depression. In my opinion, simply changing to another form of the same medicine will not help. If your depression is making you lose interest in life in general or if you have suicidal thoughts, you should seek psychiatric consultation immediately. Otherwise, you may wait to see your doctor and get a referral. You should join, if not already done so, a support group for breast cancer patients. Hope this answer is helpful.