Brain Tumour Survivor

[SuperGirl]

I am a survivor of a Frontal Lobe Benign Tumor for 7 years now and just recently I have become extremely depressed and angry. I feel like I am mad at the world for the mistakes of my past doctors for misdiagnosing me for 13 years until I found lifesavors at NYU Hospital.
In the course of 7 years I've been to physical and mental therapy; I've tried to get back into my hobby of photography but I have no desire to do that. I have no desire in really doing anything; I guess because I don't feel good about myself.

Is there anyone else who has similar feelings?

[kenobewan]

While I haven't had similar feelings I can empathise - cancer is a hard diagnosis for anyone.

I have a couple of suggestions that may help. If I was in your situation I would spend 2-3 hours a week, depending on the season, outside. There is something about being outside that helps elevate my mood and spending too much time indoors doesn't. Being outside also means you are also likely to get more vitamin D, which is proving to be the anticancer vitamin.

I love exercise. No matter how bad a day I'm having exercise helps. I have found life's stresses a little harder to cope with since having cancer and exercise helps - find something you like doing. It is harder to feel down when you are healthy. This includes eating unprocessed whole foods such as fruit, veges and grains.

When I got out of hospital I brought DVDs of my favourite comedians - I laughed until I cried :). Laughter may not be the best medicine but it ranks right up there.

If you are feeling low at any time stop what you are doing and force your face into a smile. Psychologists have proven that doing this for 30 seconds makes you feel better. If you are in a crowded place you may even laugh at the reactions from the people around you as you stand there with a forced smile - smile and be proud!

Unfortunately, its a myth that overweight people are jolly. They have too many hormones and this affects their mood. If you need to lose a few pounds, eating healthily and exercising will help. Beware of fad diets, you don't have to torture yourself to be healthier and lose weight.

Goals can help feel a sense of achievement. I do bodybuilding even though I have hemiparesis and have no chance of ever placing in a competition. Why? Because it helps me train harder and there is nowhere to hide body fat on stage in a pair of posing trunks. Find your own goals :).

When I was growing up I first heard about the glad game. I had a unpleasant childhood and this made me realise that even achieving normal goals wasn't going to be easy. Rather than dwell on the past I used to compile lists of why I was glad or what made me happy.

I hope that some of this has been helpful. I knew people in hospital who fell to pieces, which made me more determined that this wasn't going to happen to me. All the best :).

[SuperGirl]

Thank you for the info! As the weather starts to get nicer here I will start to spend more time outside and I would like to try doing more exercise like riding my bike and walking more. I've been trying to eat healthier also.
I know I can't dwell on the past everything happens for a reason and now it's time to move forward.
I'm lucky that I do have a job and the people here are very understanding.
I thank you again and all the best to you!

[stacy]

Hi There Supergirl,
Well your not alone in the being angry department, I too suffer bouts of being pissed off at everything and also lose my desire for the things I like to do, although I am now medicated for depression which has helped a great deal but still find it hard to cope some days but still I think of people in worse situations than me which helps me deal abit better with things and thank god im still here with my family, I also get angry with myself for feeling sorry for myself which may sound strange but it helps me pull my head out of my ---- and get on with it.Get that camera back out off the cobwebs and be brilliant with your life.
Warm Regards Stacy

[SuperGirl]

Hi Stacy,
In the course of the years I was put on depression meds; but I felt that wasn't working and I just tried on my own to deal with everything; talking to friends, my boyfriend at the time (who thank goodness is no longer in my life!) and for a few years I did feel good; but for whatever the reason being now it is hitting me more so thenever. But I am talking with a counselor and trying to deal with my stress; sure I have good days and bad and I know I will work through this; another hurdle to go over.
Just recently I started teaching myself how to crochet; along with baking those seem to be the best de-stressors. I would love to start to take pictures again and maybe down the line I'll have the urge.

I know what you mean about getting angry with yourself for feeling sorry for yourself; I've done that too we probably all have!

Thanks for listening!