Hello everyone,

I am just now realizing that my husband my need help with depression, especially during treatment. We are two weeks away from additional surgery , modified radical. Then 3-6 wks for radiation, maybe chemo. He has suffered from anxiety and depression from a long time ago, 25 yrs. and has no problem articulating his feeling of hopelessness and helplessness over this cancer. I think he would benefit from some help before this treatment begins.
Does anyone have a suggestion of what team doctor might handle these issues, or do we seek a psychologist on our own. Thanks for the input.

My MO handled all of my prescriptions for everything but if I had it to do over, I would have had a psychiatrist on the team for depression issues. I would be watching this issue very carefully. Most of us didn't have depression issues until post Tx. Psychologists can't prescribe medications - they do cognitive (talk) therapy only.

Hi Barbara,
I agree with Gary that psychologists can only talk with patients but are not able to prescribe medicine that is very often essential for battling depression. I had severe depression when I was 2 months post treatment. My husband did get me a clinical psychologist to visit me daily but my situation didn't improve. She then suggested that I should get a psychiatrist for help. It was my oncologist who then referred me to the hospital psychiatrist and I was then admitted to the psychiatric ward for a month where I got daily pschological counselling and anti-depressants which I took for one and a half years. It's good that you and your husband are aware of depression symptoms early. You can talk with the oncologist or primary care doctors and get their professional help. The sooner the better.

Karen

Thank you for your responses. I intend to address this for Tom starting now. I am sorry that you guys went through this stuff on top of the cancer battle. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Hello. My husband also had a prior history of depression & anxiety & was already on meds for them. When he rec'd his diagnosis, I was very concerned about his psychological state & called the psychiatrist working for the cancer clinic & stressed my severe worry---she saw him within days. He saw her throughout his treatment & once post-treatment & says it really helped him. I did have to force the issue though. Not one doctor/specialist asked about his psychological state at any time.