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Hi friends - I'm new to the community as a 74 year old - first diagnosed in 2017 with 2b serous & recurrence in Sept 2024 in bowel which resulted in osteomy . Did well on chemo both rounds but after a few months on Zejula I developed severe mental health issues I'd never experienced before - including psychosis. A consulting oncologist confirmed he has seen another similar case and I've discontinued immunotherapy. The consequences have been devastating and caused me to be alienated from my family as my behaviour harmed my son in law and caused me to spend my savings and my family has abandoned me.  I'm struggling to find a way forward and wanted to ask if others might have experienced similar mental health/ psychosis side effects - many thanks for listening.

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Hello PaddyK,

I was on Zejula after my first round of chemo, starting late 2021. Experienced severe sleep deprivation & developed debilitating psychosis. Family and friends avoided me & my mood swings. Stopped Zejula after 10 months. I understand the benefits are minor compared to the risks.

- Wendy

Hi Wendy

Thankyou for responding so quickly and for sharing your experience on Zejula. I'm not sure how common this is, but many women report fatigue and insomnia - wondering if this is under-reported or dismissed as anxiety related to diagnosis? Really appreciate your reaching out to confirm it's not only me that's experienced this uncommon side effect.

Take care - Pat

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Hi , 

when I was first put on zejula, and as someone who suffers from aixenty and depression already these made me feel like I was going crazy.  The dreams I was having and the up and down moods were awful . I never lasted longer then about 6 weeks. on them and my oncologist advised me to go off, as she said my mental Health was more important . I did stay Ned for a full year .  My first recurrence was almost 2 years ago and I have had the same 5 tiny spots that have stayed in MM.  

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Hi Mom2boys

Thankyou for responding and telling me about your experience with Zejula - sounds like it made your life miserable, as happened with me.  Good to hear you're doing well - not taking treatment is a hard choice for those of us with recurrence but there seems to be a number of women choosing not to continue due to the debilitating effects- our bodies, ourselves - not easy.  Take care - Pat

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Hi I was diagnosed end of January 2025 with high grade serous 3A, had chemo from March to July which went well except for treatment no 3, then they reduced taxol and was able to finish the treatments. 
I started Zejula at the end of November 2025 because my tumor was BRCA1 positive (somatic positive) and it's been ok, so far a bit tired and having some insomnia so I take something to sleep (had insomnia before). I was on anxiety meds a long time ago and I noticed since I take Zejula that I get hyper focused and sometimes my emotions are up and down in the last few months. I exercise, meditate, read and do some mindfulness to help with anxiety, it helps.
 
I'm sorry it's been such a rough patch for you.  Remember time heals and maybe later you can see your family and explain what happened. I've changed since going through these treatments and I'm selfish at times because I have to take care of myself first.
It's had to explain to family and/or friends how you feel because they have no clue what you're going through. My sister had breast cancer 5 years ago so we talk a lot but other siblings don't really understand.  
Take care, 

Silvie

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Hello PaddyK,

I'm so sorry to read that you weren't able to continue treatment with Zejula. I can imagine how you felt while you were taking it, and the anxiety of not being on treatment. It's a double-edged sword. I was diagnosed with HGSOC stage 3B in September 2022. I have remained NED since then. I have been on Zejula since June 2023 and will finish the 3 years of treatment this summer. I have tolerated the treatment very well, with minor side effects such as fatigue, 'chemo brain', and some gut issues. I don't feel 100% every day but for everything we've been through, who would?? I have taken depression and anxiety for years, and this disease has certainly impacted my stress levels. If 'others' think I've changed for the worse, perhaps so, but I've kept my circle small and they love me without conditions. I don't need the added stress thinking about what 'others' think of me, that's on them. There are so many other things to worry about, I have to be selective LOL!  Anyway, I just wanted to drop by, send encouragement and support your way, we all understand and walk with you.

Judith

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Hi Judith

Thankyou for taking time to write and for being open about your own challenges.  It can be lonely to manage emotions and balance caring for yourself and not wanting to overwhelm others - sounds like your sister is a good support and I'm sure it's mutual - take care and thankyou again - Pat

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Hi @Paddyk and welcome to the forum. You are joining an amazing group of Teal Warriors.

I'm so very sorry to hear of your Zejula reaction and subsequent impact on your life. This cancer takes so much from us and it is heart wrenching to hear the impact it has had on you. My treatment plan did not involve Zejula however I do know there are others in this forum who have. I'm so thrilled to see how many Teal Sisters have lent their voice and experiences on this topic already.

Did your consulting oncologist provide you with any support in terms of a therapist or someone you could speak to? If he confirmed knowledge of another case, I'm hoping he was able to provide some options considering the harm it has done on your mental health. I am also hoping that while your family may not be providing the support you need, that you may have other forums or outlets to lean into. I know that Ovarian Cancer Canada has other individual support services. Please let me know if there is something I can share with you that may be of help.

Thank you for being here and sharing your story. 💙

#Treatmentandsideeffects #Supportandencouragement

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