OKAY! *IT'S 2 AM can't sleep*

I completely agree with Blundin. I tried biofeedback to try to help me relax, so for me this process was more structured. I did it with a cognitive psychologist (which was strange, but helpful), who gave me CDs. It undoubtedly was much more expensive than just buying a CD. (I do better with a more individual instruction.) You know yourself better than anyone else.



But I found a program similar to that described by Blundan to be very helpful. For me, it has worked better than Benadryl for sleep. It even worked better than the few times I tried Valium (prescribed.) At least half of the time I can't even get through the 30 minute CD before I am asleep.



It doesn't work 100% of the time for me, but its better than anything else I've tried (short of anesthesia for an operation!)


You know your body better than anybody else. If this appeals to you, you may want to consider trying it. We all have different tastes and different bodies, so do what works for you! Wishing you lots of zzzzzzzzs.

You guys are going to think I'm nuts, but I will share what worked for me.  I have forbidden myself to think of cancer in my bedroom. 

I know it sounds Polly-anna, but it really isn't.  I have trained myself to not think about cancer in my bedroom.  I started by every time cancer popped into my head I said "NO" out loud and made myself think about something else.  For a while I actually kept short story books and puzzle books by my bedside.  If my mind drifted back to dark places I pulled one out for 5 minutes, then I would turn out the light and try again.  I actually had a list of good things to think about by my bed.  If I really couldn't get cancer out of my head, I would go and sit in an uncomfortable kitchen chair and allow myself to worry or obsess about anything I wanted to.  When I would get chilled or tired enough, I would go back to bed. 

After a month I was no longer getting out of bed.  In about 6 weeks I went from taking a sleeping pill every night to sleeping well most nights with no drugs.

Good luck on your quest for sleep!!

Hugs

Deb C

Deb,

Thanks for the great advice!  No, I don't think it's weird... I have also heard that when you start to obsess about problems, you should schedule a time slot of 15 minutes, during the day, to "worry"... after that, you are not to think about it AT ALL...  I heard that it works quite well....  maybe I can try to teach myself how to do it!!

I think of you often, and you are always in my prayers.  You are such a sweet person!  I hate bc, it SUCKS!!

Mary Lou,

Last night, I lay awake, listening to my dh SNORE!  This is REALLY getting old, and I figure it is either a divorce, or separate bedrooms, or something a friend suggested...  she bought some ear plugs, and now she can't hear the snoring!!  Works for her, so I went out and bought some today.  I'll let you know if they work out...

Harley

Tylenol PM, generic, of course.  sometimes we're uncomfortable, not really in pain, and not really aware of something that aches and the tylenol helps that. of course the 50mg. of benadryl then makes us sleepy.

I got on a course of only taking xanax or ambien 3xweek.  I have tried to alternate my meds for sleep to keep from dependence on any ONE of them.

I also will go to bed, give it 20-30 min., get up, drink milk or have a cookie (I know that this is not good) read for a while and give it another go.  I also keep the bedroom very, very cool.

As to snoring: I used earplugs for years.  They are really helpful.  But after a while it just got to be too much for me since I go to bed later than dh.

I finally had to move to another bed room (should have made him move, dammit, we had just gotten a new bedroom suite after being married for 25 years!)  Anyway, I have a floor standing fan with a remote and it really helps to switch that on when I get too warm.

Now he says my snoring bothers him: paybacks are hell!!   Now, he wears earplugs.

to add: I use a sound machine, ie: waves, thunder storm, river, etc.  And I find that I can sleep much better with low even talking in the background.  My dh can fall asleep with the military channel.  Now, me, I sleep the best with football !

Anyway, maybe a FM station with smooth music or even elevator music would be helpful.

I'll talk to you.

The surgery doesn't take too long - it depend on what you have, even my bilateral mastectomy only took an hour or so.

If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in your arm pit (axillary nodes) they will recommend chemo.

thank you mke for responding.  I am at a point where i don't know what i am feeling anymore.  One minute I feel strong in my decisions.  The next minute i am angry. The next I can't find the energy to feel anything at all.  Is this normal.  what is some of your story if you don't mind me asking?  How long have you had cancer?

Hi Heather, you have begun the roller coaster ride of the century!   And, and --- you are completely normal! 

If you have a chance before the appt, go buy a small tape recorder and a few tapes and batteries.  It will be a huge help when you talk with docs--we only hear about 1/3 of what they say and sometimes get THAT wrong.  You will be able to review the info and also be able to ask questions during the appt instead of trying to take notes.

Don't turn down any meds that help you rest---you will be making a lot of decisions and need your head together and means RESTED.

 I strongly urge you to meet with at least 3 plastic surgeons to see which one is the best fit.  Keep in mind they recommend the procedures they do the most often and are most comfortable with.  You will do well to do some research before you make a decision about what kind of recon you choose.

Ck. one of the tabs at the top of the first page and you'll find a wealth of info in this regard.

Come here often and vent, shout, whisper, cry, and yes, even laugh.

buckle your seat belt, it's gonna be a bumpy ride----but you will get thru this and we will be here to educate you and fill you in and ans., your questions.  Someone here has experienced ANYthing you will and can tell you first hand about it.

My heart goes out to you and know that we welcome you every day.

I sought professional therapy and it was a godsend, along with some antidepressants.

This is no time to be tough, super woman or what ever!  this time it really IS all about YOU.

I have often stated that good drugs should be prescribed on the day of diagnosis so you can get thru the nights and days with all the new things you have to learn and decisions you have to make. 

BTW, you're doing a good thing to go on vacation---will give you time to get your head around all this crap.

warm hugs,