Overwhelmed - just started combination therapy for metastatic stomach cancer. Struggling with sleep and can't seem a way out of this. Anyone else feel this way?

Hi, I just started combination therapy for metastatic stomach cancer a week ago; it all seems to be going ok except that i can't sleep at all at night and have to sleep half the day. Partly mental anguish and anxiety and partly abdominal discomfort I think. The tiredness makes it very hard not to feel doom and gloom laden and I can't seem to see a way forward out of all this. Don't know if anyone else has had similar feelings. Plus I am thousands of miles from friends and family. It's literally just me and my partner, for whom it's also of course terribly hard...

  • Hello Francmar

    I'm sorry to hear that you're currently struggling with sleep issues and abdominal discomfort at the moment. It sounds like it's a really difficult time for you, and it's understandable that you're struggling with things. 

    Do make sure that you talk with your health care team about the discomfort and sleep problems. It may be that some of the side effects of the treatment impact your sleep routine, and hopefully, they can help with improved pain management. 

    There are some UK-based charities, such as Penny Brohn, that offer online support services. It may be worth getting in touch with them to see if you're able to access some of the support that they offer. You can also chat with your hospital team to see if there are any similar services available in your local area. 

    We have some information on our website about difficulty sleeping, which also has some links to apps and online tools that may help with managing your anxiety and sleep issues. 

    I hope that you can find the support you need Francmar, to help improve these current problems. Keep posting here in the Cancer Chat community if it helps to have a safe space to put down in writing how you're feeling. We're here for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator