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Newly diagnosed & scared stiff!

Maccy
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Hi all, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on Thursday, need mastectomy then Chemo & Radiotheraphy. Don't think I've slept since. Have an operation booked for early December as I have to wait for some other tests on the biopsy's I've had. It seems like so far away. Was hoping someone else might have some tips on how to sleep? Thought I'd be fine tonight as I was totally drained from telling everyone I had Cancer, I did think that telling people was weighing on my mind (my Mum died of breast Cancer when I was 8 so didn't want to worry my family until I knew for sure) & that's why I wasn't sleeping. Should I even try sleeping? Or will I be an insomniac until the Operation? Thanks for listening.

  • Offline in reply to cynthia987

    Hi yes I've had first session of EOX I have been ok, more tired and I was quite sick but that was because of the steroids which I no longer take. My hair felt very different but it's still there just now. I'm back in in a week.

    I didn't have any pain just a niggling stitch like sensation in my left lower side, I've been going to docs since February had ultrasound then bowel scan then CT scan all clear then I had endoscopy and they found 2 ulcers . I was put on lansoprazole made me feel better si when I went back in and they told me I had cancer I was numb. I was then on same route as your hubby tests and waiting for news for what seems like an eternity. Good luck and let me know how he gets on. Someone told me to drink plenty of water and avoid dairy products on day of your chemotherapy. 

  • Offline in reply to wombat

    Hi Wombat, kind of got lost in the run up to my op. As I couldn't sleep I worked non-stop during the day & ran around after my daughter the rest of the time.  How I managed to get there I don't know but I had my op on Tues 6th. I didn't check back in until today. When is your op? How are you doing? I wasn't offered reconstruction. If I have it it would have to be delayed as I have to have Chemo & Radio in about 4 weeks time. Grade 3 & I had 7 lumps. Bit of relief I don't have to make that decision yet! My dressing doesn't come off for another week so not seen my scar as yet. Bit tender but feeling better than I expected. Sending you hugs & best wishes for your op. Will be thinking of you xx.

  • Offline in reply to Starry

    Hi Starry, how are you doing? How is your family? Had my op on 6th Dec. I'm doing better than I expected. May I ask if you have told your daughter? & if you have, how you did? I told my daughter everything about the op & lumps but didn't mention the C word, I thought that might be too much. Now the op's done I have to tell her before I start the chemo & radio. She knows my mums history &would have been more scared about my op had she'd known I have Cancer (it is still hard to say/write that word). Sending you hugs &best wishes xx

     

     

  • Offline in reply to ClaireB

    Thank you so much for responding & making me feel like I'm not alone. As much as my friends & family tell me everything going to be ok it can feel really lonely sometimes. Everyone's words really have helped. Thank you xx

     

  • Offline in reply to Maccy

    Hi Maccy

    I used to get to sleep by "pre dreaming" (as I call it) start off nice and comfy in bed and then start a story in your head - nothing complicated go over or change it - something as simple as walking on a beach, what have you found ?  I would drift off and if I woke I would start again. Really its about trying to stop your mind worrying by concentrating on something else thats simple.

    The other thing is exercise you may not feel like it but if you can tire your body out you may sleep. 

    Once you have started on your programme of treatment you will sleep because it is tireing.

     

  • Offline in reply to river56

    Hi River, thank you so much for the tip, will give it a try tonight! Even after the op I don't seem to be able to sleep for long. Thank you again xx

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