Oh sleep...perchance to dream...

LeeinLondon
LeeinLondon Member Posts: 103
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Anybody got any tips on getting a half-decent nights sleep? My oncologist says that cancer screws up your circadian rhythms, and something sure is! Prior to about 6 months ago I always slept well, no sleep issues at all. Now, I sleep perhaps 2 hours at a time, wake up for 1/2 hour, go back to sleep, repeat. I'm getting about 5-6 hours a night and usually napping about 2 hours during the day. Overall I'm getting enough sleep I think, but just not all at once!

Maybe we should just start an EC nightclub or something?

Comments

  • adube
    adube Member Posts: 63
    #2
    Ooo swanky nightclub!
    Can us supporters go clubbin' too? :D

    Kidding aside, I took your advice and joined the forum (refresher: I'm Alissa from Buffalo, I met you on that other site and you sent me here for faq and support). And how. I've spent the last few days reading tons and tons of posts and I just have to say that you were so right. Seeing real faces and hearing stories is so much more comforting than reading stupid statistics. There have been so many amazing stories and journeys that all help to give me hope. Knowing that we're not alone...it's just ... well, you know what I mean. For a woman who prides herself on being good with words, I've sure found a shortage as of late. I know there will be good days and bad days, but at the end of the day I know that we're all a community of fighters. I'm so glad that I "met" you, Lee.<3 In fact, I haven't shut up to my dad about you (lol), I think he thinks we're BFFs now! I start sentences with "Well, Lee says..." LOL He has been reading through your blog too and really appreciates all your tips and what-to-expects, I think probably more than we could ever put to words. He's been on the forum a couple times just lurking (I've emailed him a few threads that I found particularly inspiring). Initially, I was going to wait for him to come out of lurk and introduce himself, but he's a pretty private guy and it might take a bit longer than I have chatty-cathy patience for--- if you haven't noticed I never shut up! ha! Anyway, I don't want to out him before he's ready, but I did put a brief blurb in my "about me" page about his condition (for those interested in our story, my dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV at the beginning of the month. He starts chemo in T-2 days and counting.)

    Wish I had some good sleep aid advice. I always do meds, but I'm not sure if that conflicts with your treatments. What about a bit of chamomile? I know you said super hot/cold things bug ya, so maybe you could just nuke it for a few seconds? -- or maybe it's not strong enough to help. What about some soothing sleep music or thunderstorm sounds? I probably sound like an idiot, because it's not like you need lulled to sleep, but it's all I got at the moment. I'm a bit of an insomniac myself, especially as of late, so if you ever want to chat late night - I'm all ears! :) Saw your wedding vid by the way and OMG you guys are just the cutest. You remind me a lot of my parents, your love, even through the internet, is palpable. <3
  • LeeinLondon
    LeeinLondon Member Posts: 103
    #3
    adube said:

    Ooo swanky nightclub!
    Can us supporters go clubbin' too? :D

    Kidding aside, I took your advice and joined the forum (refresher: I'm Alissa from Buffalo, I met you on that other site and you sent me here for faq and support). And how. I've spent the last few days reading tons and tons of posts and I just have to say that you were so right. Seeing real faces and hearing stories is so much more comforting than reading stupid statistics. There have been so many amazing stories and journeys that all help to give me hope. Knowing that we're not alone...it's just ... well, you know what I mean. For a woman who prides herself on being good with words, I've sure found a shortage as of late. I know there will be good days and bad days, but at the end of the day I know that we're all a community of fighters. I'm so glad that I "met" you, Lee.<3 In fact, I haven't shut up to my dad about you (lol), I think he thinks we're BFFs now! I start sentences with "Well, Lee says..." LOL He has been reading through your blog too and really appreciates all your tips and what-to-expects, I think probably more than we could ever put to words. He's been on the forum a couple times just lurking (I've emailed him a few threads that I found particularly inspiring). Initially, I was going to wait for him to come out of lurk and introduce himself, but he's a pretty private guy and it might take a bit longer than I have chatty-cathy patience for--- if you haven't noticed I never shut up! ha! Anyway, I don't want to out him before he's ready, but I did put a brief blurb in my "about me" page about his condition (for those interested in our story, my dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV at the beginning of the month. He starts chemo in T-2 days and counting.)

    Wish I had some good sleep aid advice. I always do meds, but I'm not sure if that conflicts with your treatments. What about a bit of chamomile? I know you said super hot/cold things bug ya, so maybe you could just nuke it for a few seconds? -- or maybe it's not strong enough to help. What about some soothing sleep music or thunderstorm sounds? I probably sound like an idiot, because it's not like you need lulled to sleep, but it's all I got at the moment. I'm a bit of an insomniac myself, especially as of late, so if you ever want to chat late night - I'm all ears! :) Saw your wedding vid by the way and OMG you guys are just the cutest. You remind me a lot of my parents, your love, even through the internet, is palpable. <3</p>

    Welcome Alissa!
    Hello Alissa;

    So glad you could make it. Grab a sofa, pour yourself a beverage from our fully-stocked bar, and make yourself at home!

    Im so glad that this has already provided value to you and your dad. A lot of the stress of this horrible illness is all the unknowns and what-ifs; may this site reduce your stress and help you with your decisions!

    Best to your father, and we are here to help however we can.

    best,

    Lee in London
  • jojoshort
    jojoshort Member Posts: 230 Member
    #4
    Hi Lee
    Oh, yes, the sleep issues. Steve was a nightowl before, but with the chemo and aftereffecte--had trouble--much trouble--going to sleep even at 2-3-4 am. Doc gave him Ambien, which worked well for him. He took it an hour before he wanted to go to sleep.
    Hope this helps,
    Jo-Ann
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    adube said:

    Ooo swanky nightclub!
    Can us supporters go clubbin' too? :D

    Kidding aside, I took your advice and joined the forum (refresher: I'm Alissa from Buffalo, I met you on that other site and you sent me here for faq and support). And how. I've spent the last few days reading tons and tons of posts and I just have to say that you were so right. Seeing real faces and hearing stories is so much more comforting than reading stupid statistics. There have been so many amazing stories and journeys that all help to give me hope. Knowing that we're not alone...it's just ... well, you know what I mean. For a woman who prides herself on being good with words, I've sure found a shortage as of late. I know there will be good days and bad days, but at the end of the day I know that we're all a community of fighters. I'm so glad that I "met" you, Lee.<3 In fact, I haven't shut up to my dad about you (lol), I think he thinks we're BFFs now! I start sentences with "Well, Lee says..." LOL He has been reading through your blog too and really appreciates all your tips and what-to-expects, I think probably more than we could ever put to words. He's been on the forum a couple times just lurking (I've emailed him a few threads that I found particularly inspiring). Initially, I was going to wait for him to come out of lurk and introduce himself, but he's a pretty private guy and it might take a bit longer than I have chatty-cathy patience for--- if you haven't noticed I never shut up! ha! Anyway, I don't want to out him before he's ready, but I did put a brief blurb in my "about me" page about his condition (for those interested in our story, my dad was just diagnosed with Stage IV at the beginning of the month. He starts chemo in T-2 days and counting.)

    Wish I had some good sleep aid advice. I always do meds, but I'm not sure if that conflicts with your treatments. What about a bit of chamomile? I know you said super hot/cold things bug ya, so maybe you could just nuke it for a few seconds? -- or maybe it's not strong enough to help. What about some soothing sleep music or thunderstorm sounds? I probably sound like an idiot, because it's not like you need lulled to sleep, but it's all I got at the moment. I'm a bit of an insomniac myself, especially as of late, so if you ever want to chat late night - I'm all ears! :) Saw your wedding vid by the way and OMG you guys are just the cutest. You remind me a lot of my parents, your love, even through the internet, is palpable. <3</p>

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Ericalynn
    Ericalynn Member Posts: 200
    #7
    Melatonin
    Lee,
    I do not have cancer but like you I never had a hard time sleeping but…lately I can get to sleep but I cannot stay asleep. I tried Melatonin in past but did not work. Someone suggested Time Release Melatonin 10mg. I think the time release is the key. It is working I can tell the difference when I do not take it.
    It is worth a try and like Sherri says it is over the counter and inexpensive.
    Thinking of you more often then I post
    Erica
  • mrsbotch
    mrsbotch Member Posts: 349
    #8
    Sleep
    Hi Lee

    Did you dr give you a script for a sleeping pill or maybe xanax or valium. Vince had that and it helped him relax? I think about all of you everyday and pray for a miracle.


    Love

    Barb
  • mruble
    mruble Member Posts: 174
    #9
    Prescription option
    Chad has had good luck with Ativan. It's often prescribed for anxiety or nausea but it's also a good sleep aid. And I use Trazodone -- even though I'm not the one with EC, it still causes me sleep issues :)

    Mary
  • swagner
    swagner Member Posts: 21
    #10
    sleeping
    I take ambian - it allows me to get a good nights sleep and I do not wake up feeling droggy.
  • ritawaite13
    ritawaite13 Member Posts: 236
    #11
    swagner said:

    sleeping
    I take ambian - it allows me to get a good nights sleep and I do not wake up feeling droggy.

    Sleep Issues
    Hi Lee,
    I too have had sleep issues. In the past, I actually saw a sleep psychologist who helped me use a type of guided imagery or self-hypnosis. I'd picture myself in my happy place, hearing the sounds from that place, smelling the scents and so on. That all worked pretty well for me for quite awhile but now that I'm a caregiver it's out the window. Bring on the drugs! Trazadone usually works well - with a tylenol PM thrown in for good measure. Good luck to you.
    Rita
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #12
    YOU described MY sleeping habits to a TEE!!
    Lee,
    You have described my sleeping to a TEE.
    I am up after each bit of sleep the exact same way.
    The TIMED RELEASE XANAX ER works pretty good, and no getting up making food or driving, or worse, in my sleep like the horror stories I have heard from Ambien!
    I literally sleep for 2 hours, or less, get up, have a smoke (hence my NAME) and back to bed, sometimes with another pain pill, sometimes not, depends on how stiff the 2 hour stint was!
    Also, I used to sleep like a baby and loved my sleep. I nap two hours a day on average too.
    It ain't the Chemo! It IS the cancer.
    My onco told us the same.

    I like the idea of the night club for sure. A long way to travel for us if you open it up there! lol

    Great post.
    Sorry for my absence. I am in Nashville with my parents for at least the weekend and will TRY to keep up when I can get online.

    -Eric
  • adube
    adube Member Posts: 63
    #13
    mruble said:

    Prescription option
    Chad has had good luck with Ativan. It's often prescribed for anxiety or nausea but it's also a good sleep aid. And I use Trazodone -- even though I'm not the one with EC, it still causes me sleep issues :)

    Mary

    More prescription options...
    I've heard ativan works great. I use trazodone and it seems to get the job done, although I need to have time for a good 8 hours or more, it really zonks me out. I don't take it often, but for sleepless nights here and there it helps me fall to sleep. I don't have too much trouble staying asleep as much as getting there. I know someone else recommended something with timed release, I think that's the key if you're having trouble staying out, but getting out in the first place might be a different drug concoction to try. I would definitely bring it up to the doc and see if he can prescribe something that doesn't interfere with your other treatments.
  • adube
    adube Member Posts: 63
    #14
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Thanks guys!
    Don't mean to hijack lee's thread, but just wanted to say thanks. I'm sure you'll see my face around here a lot more in the coming months. It's great to have such a positive support system. You guys are all such amazing people. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. <3

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