tobegolden

I'm having a lot of emotional (stress) problems, and cannot sleep. I'm often awake through the whole night and get a few hours of sleep after sunrise. This is in spite of taking Ambien, which has almost no effect. I'm very tired all day, although I cannot sleep. I will try to see someone in Palliative Care about these stress issues. I don't visit the boards as often as I did in the past. Thank you for thinking of me. Rick.

debbiejeanne said:

rick, i'm so very sorry u r

rick, i'm so very sorry u r feeling so bad and are unable to sleep.  life sure isn't fair.  i understand u don't visit as much, but u r missed.  i hope the palliative care can help u sleep and feel better.  life is hard enuf w/o the stress of not being able 2 sleep.  no sleep can really tear the body down.  i am keeping u n my thoughts and prayers and i hope u drop by now and then 2 let us know how u r do'n.  God bless u my friend.  thanks for replying.

dj 

There is an article on "Distress" in the magazine this month - the magazine is free and I'm sure you can look at it online.

The article deals with the emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and living with everything you go through to stay alive.

Sleeplessness is common for cancer patients and caregivers - I think hyper-vigilance plays a role - we don't want to miss even the barest beginnings of something that could grow into an unmanageable, uncurable cancer.  We feel it is our job to get out ahead of anything that can happen.

Rick, you are right to seek further treatment - Ambien treats a symptom, not a cause - not a doctor but as a long-term caregiver for many people, I know I've developed anxiety issues and sleep is definitely an issue for me in ways it never was before.

Go get help and let us know how you are doing.

Hugs.