Can't get comfortable!
"All we can do is put it GODS hands"
Charles
Comments
-
Special place
Charles, if your treatment is close to mine I underwent the rads for about 15 minutes each day. As my butt got bonier I did find that the table was extra hard in a few certain places. I did figure out early on that I needed to find a place in my head that I could go for that time. Someplace like what you see in my photo worked best. I also used some visualization and imagined the radiation zapping the cancer cells and seeing them die an agonizing and brutal death. Not sure how else to help but if you can find something to occupy your mind for that time it will be over before you know it. Good luck.
Mike0 -
Fatigue
Hi Charles,
Yes, I hear you loud and clear on this. It seemed like no matter what I did, I just couldn't get comfortable. I think allot of it was from sleep deprivation. We don't sleep properly during and even after our Treatments and recovery period. A lack of sleep puts us on edge and we just don't feel ourselves any more. It does take time to adjust to this " New Normal ". Some of us do better then others. I have learned to adjust to the constant waking up after 1 1/2 hrs of sleep to drink some water. My mouth gets so dry, no matter what I have tried, so I accept it as my new way of life.
I just make it a point to go to bed earlier and try to get as much sleep as my body tells me to take. Some nights I may get 6 hours of broken sleep and other nights, 10 hours of broken sleep. I remember the words of my Dad when I was a kid. He said " You'll never see a fat Lion, they eat when they are hungry, sleep when they are tired ". He wasn't a firm believer of the scheduled times to eat. He got out of the Service(WWII) weighing 165 lbs and maintained that weight till the day he died.
We tend to be worn down more due to what we can and cannot eat. Allot of the foods we need for protien and correct nutrition, don't work for us because we may have swallowing issues. I hope that this phase of the treatment passes soon for you as it can wear on you. I know first hand and agree with you that it is bothersome.
My Best to You and Everyone Here0 -
Getting comfy
They let me bring in a couple of CDs during treatment. For me, I didn't listen to relaxing music. I listened to my favorite dance tunes. That was what I liked best tho sometimes it was hard not to toe tap and to sit still. The techs liked it cause they weren't fallin asleep with elevator music. The upbeat tempo seemed to make the half hour go faster for me.
I didn't get boney until after my treatment. When I was down to 88lbs it was really bad trying to sleep cause the bed springs I the crappy mattress I have to sleep on was killin me. I mentioned it to someone and they actually got me a memory foam mattress as a birthday gift which was so nice and really helped a lot.
My biggest problem now is dry mouth. Even tho I am using the products for it. I still wake up with my tongue and mouth COMPLETELY dry as dust. I think I must sleep with my mouth open. My next check I am going to buy a humidifier. I am tired of a family member telling me she has one, don't buy one. I have been waiting for it for months.
Also I know some meds that I was on and am on now sometimes make my restless legs worse. That makes for nasty sleepless nights. Be careful on taking meds to sleep. Even ones like melatonin can cause bad reactions. One of our board members ended up in hospital because of a bad reaction to it.
You must be getting near the end of rads now. Keep on keepin on!0 -
I agreesweetblood22 said:Getting comfy
They let me bring in a couple of CDs during treatment. For me, I didn't listen to relaxing music. I listened to my favorite dance tunes. That was what I liked best tho sometimes it was hard not to toe tap and to sit still. The techs liked it cause they weren't fallin asleep with elevator music. The upbeat tempo seemed to make the half hour go faster for me.
I didn't get boney until after my treatment. When I was down to 88lbs it was really bad trying to sleep cause the bed springs I the crappy mattress I have to sleep on was killin me. I mentioned it to someone and they actually got me a memory foam mattress as a birthday gift which was so nice and really helped a lot.
My biggest problem now is dry mouth. Even tho I am using the products for it. I still wake up with my tongue and mouth COMPLETELY dry as dust. I think I must sleep with my mouth open. My next check I am going to buy a humidifier. I am tired of a family member telling me she has one, don't buy one. I have been waiting for it for months.
Also I know some meds that I was on and am on now sometimes make my restless legs worse. That makes for nasty sleepless nights. Be careful on taking meds to sleep. Even ones like melatonin can cause bad reactions. One of our board members ended up in hospital because of a bad reaction to it.
You must be getting near the end of rads now. Keep on keepin on!
If you read threw everyones story here they are so similar, i dropped so much i feel my bones in my hips like someone is nawing at them, i did gain 10 lbs, but I have a long way to go. I went to my chemo doctor and ought of the 3 docotrs i have, he and his staff are the most on top of me, as in meds, and understanding my cancer. they check my blood, gave me some nighty night meds, and listen, i feel the other doctors from the larger hospitals, have a tendency of treating you like a number, and have those wonderful assistance, who sit there and ask you questions that amount to to you know what!!!!.....I think now i deal with alot of depression more than anything, the road is so long, and to keep a strong positive attitude, I applaude you people, Take Care. Dennis0 -
Happy Placedennis318 said:I agree
If you read threw everyones story here they are so similar, i dropped so much i feel my bones in my hips like someone is nawing at them, i did gain 10 lbs, but I have a long way to go. I went to my chemo doctor and ought of the 3 docotrs i have, he and his staff are the most on top of me, as in meds, and understanding my cancer. they check my blood, gave me some nighty night meds, and listen, i feel the other doctors from the larger hospitals, have a tendency of treating you like a number, and have those wonderful assistance, who sit there and ask you questions that amount to to you know what!!!!.....I think now i deal with alot of depression more than anything, the road is so long, and to keep a strong positive attitude, I applaude you people, Take Care. Dennis
I agree with Landranger. I had a "Happy Place" in mind every time I went in. It was usually fishing for me. And as for getting comfortable during rad, once I got to the boney butt stage, forget it; it was uncomfortable. But I lost 45# (195 to 150). Don't do that if you can help it, no fun at all. (9 weeks post treatment and up to 165 and stilltrying to gain). During the worst of it I slept in a recliner at home which helped, but from what I can tell getting 2-4 hours of sleep at a stretch is the norm not the exception. Currently I get in a max of 3 hours a nite, get up, rinse and spit and go back to bed. Used to it now and it's not terrible.0 -
Getting Comfortable....Greg53 said:Happy Place
I agree with Landranger. I had a "Happy Place" in mind every time I went in. It was usually fishing for me. And as for getting comfortable during rad, once I got to the boney butt stage, forget it; it was uncomfortable. But I lost 45# (195 to 150). Don't do that if you can help it, no fun at all. (9 weeks post treatment and up to 165 and stilltrying to gain). During the worst of it I slept in a recliner at home which helped, but from what I can tell getting 2-4 hours of sleep at a stretch is the norm not the exception. Currently I get in a max of 3 hours a nite, get up, rinse and spit and go back to bed. Used to it now and it's not terrible.
LOL, Charles, if you were comfortable during treatment, I'd have to say your treatment was a lot more cushy than mine, LOL....
I'm a year out and still on the same routine pretty much as Greg, other than he didn't mention going to the head while up, but I'm sure that's included also....
One thing that they had me do was bring a CD during the rads. I brought in a James Taylor CD. While I like James, I didn't want to bring in one that might remind me later of the ordeal...come to think onf it LOL, I haven't listened to that CD since.
But it was pretty good as treatment goes I guess. They would lower the lights, start the CD, ask if I wanted a warm blanket...man it was like a Holiday...lol, other than getting zapped.
JG0 -
ComfortableGreg53 said:Happy Place
I agree with Landranger. I had a "Happy Place" in mind every time I went in. It was usually fishing for me. And as for getting comfortable during rad, once I got to the boney butt stage, forget it; it was uncomfortable. But I lost 45# (195 to 150). Don't do that if you can help it, no fun at all. (9 weeks post treatment and up to 165 and stilltrying to gain). During the worst of it I slept in a recliner at home which helped, but from what I can tell getting 2-4 hours of sleep at a stretch is the norm not the exception. Currently I get in a max of 3 hours a nite, get up, rinse and spit and go back to bed. Used to it now and it's not terrible.
If you're talking about "Mask time," everyone's been there, and there's ways to deal with- for me, I took 1/2-tab on Xanax about 1/2-hour before the scheduled start time, and it did help. Others have spoken about using other meds to help get thru it, and music. I did try the Morph- not a good experience for me. My "Mask time," was typical 20-25 minutes, with getting zapped in 20 places/session. Would suggest you speak with a Dr. about the struggle, and need for help. Hope you find a solution, Charles.
Believe
kcass0 -
Talking more about at home!Kent Cass said:Comfortable
If you're talking about "Mask time," everyone's been there, and there's ways to deal with- for me, I took 1/2-tab on Xanax about 1/2-hour before the scheduled start time, and it did help. Others have spoken about using other meds to help get thru it, and music. I did try the Morph- not a good experience for me. My "Mask time," was typical 20-25 minutes, with getting zapped in 20 places/session. Would suggest you speak with a Dr. about the struggle, and need for help. Hope you find a solution, Charles.
Believe
kcass
Really antsy and figity; can't get comfortable and having dificulty sleeping. But I may try some ativan to get me through the next few weeks. The treatment part isn't too bad; mine is only about 10 minutes. I do play some of my favorite music!! Thanks!
Charles God bless all of us! 0 -
XanaxKent Cass said:Comfortable
If you're talking about "Mask time," everyone's been there, and there's ways to deal with- for me, I took 1/2-tab on Xanax about 1/2-hour before the scheduled start time, and it did help. Others have spoken about using other meds to help get thru it, and music. I did try the Morph- not a good experience for me. My "Mask time," was typical 20-25 minutes, with getting zapped in 20 places/session. Would suggest you speak with a Dr. about the struggle, and need for help. Hope you find a solution, Charles.
Believe
kcass
I was pretty apprehensive to start (bolted down with the mask), pretty spazed actually. My chemo MD gave me a Rx for Xanax and that helped me. I only used it for about a week, it zapped my strength later in the day. I started pinching them in half day three, then again a few days later. By the end of the first week or early into the second I was used to the routine and didn't need them any longer.
They just knocked the edge off, I could still drive myself and function fine, just less anxiety.
John0 -
Home TimeIrishgypsie said:Talking more about at home!
Really antsy and figity; can't get comfortable and having dificulty sleeping. But I may try some ativan to get me through the next few weeks. The treatment part isn't too bad; mine is only about 10 minutes. I do play some of my favorite music!! Thanks!
Charles God bless all of us!
As for actual resting, yes I still don't get that comfortable. Like Greg, I don't get much sleep. Get up, rinse and spit, head call, switch positions...kick a couple of choclate labs out of my spot that I got up from, and start the process over again for the next few hours.
Don't take my jokes serious, I know it sucks to go through this, but I can usually find humor in it. Plus being where you are and will be in the future, I can really relate.
John0 -
sleepSkiffin16 said:Home Time
As for actual resting, yes I still don't get that comfortable. Like Greg, I don't get much sleep. Get up, rinse and spit, head call, switch positions...kick a couple of choclate labs out of my spot that I got up from, and start the process over again for the next few hours.
Don't take my jokes serious, I know it sucks to go through this, but I can usually find humor in it. Plus being where you are and will be in the future, I can really relate.
John
As for sleep- 2-3 hours for me was typical, also. Figured I got 4-hours maybe twice: the first of those times woke with the vomits, which didn't produce much, and I kinda wondered if maybe it was because of a build-up of phlem, etc. So, it kinda became okay with me to only get a couple hours sleep at a time. Always did spit-up a lotta stuff when I did wake. You might wanna try lying on your side on a recliner, too, and use gravity to help. I got as much sleep on my recliner as I did on my bed.
kcass0 -
comfortable
Good night's sleep, favorite CDs, Xanax. Breathing technique: slowly inhale, and breath out through the heart (sounds odd but try it - don't give up on it too fast). While breathing, go mentally to a safe, beautiful place - seashore for me.
Best, Vince0 -
Antsy
I can really relate to fidgety and antsy Charles, that's exactly what I feel even post treatment. I take ambien to sleep and I get 6-8 hours, only waing up maybe twice. Some people can't take ambien, they sleep walk, drive to the nearest convenience store and buy a slurpie and never know it. For me, it works. Of course, if I don't take it, it'll probably be years before I sleep again, but I don't seem to develop a tolerance for it and it leaves me no hangover.
Hal0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.8K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 792 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 730 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards