So far so good...

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eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi everyone,

Just a quick check-in to let you know I'm doing well (or so it feels anyway).

I am half way through my SBRT radiation for my most recent (last one was 3 years ago) anal cancer met to my hilum (lung area). 

The radiation treatments themself seem like a walk in the park after pelvic radiation but do come with a later side effect of risk to vital surrounding heart and lung structure (soooo trying not to think about that right now). Because of the high intensity of this type of radiation they are done every other day and I am on a steroid to reduce inflammation and lessen nearby damage. The steroid means I don't sleep much at all...I'm not jittery or anything, just can not sleep! It could be useful if I was still in school studying for a test, but right now it means lying in bed with too much to think about. I told my husband I may get up tonight at 3:00 am and paint the living room...something I've been putting off but want done, lol.

Anyhow...I feel your love and support with me everytime that darn machine circles my chest with the "catch 22" deadly/life saving beams of hope! Thank you.

katheryn

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  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
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    katheryn

    It is good to see your update and know that, considering what you've been through and are currently going through, you are doing well.  I'm sure you're tired since you can't sleep and I hope you'll have a chance to catch up on all those ZZZZ's when this is over.  You might want to put that painting project on the back burner for now.  Wink  I know that the warrior you are will come through this just fine.  Please know that you are in my thougths and prayers.

  • Kim Gaia
    Kim Gaia Member Posts: 73
    #3
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    Good to hear your update

    Good to hear your update Katheryn. I hope it goes well and that you get a chance to sleep soon! I once got up in middle of night and painted my basement floor pink when I couldn't sleep. I can relate!

    kim

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #4
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    Katheryn

    Thanks for letting us know how you are doing. I’ve been wondering how it’s going, stay strong and know people are thinking of you

     

  • Ouch_Ouch_Ouch
    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch Member Posts: 508 Member
    #5
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    Hello, my dear eihtak.

    I hate missing sleep. I have that same rumination behavior, too. Is there a meditation group that you could join - not to examine your inner soul, but to learn to relax? I tried to sign up with Memorial Sloan Kettering's meditation 101, but they currently lack an instructor. I am trying to follow a PT's recommendation of slowly breathing in through my nose, then breathing out even more slowly through my mouth while counting: slowly in, slooowly out "one" (then 2, etc.).

    A psychologist I saw had me choose a word or image that would instantly relax me while breathing slowly. My word was "melt": I can feel my muscles relaxing when I think of it. So, instead of counting, I breathe out, thinking "melt". This technique works as long as I can concentrate on doing it, but my mind frequently begins ruminating again. Maybe it will work for you?

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #6
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    Ouch_Ouch_Ouch said:

    Hello, my dear eihtak.

    I hate missing sleep. I have that same rumination behavior, too. Is there a meditation group that you could join - not to examine your inner soul, but to learn to relax? I tried to sign up with Memorial Sloan Kettering's meditation 101, but they currently lack an instructor. I am trying to follow a PT's recommendation of slowly breathing in through my nose, then breathing out even more slowly through my mouth while counting: slowly in, slooowly out "one" (then 2, etc.).

    A psychologist I saw had me choose a word or image that would instantly relax me while breathing slowly. My word was "melt": I can feel my muscles relaxing when I think of it. So, instead of counting, I breathe out, thinking "melt". This technique works as long as I can concentrate on doing it, but my mind frequently begins ruminating again. Maybe it will work for you?

    Ouch....

    Thank you for the suggestions, maybe I'll give it a try.

    I normally do some breathing and meditation exercises anyhow and really think my sleep (or lack of) right now is just directly related to the steroid meds I'm on during radiation. I was able to be off them for the long weekend and both Sunday and Monday slept wonderfully! I've always said that no matter what my problems are, sleep is rarely one of them and am most often able to get a great night of it. Radiation (hopefully) ends next week so looking forward to getting back to my regular zzzzzzzzz's.

    I'll give the word/image a shot though as I've nothing to lose but bags under my eyes, lol.

    Thanks

    katheryn

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