Hi Sparkle Sounds very much like my lump, nasty aggressive hyperactive little bugger which had also invaded a lymph node, but that was 11 years ago! One of my BC treatment friends developed it whilst breastfeeding as well, and that was 11 years ago too. The treatment isn't a walk in the park, though for Amber on here it seems to have been a mere amble 
but we do all know what it is like. I am sure amongst us you will find every variation on feelings, coping strategies and side effects. The shock does wear off and at some point you do realise that you can smile again and get on with your life, a little different to what you assumed but the new normal can be good, and even boring at times.........
My family were 300 miles away, but friends rallied around, the ones that were any good anyway, we had already had to do it for one friend so it was quite a well organised machine. I've seen it from both sides now Don't be afraid to ask, people are so relieved when they can actually do something they know will help, instead of wondering and worrying whether they should offer and what they can do, cooking casseroles / soup, looking after children whilst you are having chemo, keeping you company whilst having chemo. We put together rotas. Also if you can afford it get a cleaner, the one we got still works for us 11 years later.
Not a good weaner, just carried on until they got bored, but that was around 18months, can you replace it with some other reward or ritual , "you're a big girl now so I thought you would like to do something more grown up". Mine came into bed with me in the mornings until they were really quite big and hairy and almost teens and I think that partly went back to the fact it became a ritual when I was ill, even when I felt my worst they would come into bed and have a cuddle, then I would do their hair ready for school. They were 5 and 7 too Coorong
Thanks Coorong too for sleep tips. I'll look at spray. I have sort of arrived at the "lying in bed is just as good as actual sleep" strategy, and got quite good at the relaxation and visualisation stuff during treatment. The problem is post menopausal women lack the melatonin that actually knocks you over the edge into sleep. So it can take hours to go off and then when I get to sleep the hormones go into overdrive and heat me up to boiling point and I wake up again sopping wet... It's all very very boring not least because I know exercise would help and I used to be a bit of a gym bunny but I'm always so tired. I also do get the SADs in winter so light is probably a factor too but then I do have to walk goondog come what may to curb his lunacy so I do get more exercise (think cheetah pulling along old lady on lead) and light than most. I can't help thinking whoever or whatever designed us didn't think women past having a baby needed a life, sod 'em, it's probably them what writes the Daily Mail 
.............
gigs This sort of thing, although mine is a memory foam one www.personalcooling.co.uk/templates/page_01.php?cfp=page:PRODUCTS-A can't seem to find mine on google now. It is lovely and comfortable but doesn't really help with the tossing and sweating.........
Seems to be a lot of wine around this evening, oh all right then, puts Cava and nibbles on trolley. 
and treats for Pekingese's