Breast cancer and can’t sleep

[Rockinghorse2019]

Any advice where I can talk to someone in the middle of the night? I can’t sleep

Op I don't know about sources of advice but there's a number of us up here. Would it help to post here?

Thank you was told I need a mastectomy on my right breast last night due to DCIS . The surgeon then found a lump in my left breast how is that possible?

Oh OP. That sounds really stressful. I don't know the answer to why and hope someone with more knowledge than me might be along soon. I guess better that they have found it but not sure that will be much of a comfort now. Would it help to try and distract yourself? I often use podcasts to quieten my mind when feeling overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Might that help?

OP, just checking in on you. How are you?

Thank you for checking in. I managed work which is an achievement. Feel terrible still though.

The Samaritans (they will listen, you don't need to be suicidal). We have had support from our local cancer charity, but not in the middle of the night which is always the worst time isn't it.

How are you today?
Is the other lump being tested?
Hugs

Yes tomorrow

Join the breast cancer support uk group on Facebook, there is always someone around in the middle of the night for a handhold. Breast cancer now is also good for help and advice.

Thinking of you OP.

I'm a breast cancer survivor. Lean on the people around you and please remember there is life after a cancer diagnosis. It's nearly 30 years since I had my mastectomy (I was 30) - try to stay positive.

Wishing you all the best x

No wonder you couldnt sleep
Is there a plan ...for tonight to help you at least rest even if sleep evades you again ?

Soft music
A good book
A radio station you like

Something to try keep your mind occupied ...

If you wake and can't get back to sleep....get up
Go downstairs make a drink ...
Sit somewhere cosy .. cosy blanket and watch tv ...an old comedy or a nice documentary about travel maybe ...when you begin to feel tired ...try going back to bed .

Sending a hand hold x

Sending hugs.

Oh op 💜

Thank you trying to watch bake off but can’t stop shaking. I woke up last night covered in sweat .

Once you have a definite treatment plan then things will be a lot easier. I’m almost a year since my first cancer was diagnosed and then my breast cancer was found 2 weeks later. I had my second to last chemo today and I still need a second surgery after the chemo and then radiotherapy so it will be well into next year before I am finished.

It’s tough, mentally and physically but you can get through it.

It's a horrible shock at first - my Mum had breast cancer in her 50's but once you know what's going to happen and what treatment is lined up you can focus on recovery.
Do you have people you can spend some time with and get some emotional support while you process this? If it's any help I actually know quite a few women who have had this, had chemo/surgery etc and are fit and well now.

There's a forum on the Macmillan site called AWAKE, always somebody on there.

I'm in the middle of breast cancer treatment and found great support from ladies on Macmillan and Breast Cancer Now forums

Feel your pain OP. I'm going to see the surgical team at the breast clinic tomorrow to find out my treatment plan. Although they told me there is just one lump I have started to feel all sorts of pains and I don't know if they are real or down to anxiety xx

@Rockinghorse2019 @silky86 There is the cancer thread in General health too for posting about all your aches, pains and worries. It's a bit slow at the moment but the more people that post, the faster it seems to flow.

I second McMillan cancer chat . Treatments have advanced, I know lot’s of people now in remission !! Good luck and try not to over read Dr Google 💐

sorry you are going through this, I know how stressful it is. I used to get up and clean when I couldn’t sleep. I found it distracted me which helped calm me down .
Once you get your treatment plan it does get easier and you can focus on each stage . I am one year on from surgery, back at work and doing well. You will get through this , my treatment and support I received from the NHS was amazing. I hope all goes well for you x

Evening OP. Just checking in.

FWIW I was adding up the number of people I know personally who have got though breast cancer yesterday with a friend. It was eleven. Eleven women I know fairly well have had different types of breast cancer. All got it in their 40s and 50s. All of them are in remission and have been clear for between three and nineteen years.

The number of people I PERSONALLY know who have not survived breast cancer is zero.

I know that's not always the way and I am not downplaying the seriousness of the diagnoses and the mental strength you'll need to get through the treatment plan, but without a shadow of doubt, the odds are heavily in your favour.

Try to think about that when you feel yourself spiralling and panicking. It's shit, but you will get through it. Surround yourself with people who care about you, accept offers of help and allow yourself not always put your game face on. You don't have to be 'brave' all the time.

Thank you Balonziaga for your kind words that does help.

Thinking of you @Rockinghorse2019

When I can't sleep (frequent) I find "In Our Time" podcast on quite quietly (through headphones if you share a bed) can help, it's usually so dry and boring I go straight to sleep 😁

I'm not a dr but like others have said, I know lots of breast cancer survivors and my ex is an expert on the genetics, huge advances even within the time of his career. The night watch on Mumsnet always has people reading throughout the night too.

Hoping you are getting more sleep. I have just had breast cancer surgery. I had DCIS and had wide excision removal with breast conserving procedure.
Once I had diagnosis and a plan it was much easier to get on with everyday life.
You really don’t have time to think about it because cancer surgery is prioritised at the moment. I had a delay of 2 weeks due to catching Covid but my original surgery date was just over 2 weeks after diagnosis and definitive treatment planning appointment.
I was also put straight on anastrozole as my tumour was ( so good to say was not is) ER+.
I am now waiting for lymph node biopsy results with everything crossed and Oncotyping to see if I need chemo. If not it will be radiotherapy before Christmas to finish treatment.
I have a brilliant surgeon and breast care team. No question is too stupid.
It is a tough journey but there are so many people on your side. You are probably overwhelmed at the moment but the fog will clear. I found it very hard to tell family but after I had I decided to go on social media to tell everyone. I’m not a big fan of social media announcements but I just found it hard explaining to everyone I spoke to why I was going to be unavailable for a few months. I was a bit selective, not every ‘friend’ needed to know.
I hated people offering sympathy, it was as though they were already mentally picking out what they were going to wear at my funeral.
My close friends have been great. I didn’t want fuss and constant visitors so asked that they wait until I’m ready to re emerge and hopefully just get back to life.
Good luck with your journey. If you are still struggling with sleep I’m sure your GP will prescribe something to help.