Forum Discussion
Why are the nights so hard
Does anyone know of where you can get some phone support at night? I’m finding the night’s sooooo hard. I've only been getting an hours sleep at night & tonight it was only 30 minutes. This has been going on for a week now. I got an amended report from Breast Screen from the pathology company (does that make sense). I don't know what it means but to my hubby and I it sounds worse than what I was told at first. At night my head just goes crazy, I get scared & spend hours sobbing. Hubby (Mark) isn't coping too well either so Iv just found out & it wouldn't be so great if we are both sleep deprived, so I let him sleep & put on a brave face during the day. I don't know if its because I don't understand the information Iv been given or if I would be like this anyway. Im just so tired & cant stop my head buzzing a million miles a minute. I feel a bit deserted by my family. Im the eldest of 6 and have got 5 adult kids of my own,. When I got my diagnosis I rang each of them myself & told them & only my parents & 1 son (who lives interstate, he’s 26) has rung to see how Iv been. Am I just being selfish & expecting too much? I don’t know.
Enough winging. I keep telling myself to stop worrying about things until I see the doctor at the hospital next Wed but its like I cant control it. Its so strange, Im usually the strong one that keeps things going when bad things happen so why cant I do it now.
Ok, Iv had my sook but it would really be great if there was some support at night when normal people are asleep
Paula
23 Replies
Hi
Sounds like you need to go back to your GP? Try some other medication and get a referral to a counsellor/psychologist?
Sleep deprivation is a form of torture ??
Hope it improves for you
Well the sleeping tablets are not working. I took 1 last night & got 2 hours sleep (better than 1 LOL) it was 9.30 when I woke but I think that was exhaustion then I took 2 more as suggested by my GP. I didn't get to sleep again till 6.30 am
Thanks Lyn, Iv had bad experiences with lifeline before so I actually didn't think of them. I rang them a few times years ago being suicidal & they actually said that they didn't have time & would ring me back.
One other thing in addition to everyone else's suggestion. Don't forget Lifeline, 24 hours a day. They may not be cancer specific, but they could talk to you & help with some temporary strategies.
Take care, Lyn
Brenda don't worry about having a whine It actually helped me. I don't feel so alone now. You telling me about your story really helped. I'll try to cut the family a bit of slack, but I wont hold my breath on that one LOL. I haven't heard from 1 member of my extended family either & we're pretty isolated when it comes to friends as well. But I am finding this sight helpful. So thanks
Paula
Thanks everyone, your tips & especially the hugs make a difference. I saw my GP today for a translation & funnily enough he hasn't got the amended report. It was as I expected the cancer is worse than they thought but reinforced that as it was found early the outcome hasn't changed (surgery & radiation therapy). Mine was found on a routine mammogram & he said that even if I had left it for a year the outcome would have been different. He also gave me a script for sleeping tablets which gave me 2 hours sleep & I have taken more but they aren't working. I don't bother with google as I find it more confusing & the answers I have looked for weren't there anyway. Iv tried doing the things I enjoy at night but they don't seem to be helping. So now Im trawling the net to find knitting & crocheting patterns for prem babies to donate, I thought that maybe following a pattern might shut of my crazy brain. Those who have offered me to message them at night because they are usually awake I thank you very much & will try to remember to do that. Once again thanks for listening & all your tips & kind thoughts
Paula
Oh thank you so much Ann-Marie. You're an angel
Paula
Thanks for your offer Christine, I just might take you up on that
Paula
Hi paula.
The way i coped is by taking it one step at a time one appointment at a time. When i thought to far ahead i got overwhelmed. Try and think positive thoughts...allow yourself a few minutes if you need to to worry then consciously switch those thoughts off.
Its important to remember that nothing ever changes through worry. So put all your energy into getting better and dont allow negative thoughts as they dont achieve anything.
Maryrose
Hi Paula,
The girls have given you some great advice and support.
I just wanted to add that I kept earphones next to the bed and listened to meditation CDs when those sleepless nights took over. Usually I was asleep within 15 minutes. (If I didn't play one, I was awake for hours, worrying.)
One the other subject, families can react strangely - some just disappear, and others you least expect, step up to the plate. We have all noticed it. Don't let it upset you - just get through one day at a time.
All the best. Big hug. xx Michelle
