Had left hand side mastectomy with sentinel lymph biopsy 3 weeks ago and results showed 4mm on the node and dcis 19mm and invasive ca 22mm found hence surgeon suggested axillary clearance which i have done a last week and still recovering. I dont get enough sleep as i kept waking up in the middle of the night. I have not book my post review as still processing all the information.
So sorry to see you joining us here, neo90 xx
The whole thing, from diagnosis on, is such a shock & an emotional roller coaster, then add surgery & treatment and your brain goes into 'overload'.
A breast cancer diagnosis really mucks with your brain. :(
Loss of sleep is really common, as your brain just goes into overdrive as soon as you lie down & close your eyes. Have a chat with your Breast Care Nurse (and/or GP) as it is important that you do get quality sleep xx
Make sure you have a good friend or close family member with you for all your appointments and consider recording your meetings on your phone. It is very difficult to remember everything that is said (specially when sleep deprived) .... and you can go over it again later, at home, if you want to double check what WAS said xx
Do you read or watch TV whilst in bed, before turning off the light? I used to read - but I think it added to my 'brain fatigue' .... so now, I'll read in the lounge before going to bed .... then just clean my teeth & hop into bed & turn out the light!!
It is helping me get to sleep - by retraining my brain that BED=SLEEP ONLY!
Take care & all the best xx
Thank you so much for your advise. I am sbout to see the surgeon for review and to discuss the results moving forward.
I am grateful to have join this network as i havent shared much to my friends and family as i fell emetional talking about it.
Thanks so much
neo90 You've been through a lot in a short time frame!
I was a bit grumpy and frustrated after my axillary dissection and my GP pointed out that the lack of sleep could be contributing. She suggested I take panadol to help me get through a night and it did actually help. Better sleep made way for feeling a bit more normal.
Are you waking up with pain or with a busy mind or something else?
Thanks for your advised. Pain is managable ,took panadol but for some reasons i wake up in the middle of the night and cant sleep.
I am not sure if i overthink things .
Thanks much.
