| Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | How does one deal when cannot get enough sleep? I have noticed I will get up 3 - 5 times during the night to read adjust my self or go to bathroom.
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012 So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | Oh the joys of insomnia...I know them well. I spent the better part of the last four years struggling with it, even after getting off the opiate pain meds, which notoriously cause insomnia. They actually activate areas of the brain that keep you awake so after you've developed a tolerance to them this is a common effect. When I think back on my treatment days the sleep deprivation was probably the leading cause of my insanity, it was horrible. My Dr's tried it all too, low dose tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, Ambien/Lunesta, the works...and where I didn't find restful sleep I did have fun with the side effects of those drugs. My wife's stories of my Ambien/Lunesta sleepwalking experiences both crack me up and scare the hell out of me. Everything from running around outside in the harsh N.Idaho winters, in my pajamas, hunting ninjas on the roof (apparently sent by the government to kill me) to putting my wife in a choke hold, which is scary as I'm a lifelong wrestler and have studied/love ju-jitsu. Medicinal Marijuana has been prescribed for insomnia (vaporized or injested, never smoked!) with good feedback from patients. My past experience with this I'll share that it did work very well for me in this area without the harsh and potential psychotic side effects of the other drugs listed above. There are side effects however that can be rather harsh, like your kids whining that you ate all of their Doritos, my wife slapping me for finishing off the Dove Chocolate bars she hides in the Freezer to appease her viscous addiction, or probably the worst...I had the hardest time fitting into my skinny jeans that really accented my posterior. Oh what we subject ourselves to due to cancer... Anyway BuffaloFan, I hope you find something that works for you and eases your pain and brings you comfort, lord knows your football team hasn't been up to the task...says the Seattle Seahawks fan Hope that helps! Eric
Last edited by EricS; 04-06-2012 05:52 AM. Reason: always spelling
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Sorry to hear you have insomnia. I ended up taking a prescription sleeping pill on some nights where I couldnt sleep. Check with your doc if they can prescribe something that you can take occasionally. I would also wait to take the benedryl for my sinus issues until close to bedtime. Ive finished chemo/rads Sept 2007 and I still cant sleep right at night. Of course everybody is different and most wont have long lasting sleep problems. I just have too much on my mind to spend much time sleeping.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | Saw LNP today when I went for my first treatment. She recommend taking some benadryl before bed and this would help keep me a sleep. She also recommend not drinking water close, and if getting dry mouth take a sip not a gulp.
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012 So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | You can also try some of the Biotene line of products. There is a mouth gel that helps keep your mouth moist.
Try sleeping with a humidifier. The extra moisture in the room can be a big help. Plus the sound of it can help to lull you to sleep.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | [quote=ChristineB]Try sleeping with a humidifier. The extra moisture in the room can be a big help. Plus the sound of it can help to lull you to sleep. [/quote] I sleep with one and does not help with the sleep. Thanks for the suggestions. I think what I need right now is a big teddy bear [img] http://www.heathersanimations.com/teddies/runrupert.gif[/img]
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012 So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Jul 2011 Posts: 945 | I don't think there any one magic cure for insomnia - sometimes trying several things may help. Other stuff to try - don't 'try' to sleep - just say I will rest and relax meditative breathing - concentrating on following your breath in and out. dvd's - movies you have already seen, but that are soothing to watch. The teddy bear (or a nice memory foam pillow) isn't a bad idea My neurologist friend recommends a lavender pillow to help with stress reduction. Now, I know that sounds wacky for a football fan, but seriously, why not give it a try.
Last edited by Maria; 04-06-2012 01:16 PM. Reason: lavender
CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010 TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.
| | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 805 | One thought. Benadryl is used for allergies and to dry up the mucus/ runny nose as well as itchy watery eyes. Where there is already dry mouth potential, that would not be a good choice. Just my opinion!! Might want to try the Lunesta or Ambien instead, or just some good old Tylenol PM. You could also try Melatonin. But really, the Benadryl dries me out terrible and I don't have dry mouth. Kathy
Kathy wife/caregiver to: Kevin age:53 Dx 7/15/11 HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R Non smoker, casual drinker 7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11 PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11 Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14 | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | I actually got 6 hours straight sleep with no meds!!!!!!!!
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012 So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | BuffaloFan - Fantastic! Do the happy dance! I know the feeling. Last time I had 6 hours straight sleep I was on vacation in Mexico.
Anne-Marie CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
| | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 30 | I changed my nightly habit last night. Treated myself to a movie (ALONE ) and was asleep by 12
squamous cell carcinomas Stage 2, 1/26/2012. Surgery 2/15/2012 - Finished Chemo 5/18/2012 Finishing Radiation 5/29/2012 So make every minute count-Jump up, jump in and seize the day-And let's make sure that in every single possible way -Today is gonna to be a great day
| | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,671 | What movie was it? I'll have to get it next time I can't sleep.
Anne-Marie CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)
| | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 37 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 37 | Warm milk always helps me sleep..
Female- Age 49, Non-smoker, I Had 6 weeks of rad/30 treatments, No Chemo. 1/2 of my tongue had to be removed as well as Lymph Nodes. Surgery was 11 & 1/2 Hours long. 40 Lymph Nodes where removed, only one was cancerous. My Motto since my diagnoses- It's All In The Attitude!!!
| | | | Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 126 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Dec 2011 Posts: 126 | I have been suffering from insomia as well - it has always been a problem for me, but in the past it was an occasional occurrence and ambien would work. Now, nothing seems to work! I am prescribed to both Ambien and Lunesta, but neither seem to keep me asleep. I have contemplated taking both at the same time, but am not sure of the side effects. Good luck to you, and let me know if you find anything that helps!
Emily - 24 years old at diagnosis HPV-, no risk factors T2N2b Squamous Cell Carcinoma Left oral tongue, poorly differentiated Hemiglossectamy, reconstruction, partial neck dissection 30 Radiation treatments, weekly chemo (cisplatin) 1/13/12 last day of treatment Diagnosed October 2011
| | | | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 638 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: May 2010 Posts: 638 | Hi Emily
Ambien is designed to help you fall asleep - not stay asleep unless you have the slow release version. I am not familiar with Lunesta.
Please tell your doctor that they are not working, and he or she may prescribe something else.
Unless your doctor has advised they can be taken together, you run the risk of added side effects (and essentially overdosing yourself) without any addition in therapeutic benefit. You can also develop tolerance to these drugs which means that your body gets used to the drug and requires more and more of it to have an effect. For this reason, they are prescribed for short term problems and should not be taken over extended periods of time
Karen Love of Life to Alex T4N2M0 SCC Tonsil, BOT, R lymph nodes Dx March 2010 51yrs. Unresectable. HPV+ve Tx Chemo x 3+1 cycles(cisplatin,docetaxel,5FU)- complete May 31 Chemoradiation (IMRTx35 + weekly cisplatin) Finish Aug 27 Return to work 2 years on 3 years out Aug 27 2013 NED Still underweight
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | WOW and I tyhought 2 1/2 hrs solid was good. Yours sounds much better.This trach keeps one awake suctioning it out. No more tho. I just posted
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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