Hi there, my partner was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer which has spread to his liver and lungs. He is struggling to sleep. Hes been to the doctors to get some sleeping tablets but they dont always work. I was just wondering what else might help..?
He also feels nauseous at times.. if you have any tps that might help..?
thank you
Hi Doone
Thanks for contacting Macmillan Cancer Support and welcome to the online community.
I’m sorry to read of your partner’s recent diagnosis of bowel cancer that has spread.
It’s not uncommon for people affected by cancer to have difficulty sleeping because of worry and anxiety. It might help if your partner could write down what his concerns are.
It’s unclear from your question if he has commenced on any treatment, which may include taking steroids?
Has he spoken to the GP about the fact that the sleeping tablets haven’t worked? If not, then we would encourage him to make an appointment to speak to them again.
They may suggest referring him for cognitive behavioural therapy as this can often help to treat insomnia. For some people it can help to change the thoughts and behaviours that keep them from sleeping.
We have these helpful tips that he can try and information about things that can help to treat insomnia that he can discuss further with his medical team.
In addition to the above link the NHS have these tips that can be useful to try also.
There are different anti- sickness medicines and sometimes it’s a matter of getting the right one that suits your partner.
It often helps to keep a diary to see if there are any triggers making his symptoms worse and if some things are helping. This can give you and your partner, as well as his medical team, a clearer picture of how he’s affected by the nausea and any other symptoms that may be troubling him.
Supporting someone with a cancer can be rewarding, but it can be tough at times too. So, it’s equally important that you look after yourself and get support too.
There is further information and support available through our family and friends group.
As well as the online support at Macmillan, Maggie’s also offer some emotional advice and online courses that can help anyone affected with cancer.
Macmillan telephone buddies can also match your partner with someone who understands how he is feeling. Others find the online community a great support too.
Penny Brohn offer online group sessions and counselling for people affected by cancer and Macmillan offer a free counselling service with Bupa which he may also find helpful.
Best wishes and take care
Annemarie
Macmillan Information Nurse Specialist
Ref: AKR / SMc
