Are you having trouble sleeping?
Sleep problems may be caused by how you’re feeling emotionally, or as part of the side effects for cancer treatment. If you find it hard to have a good sleep, you’re not alone. The Online Community is here to support you 24/7.
“Getting a cancer diagnosis is extremely stressful, and that brings a whole load of emotions, and lack of sleep certainly does not help. I think many of us have periods of insomnia. I experienced a long period of not sleeping. I could go off to sleep quite quickly, but after an hour I would find myself wide awake again, and would spend the rest of the night getting frustrated because I couldn't sleep."
Community member, ‘Pancreatic cancer’ group
This discussion thread is for members who:
Be a part of the supportive Community in this discussion thread.
Morning all-I’ll make one reply to you lovely, kind people to make it easier and thank you everyone for your concern.
I got to the hospital yesterday and got a couple of hours there. The doctors have identified a second infection from blood tests so trying to mange that now. They have said my OH is very ill indeed and it was touch and go on Tuesday night…that’s how bad it was.
They still plan to do the ERCP procedure on Monday and see how that goes. I’ve had that done twice myself in the same situation and it’s very unpleasant and risky- it gave me pancreatitis and caused my blood pressure to plummet, so they will be monitoring things very carefully.
They think the bile duct stones are moving a little which is causing the nausea, pain, bad taste and general awfulness.
I am very slowly muddling along here on my own in a house that is desperately quiet and lonely. I will try to get an online food order done today though I don’t want to eat either. But I know it’s not good having to take so many pills myself on an empty stomach.
Thank you all for being here-I appreciate it. Very strange going into that hospital where I’m not the patient this time-I’ve had many stays there myself on multiple wards but the staff in this ward are lovely which is a bonus!
Sarah xx
Hi Sarah 
Just back from shopping, but pretty alarmed to hear OH was in such dire straits. Thank goodness he's in hospital where they'll be doing everything necessary to help him. I imagine it is strange for yourself to be on the other side this time, but at least you know the staff will take good care of him.
I don't want to pester, but please try to get some food down and take a while to rest up, as the last thing you need right now is to get poorly yourself. It is lousy, being in an empty house, but don't be lonely - talk to kitty, yourself or us, no matter what time it is, as we'll be here.
Now you don't need to reply, but take good care of yourself sweetheart and try not to get overwhelmed. I know how strong you are but try not to stress. Sending you hugs and all best wishes for OH xxxx
Hi Sarah
I’m so sorry to hear that you had such a horrible Christmas and that your OH is so sick.
I hope your OH get better soon.
Daisy53
Good evening Charlene, and a very warm welcome to our friendly group 
Firstly, well done for reaching out and it's certainly not a weakness sweetheart, as others just want to help and support you through the very tough time you're having. You've already been through so much but please don't think you have to keep smiling through it all, as I'm sure those closest to you will understand none of it's easy. It's ok pretending to be tough but eventually you'll crack under everything and you need to give yourself a break. Maybe have a chat with a sympathetic friend or relative, and don't be afraid to she'd tears as these often provide a blessed relief.
There are groups on the site that are specific to your particular cancer and other issues, so when a community champion sees your post, they'll provide links to the appropriate forum. You'll then be able to connect with others who will be able to offer advice and support, as some will have been through what you're experiencing now. But always feel free to post here for support and kind words, especially if you can't sleep, as there's usually some night owls swooping around. Why not have a word with your CNS or consultant about your concerns over the treatment? I'm sure they'll be able to put your mind at ease about it, and if/when you join a group, the ladies there will be amazing to chat with as they're the ones with learned experience. Please don't give up my lovely, it will be hard but worth it when you're able to enjoy good times with your family again. Sending you big virtual hugs and strength sweetheart xxx
Hi @Charlene82 and welcome to this part of the community.
I see you’ve joined the breast cancer group and already had a couple of helpful replies there from others who are going through or have gone through the same cancer and experiences. I hoped they’ve helped to reassure you a little.
You've already been through a lot in the past few months, so it’s not surprising that the thought of more treatment is daunting. I’ve been through chemotherapy and radiation for a different cancer, so my situation was not the same, but I’m sure more members in the breast group will come along to help you there.
This chat group is a good place to post if you can’t sleep and just want to connect with others, but we might not have the specific experience you are looking for as we are a mix of current and former patients and carers.
Try to take one thing at a time, and as Gill has suggested it would be a good idea to chat through your worries with your CNS. Often fear of the unknown makes us frightened to go ahead, but often things are not nearly as bad as your imagination thinks they might be,
Sarah xx
