Awake and up all night

Very nice. You've also educated a 76 year old today.  (Xerus ).   Ray x  

Hi VickyJo

Welcome to the Community, I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on the Breast cancer and triple negative breast cancer forums and I help out here if I can and in some of the other forums.  I'm sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with cancer and that you are feeling let down by your doctor.

You may find it helpful to ring the Macmillan helpline on  0808 808 0000 to talk to someone about how you are feeling.  Also if you have a Maggie's Centre or another cancer centre near you you can either give them a ring or call in to talk to someone about things.

Wishing you the best of luck with whatever treatment your medical team puts you on.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I have trouble sleeping I had an eosophagectomy in May 2024 following my Oesophageal Cancer diagnosis I have trouble eating as I no longer have the capacity in my largely reduced stomach I can’t lie down at night to sleep because if I do I’ll get acid reflux I’m on a constant battle trying to sleep enough so I can work the following day it’s wearing me out how long can I continue

I had my 6 monthly review today only to be told Acid reflux, coughing, dumping syndrome and not being able to lie down to sleep is here to stay for the rest of my life and of course there’s the massively reduced eating regime little and often

But hey it’s better than the alternative 

Paly

Hello Paly, and a very warm welcome to our group.

You've got some difficult issues to deal with my friend, and how you manage to keep working throughout is amazing. Well done you. A few folk here have visited their GPs to get help and advice with sleep problems, so there's always that to consider. The revelation at your review isn't exactly something that's going to send you off into Dreamland either. But, you have a strong attitude, I'm sure, knowing however rubbish things can get, the alternative isn't an option.

You're not on your own not being able to sleep lying down either, as my OH will have to sleep in an upright position, on his back, for life too. But guess what...he sleeps like a baby most nights and almost always has a kip early afternoon too. I'm jealous! I'll tell you what I did get him - a memory foam mattress that lays on top of the regular one. It's like laying down on a cloud and sleep comes quite quickly.

I hope you can find a way to get some quality sleep very soon my lovely and here's a hug, as I know how lousy it is being awake throughout the night. xxx

Good evening, Paly. 

Sounds like you have been through a awful lot at the moment. There is a lot going on for you. 

However, there are things which may help and some you may have already tried and tested.

Firstly you have you thought about investing in a pillow riser for your pillows? You can buy these on amazon. I brought one following my kidney surgery and it really did help to lay in bed more comfortable as I could not lay flat for weeks. This can also help to reduce the acid reflux at night.  

I am assuming you will be under a dietician who can give better advice about the foods you can eat to help increase your calorie intake and may help with fatigue and energy levels. May also help with sleep. 

The acid reflux can be reviewed by your GP or clinical team. It seems the medication your may be on might not be the right dose or you may need to include an additional antacid and ut night help reduce the coughing. So it would be worth speaking with them again and explain the urgency of the impact this is having. Also not eating enough can cause acid so again be worth speaking with your dietitian and really explain how your are feeling. 

Having a cancer diagnose and treatment you are protected by equality and diversity work act. Work have to make reasonable adjustments for you to carry out you work. So I would investigate this further as the stress of trying to perform the same as before cancer is not going to help. Adding extra pressure on you too. 

I think with a few little tweaks and expressing your anguish with your clinical team or GP you can hopfully find a more happier situation. Just because you had the reciew recently dones not mean you cant contact for more support. 

I hope this helps. Sending a supportive hug. 

Great response Jamie, and you'll be well up to speed on the work issues too.

I bought OH a padded backrest, usually for those who like to sit up comfortably to read in bed, and a V Teddy pillow for extra comfort. They've certainly made things much comfier for him in his compromised sleeping position.

Big hugs chief xxx

Look who decided to pose for a picture for you Gill H and OH to thumbs up. 

Rebecca said well if my brother can be put in a group page she cant be missed out. Following a full tummy of fresh tuna. Yes they are spoilt hehe. 

Those things for the OH sounds perfect ideas for Paly to try too. If you can get some sort of comfort at night can make a big difference 

Awww Rebecca, you sweet little girl  I took her straight into the room to show OH and she received several thumbs up and a big smile! A fabulous little lifter of the spirits. Wonderful, and I've fallen in love with your beautiful kitties as has my cat loving OH.

Hopefully Paly will get some rest tonight xxx

I am so happy the OH is smiling too. I am happy Rebecca made him happy. Wow serveral thumbs up.  tell him she said thank you xx

I just did and he's a happy chap too  Thank you Rebecca and Elijah, you gorgeous pair xxx