Awake and up all night

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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:

  • Have trouble sleeping and looking for somewhere to talk
  • Would like some company and support each other during the night
  • Share some things you do that helps you get to sleep

Be a part of the supportive Community in this discussion thread.

  • Thank you ukiboy. I have just ordered 16 of them. They are coming on Saturday. Nice to see your sense of humour is still there. All my best wishes to you and your OH sending hugs from Lancashire to Yorkshire.

  • Hugs to you too. Remember, chat when you need to. You helped me yesterday.

  • Order another 16 for Sunday.

  • Just had a chuckle. I have been having 4 a day.

  • Ask away Soc-anything you like about any treatments etc. 

    I’ve been through my particular cancer twice, but was it all worth it? Absolutely, even my biggest surgery because last year I heard those magic words from my surgeon/consultant-“ I consider you cured”.

    Hold onto hope, and you’ll find the strength to go through what’s needed. 

    Sarah xx


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    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Aww thank you Sarah. You are a little gem. My son got the all clear in March after 9 months of not knowing. He is only 42.

  • That’s brilliant for your son, Soc-the best news. I think of 42 as just a young lad, so I’m glad he’s got his life back. 

    Sarah xx


    Community Champion Badge

    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Radiotherapy is generally one of the nicer treatment methods. It is not as arduous on the body as chemo or surgery.  Mine was 10 sessions of moderate intensity carried out over a period of 2 weeks in 2017. It was aimed at a non-muscle invasive 7cm tumour in my bladder. It succeeded in destroying 95% of the tumour. Each session was barely 5 minutes. I did not feel anything. The machine did not induce claustrophobia. The only aspects I did not enjoy were the marker tattoos - there's no choice, no pictures, just a 3mm dot. You can't even choose the colour. Mine were blue. Mine would not stop bleeding. Nothing excessive, just inconvenient. RT did not have any strong after effects except for the runs for a day or so midway through the 2nd week. I hope you find your sessions to be not too bad and more importantly that it mops up whatever they were focussing on.  Ray xxx 

  • Yes thank you Sarah. He is back doing his running and jiu jitsu. He had both chemo and radio and is now looking forward to his future. He has 3 girls although he is not with his ex partner.

  • I get very claustrophobic in these scanning machines. Thank you Ray you have eased my worries.