Help me SLEEP!!! - Page 2

06-28-2008, 09:37 PM

Hi,

They told me it's OK to take a second Ambien, if the first didn't work in 15 minutes. That usually took care of things.You are under stress, so don't worry about dealing with it. Bev

DianneS · 10-26-2008, 09:08 PM

Hi Sheila,

How are you doing? I see you celebrated your six year mark and that is wonderful!

I see that you were given Herceptin in 2003? I thought it was not approved until 2005, and used for only stage iv before that time? But it looks like, from your diagnosis story that you were only stage I in 2003?

It is very concerning for me that one can progress from stage I to three or four so quickly and while on Herceptin!

I thought Herceptin was the 'wonder drug'? I'm wondering if I should even bother with doing treatments at all if this cr*p is just going to keep coming back even with Herceptin?!

Thank you for letting me ask these questions, I hope to hear from you. I am supposed to begin treatment this week....but I don't know.......
Diannes

DianneS · 10-26-2008, 09:13 PM

Also wondering if you chose not to take any chemo after your diagnosis, because it looks like you weren't taking anything for - what (can't see your post) a year or so after your mastectomy? But with her2 positive wouldn't that have been suggested to you? Just confused....my usual state these days.

Thank you,
Diannes

michka · 10-27-2008, 04:21 AM

I use Light Therapy. My mother bought me a light from Sweden last year. I thanked her but did not believe in it. It is supposed to help you sleep and avoid depression.
I use it every morning, 20 Mn, during breakfast and I feel it works! I refuse to take more pills. I do not want to add side effects to side effects. I have enough.
Michka

sarah · 10-27-2008, 04:56 AM

Krista,
try having a bite to eat before bed, some cottage cheese or a small piece of cheese and maybe warm milk. Also try books on tape, put the light out, play them softly and see if that might lull you to sleep - of course don't chose anything too scary or exciting!!
and most of all relax. If you can't sleep, read a book and that may help. I read every night - I love reading - and it helps me sleep.
stay well
sarah

Sheila · 10-27-2008, 02:49 PM

DianneS
I hope I can answer all your questions...
I see that you were given Herceptin in 2003? I thought it was not approved until 2005, and used for only stage iv before that time? But it looks like, from your diagnosis story that you were only stage I in 2003?
I began Herceptin in the Fall of 2003...I was Stage I when diagnosed in 2002, 7mm tumor, HER2++=, ER- PR-, Negative nodes, at that time, due to sm. size of tumor, chemo was not recommended, and HHerceptin was not yet available for Stage I...and I got 3 opinions! I had a L Modified Radical Mastectomy. I recurred 1 1/2 yrs later while going through reconstruction. I was then considered Stage IV and given herceptin. This kept the mets under control for 2 years, then chemo had to be added to keep me "stable". I have been on a combo ever since.

It is very concerning for me that one can progress from stage I to three or four so quickly and while on Herceptin!
I progressed BEFORE I received Herceptin...I often wonder if i had been able to get it at the beginning, if I would be fighting this now...I will never know!

I thought Herceptin was the 'wonder drug'? I'm wondering if I should even bother with doing treatments at all if this cr*p is just going to keep coming back even with Herceptin?!

Herceptin is a wonder drug, and your chances of recurring are so slim with what is available to you nowdays. See what a difference a few years can make in treatment? If they knew then, what they have learned now about Her2, I am sure I would have gotten chemo, Herceptin...the WORKS! and I would not be sitting here almost 7 years out STILL going for treatments....the reality is, I will always be going for treatments, but it has become a way of life, and I am thankful everyday that I have this life, treatments and all!

Thank you for letting me ask these questions, I hope to hear from you. I am supposed to begin treatment this week....but I don't know.......

This has to be your decision, but if I was in your shoes, I'd take chemo and herceptin, what ever the current recommendations are...you don't want to look back and think, if only I had......

I hope this helps, it is a big decision that each of us must make with knowledge, and power as it is our life we are fighting for!

Sherryg683 · 10-27-2008, 03:00 PM

I have always had problems sleeping but have been taking Ambien CR for the past 3 years. The CR is controlled released and helps you to stay asleep longer. When I first started taking it, it would knock me out immediately, now it takes a little longer but not too long if I lay down. I'm not worried about being dependant on it, which I am...I guess with all I've been through, that's the least of my problems...sherryg683

Linda G. · 10-27-2008, 08:25 PM

Krista,

I have been taking a low dose- 10mg of rx Amitriptyline before bed for a few years. It doesn't make me feel sleepy like a sleeping pill but it helps me get into a deeper REM sleep and if I wake up in the night which I used to do frequently, it's much easier and quicker to get right back to sleep. It's not habit forming so I don't have to use it every night and it's pretty cheap. I pay about $7 through my insurance for 90 pills. The only side effect I have had is a little groggy feeling first thing in the morning. I need maybe an extra 10-15 minutes to form whole sentences but the improvement in my sleep is well worth it. At higher doses this drug helps with depression but at 10mg it just improves REM sleep. Some people think it helps with Fibromyalgia too which I have and I think that may be so because improved sleep is bound to make us feel better!

madubois63 · 10-28-2008, 07:02 AM

Krista - Glad you enjoyed the concert!! I'm taking my daughter to Manhattan tomorrow for a concert (Metrostation - Mylie Cyrus' brothers band). They are really good and I get yelled at for dancing (Mom, stop it. Your embarrassing me...).

Anyway, I go through sleeping problems periodically. Last week I stayed up 48 hours without a wink of sleep. It was really hard on my head. You've gotten a lot of good advise, so I may repeat some/ Try and eat you heavier meals midday, and eat lighter at night. A walk after wards can help clear your mind and help digest your meal. A warm cup of milk (with a tsp of sugar or a package of sweet and low if necessary) or an herbal tea may help. Avoid caffeine after dinner (chocolate, soda's, teas). I keep a bottle of lavender linen spray on my night stand and spray my pillows for a soothing relaxing atmosphere. And a body moisturizer (lavender or citrus) rub are all very helpful after a warm bath or shower. Comfoy cool pj's, the right temp in the room and the right number of blankets help. Keep the tv off. Relaxing/meditation music is good. My most IMPORTANT advice is to breath. Roll your shoulders back, stretch alittle and breath deep and slowly...Good luck!!

I have tried ambien CR (works okay for me), Ativan, and Melatonin (supplement). These are okay, but try taking care of your self and pampering first.

jentx · 10-28-2008, 07:32 AM

It's been said here before, but Melatonin is said to be good for bc folks anyway. Some take it as a supplement, with or without sleep problems. I think the rec. dosage is 20mgs, though that strikes me as a whopping lot (I know it can also cause morning headaches at that dose). I take 6-9 mgs. It's not as effective as prescription sleep aids, but it feels much safer and it does help... some.

Just wanted to second (third?) that advice-- and the compliments on your pic.

Good luck. Sleep is critical. (BTW, every doc I've spoken to about this has emphasized the need for the darkest, quietest possible sleeping arrangements. So much that during chemo and post-surgery, I sleep in the office/guest room. And when I sleep in my own bed with DH, I use a sleep mask and ear plugs. Very sexy! But whaddya gonna do?)

Jackie07 · 10-28-2008, 09:07 AM

I was having trouble sleeping in my In-law's house last week. Ended up sleeping from 1 or 2 am to 12 or 2 pm.

My Father-in-law uses boric acid to kill crikets in the laundry room where there's no ventilation. Jack's Brother-in-law, a retired mechanic, stayed there last two weeks and used roach spray all around the house. After staying there for three days, I had blood in my nose and rushed back home yesterday.

I woke up this morning in my own house still with blood in my nose. Will call poison control and see if there's anything I can do.

Rich66 · 10-28-2008, 11:48 AM

Jackie,
That is one crazy situation! I hope you're ok.
Joy,
I had a long haul a few years ago with Temazepan reflexively prescribed by a GP. Turns out any of the benzos are pretty addictive with need for increased dosages and bizarre side fx (wait for my memoirs). After lateral RX attempts failed, my ride culminated with a self-imposed 3 day cold turkey weekend that took me close to the edge.

I occassionally use OTC Calms Forte and lavendar oil (wafted, sprinkled about the bed)

Based on your (cute)profile picture, I suggest decaf