Optimism Low today

[wenna]

Well, I guess all that optimism caught up with me.. too much of a good thing? I guess when the doctor said the "trick" would be keeping it gone, was right on. So many I see and read about here has had theirs return.

Today was my second chemo treatment. I tolerated the first very well. Slept for like 3 days, then actually started getting back to my "old" self. That's been awhile. I had little of the side effects I've seen mentioned here. Today they did give me some IV meds to help with those and of course there's compazine and Imodium for the other days.. LOL

Today, I only had one of the meds so I'm up all night. I guess this is mostly because I'm taking an antidepressant. They haven't found one that doesn't take me up too far! We're still trying to find the right one on that. I noticed on some other posts, others were having trouble sleeping as well after chemo. Maybe that could be adding to my problem. Any ideas?

Tomorrow morning I go to "meet and greet" my radiologist who'll be doing my radiation treatments. A little nervous on this..as I don't know exactly when they'll begin those and for how long. I am still amazed at how my closet full of specialist is growing. Maybe next I'll build them a walk-in closet! LOL

Ok, this has really helped.. thanks for listening. Writing this out makes it seem not so bad.

wenna

[daggiesmom]

Dear Wenna,

I had sleeping problems during my treatment. I took Ambien and that seemed to help. Also tylenol pm worked. So much on your mind can result in sleep problems - i think that's pretty common. I have the same diagnosis as you - limited sclc- diagnosed in April 2002. To date i am free of disease. I had chemo and about 32 rounds of radiation. It seems to have worked. It will work for you too Keep us posted on your progress.

Joanie

[gail]

I vote for the tylenol PM. You cannot heal if you are not rested.

[shelliemacs]

mom is on Ambien and it works great for her.

[Guest Kay]

Hang in there. My Mom's SCLC did come back, but we a wonderful year before it did, and success shrinking it again with only chemo. I wouldn't trade that great year for anything. Early on, her radiologist told her she was goind feel a lot worse before she felt better, which was true. But she did feel better again and back to her old self and you will too. Stay strong during treatment!

[Don Wood]

Best to you, Wenna. Keep plugged in here for support as you go through your treatments. Don

[Cindy RN]

I use ambien also for sleeping-it really helps. I noticed someone uses the tylenol pm, it is the benedryl in it that helps with the sleeping. You could try the over the counter (generic) diphenahydramine (sp) which is the same thing-just cheaper. As for being awake on the chemo nights. Mine is due to the pre-meds I get before the chemo. One is a steroid. It will keep you awake. Good luck

[Jenny G.]

Hi,

I had sleeping problems for awhile too. Not lately, that's all I want to do now. I got the ambien, but only needed to use it a few times. I thought the 10mg made me feel groggy the next morning so just took 5mg. That was better for me. Many people say they use benadryl and the tylenol pm is popular too, but the suggestion above is good about the generic. I was told not to take tylenol anyway. I think they don't want to mask any potential fevers. I hope you continue to do good. The treatments haven't been so bad for me. My doc said pretty much the same thing yours did. One day at a time and coming here helps a lot too. There are many long term survivors so don't lose faith.

Jenny

[Deanna M.]

I am so sorry you are feeling down. I hope you are able to get some sleep soon, not getting sleep is very hard on the body. My mom hasn't had that problem thank god, so unfortunately I don't have any good advice. I have hear that ambien really helps people. Hang in there. I am praying for you!!