Next steps

Your journey is quite incredible. It explains where you’ve been and the plan ahead. It seems encouraging to me. Please forgive me, but do you mind saying how you knew you had cancer?

Why do you think your sleep health has improved?

Did you drive during your treatments?

Best of luck on your CT scans, echocardiogram and physical! They will go well. I will say prayers anyway,

I started spotting. I call my primary first day it happened. She referred me to a GYN. It took a month to get into the GYN. The GYN did a biopsy. That's when I learned I had cancer. It's not in the family. I'm just the lucky one.

I did drive during treatments. I didn't have many physically bad day.

I started having sleep issues in 2020. I was traveling for work every week and sleep was difficult. When I stopped traveling I still couldn't fall asleep plus my husband was a horrible snorer. I would take ibuprofen just before bed and that relaxed me enough to sleep. After a divorce my daughter and I moved into the house where I live now. I just couldn't stop thinking and sometimes I would be up most the night.

I've been working on sleep for about 2 1/2 years. I've been in therapy trying to reduce my anxiety. It helped but I still have sleepless nights. I'm not completely sure why I'm sleeping well now. Maybe I'm just exhausted from treatments or the anti anxiety meds I started taking have helped. I going to bed and falling asleep and staying asleep. It's awesome.

Last night I did turn to the Internet again. I don't know why. There is nothing know for me to learn. Old habit I guess.

I see. I’ve considered an anti anxiety med, actually have a prescription, but wanted to avoid if I could. I read that menopause can cause sleep issues. Idk. Mine is improving.

That’s amazing that you felt well during treatments. Did you take off work?

I have a scheduled gyn appointment next week. I’m a little nervous. I know some things aren’t detected by a PAP. Trying to be observant. I can understand why this might seem surreal.

I did and didn't take off work. I'm self-employed with a mature book of business and because of advanced in video and e apps during Covid I didn't go to work often since June when I was diagnosed. I am very angry. I can't shake it and my clients don't need to see me this way.

I believe I felt good through treatment because of the way I've been eating. I'm working with a holistic doctor. He is all about getting the body filled with proper nutrition and making sure any vitamin and mineral deficiencies are being addressed. The oncologist is all in board and encourages me to keep this up.

This is the second time I've taken anti anxiety meds. The first time was Lexapro. I took it in 2022 for about 8 months. I don't think it was effective and looking back now I know it wasn't. This time I'm taking buspirone. It's doing the trick. I feel more like my old self.

I understand trying to do this without additional meds, but the way I see it is I was suffering emotionally and that's as bad as suffering from other chronic pain.

I see sleep has been difficult for both us tonight. Mine was caused by my significant other who tonight was a prick and made all kinds of snoring noise. I kicked out of the room and he screamed like a baby for about 20 minutes. I don't care. I own this house he just lives here. If he doesn't like sleeping in another room he can get his own place, but he won't.

I understand the anger. Perfectly understandable. It’s fortunate you have armed yourself with coping tools.

Yes, my prescription is for Lexapro. I never started it. I got hung up on a fear it would inhibit my orgasms. My doctor says that’s not that common but I can’t risk it. Certain things I value in my life right now and I’m firm on that. Treating emotional pain is extremely important, so I would treat with some med, if I needed it. Especially, if I was facing a major challenge as you are amazingly doing. I’ll note the one that’s helped you,

If your significant other gets a cpap, that noise will stop. Was he tested? Hope you can keep getting your rest.

@denisestlouie - you are amazing, Thank You for sharing your journey! My journey is just starting, how did you find your holistic doctor? What questions did you ask to find him/her? I realize nutrition is important and want to make sure I’m doing the best I can.
Thank You
God Bless

I did a Internet search. My criteria was the holistic doctor also needed to be a medical doctor. The doctor I am with isn't fancy. He's just very passionate about educating his patients.

I also read a lot before I made the decision to see a functional doctor. I use these interchangeably but I'm not really sure if they are the same. But both believe in root cause and patient specifical approach.

Thank You!

Hello Denise. I’m glad to hear that you found a good holistic doctor. I’ve also been searching for help as I’ve been dealing with gastrointestinal (GI) issues since my hysterectomy early last year. It’s been really difficult, especially since I have a child at home, and I need to feel better.
I’ve consulted with at least three GI specialists from reputable institutions, but none have been able to identify the cause of my stomach pain and dyspepsia. I have an appointment with a naturopathic doctor this Friday, and I’m hoping he can help me figure out what’s wrong so that I can finally find some relief. Take care.

Sometimes that's our only option.

You will be surprised at how in-depth the intake process is.

I guarantee recommendations of some type of dietary change will be part of the process.

Anyway eating better has made me feel better.

I hope this is the one!