Thank you for asking, @auntieoakley . I cannot sleep and it is very frustrating. I have not slept well since starting chemo almost a month ago. My doctor suggested Benedryl, but it isn't helping. I've tried magnesium supplements, melatonin, and combination of Benedryl, melatonin, and magnesium. I am waiting for a reply from the doctor's office as I write this.
I envy those who are able to sleep through the nausea. I honestly have to ask if chemotherapy is even worth the side effects and risks.
Stay on your doctor about this, you definitely need your rest.
In wondering if it is worth it, I think we all ask that at least once a day during chemo. My answer was always the same. Chemo is temporary and if it gives me more life with my family, it is worth it. I first asked that question almost 20 years ago, so the answer now for myself is, yes it was worth it.
What people or things in your life are worth going through chemo for?
Thank you for asking, @auntieoakley . I cannot sleep and it is very frustrating. I have not slept well since starting chemo almost a month ago. My doctor suggested Benedryl, but it isn't helping. I've tried magnesium supplements, melatonin, and combination of Benedryl, melatonin, and magnesium. I am waiting for a reply from the doctor's office as I write this.
I envy those who are able to sleep through the nausea. I honestly have to ask if chemotherapy is even worth the side effects and risks.
Do you feel the inability to sleep is physical or mental? I prefer to use natural remedies when possible, but you may have to explore a prescription just for the time being. Have you tried any teas that are intended to aid with sleep?
Do you feel the inability to sleep is physical or mental? I prefer to use natural remedies when possible, but you may have to explore a prescription just for the time being. Have you tried any teas that are intended to aid with sleep?
Hi Cindy,
I think it is a combination of both. I take melatonin every night. It helps me to fall asleep but doesn't necessarily keep me asleep. An integrative dr told me that if I wake up to use a few drops of a liquid melatonin. I sometimes use unisom as per her suggestion but use it sparingly but it works. I break them in half. I hope this helps.
Stay on your doctor about this, you definitely need your rest.
In wondering if it is worth it, I think we all ask that at least once a day during chemo. My answer was always the same. Chemo is temporary and if it gives me more life with my family, it is worth it. I first asked that question almost 20 years ago, so the answer now for myself is, yes it was worth it.
What people or things in your life are worth going through chemo for?
I have asked several times for some help with sleep. My doctor suggested Benedryl, which did me no good. Prior to chemo, 1 Benedryl would knock me out for a good 10 hours. One of the nurse practitioners offered yet another prescription med, which I declined. I'm on more prescription meds than I can shake a stick at! I finally pressed her on how much melatonin and magnesium I could take for sleep. She said there is no upper limit on magnesium, but to be careful, and that I could take up to 10 mg of melatonin per night. I am now sleeping well on 9 mg of melatonin. I add 200mg or so of magnesium and some ashwagandha if I feel particularly restless at bedtime. It's worked great!
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The nurses also have me suck on crushed iced during the infusion. It seems to be working.
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1 ReactionStay on your doctor about this, you definitely need your rest.
In wondering if it is worth it, I think we all ask that at least once a day during chemo. My answer was always the same. Chemo is temporary and if it gives me more life with my family, it is worth it. I first asked that question almost 20 years ago, so the answer now for myself is, yes it was worth it.
What people or things in your life are worth going through chemo for?
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2 ReactionsDo you feel the inability to sleep is physical or mental? I prefer to use natural remedies when possible, but you may have to explore a prescription just for the time being. Have you tried any teas that are intended to aid with sleep?
Best wishes to you, Cindy
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1 ReactionI’m coming in late to this discussion. I have this treatment in 2019. I had the Taxol first every three weeks and then the A/C.
It’s been four years since and I’m doing fine. ♥️
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5 ReactionsHi Cindy,
I think it is a combination of both. I take melatonin every night. It helps me to fall asleep but doesn't necessarily keep me asleep. An integrative dr told me that if I wake up to use a few drops of a liquid melatonin. I sometimes use unisom as per her suggestion but use it sparingly but it works. I break them in half. I hope this helps.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI have asked several times for some help with sleep. My doctor suggested Benedryl, which did me no good. Prior to chemo, 1 Benedryl would knock me out for a good 10 hours. One of the nurse practitioners offered yet another prescription med, which I declined. I'm on more prescription meds than I can shake a stick at! I finally pressed her on how much melatonin and magnesium I could take for sleep. She said there is no upper limit on magnesium, but to be careful, and that I could take up to 10 mg of melatonin per night. I am now sleeping well on 9 mg of melatonin. I add 200mg or so of magnesium and some ashwagandha if I feel particularly restless at bedtime. It's worked great!
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Hug
2 Reactions