I’m not sleeping well either (neuropathy/buzzy feet).
My parents were moving near me anyway but I was really lucky I was diagnosed about 2 weeks before their move. I don’t drive so they’ve been incredible taking me to appointments and stuff (literally only weren’t around for my initial diagnosis appointment and another thing like a week later).
My dad worked for the NHS for decades before his retirement so he loves coming in and backing me up when surgeons have been overbearing, he speaks the lingo and luckily doesn’t butt in himself (just takes his cues from me). I’ve worked on and off for them since the 00’s myself so together we’re a little better armed than those without.
I’m glad you’ve been able to get to your family.
My mum has cooked for me when I’ve been really bad (feel like I’ve slept the most in my entire life since last August, and I’ve always loved sleeping, not this kind if sleep), fortunately I am back to doing most things for myself.
I’ve had chemo for 5 months from August 2024, surgery in early Feb this year, radiotherapy in May and am now on Kadcyla (I keep calling it post surgery chemo but I might be wrong) for the rest of the year, should finish the last week of December if there’s no delays. It’s far more tolerable than the other chemo (hence why I’m now back at work).
I stopped working after my first chemo cycle in August, had prepped with work I would try to work through it (I work in a GP surgery so they were happy to put me in isolation), however it immediately knocked me right out and I realised I wouldn’t be up to it. Work were very supportive and I was off for almost a year (my sick pay ran out two weeks ago so I returned the day after).
I’m not sleeping well cos on top of the neuropathy I got a nerve injury during my first phesgo injection (incorrectly administered in the wrong area of my thigh) and my GP hasn’t found me either an effective pain relief plan or provided me with a sleep aid (I’ve been begging for melatonin but they just want to focus on the pain instead of the sleep, I’m the other way round).
If you’re not happy with your surgeon please talk to your bc nurse. I loathed my first one (I swear he just saw me as a slab of meat, was very cold, made me cry on several occasions before I got rid), liked but was disappointed by my 2nd and my third I knew instantly was different, he was warm and showed he was listening/cared straight away. You need to feel comfortable with them, they’re supposed to help you make this massive decision and support you through it, if you can’t trust them you’re allowed to speak to others. I don’t know what your options in your area are but hopefully they’re similar to mine.
I hope you get some sleep, I’m usually up at unGodly hours so I’ll keep an eye out if you struggle overnight again (even if you just need to vent).