Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 1 on the 23rd May and finally have a date for a lumpectomy next week. It seems like every test has taken forever to come back. I had to have a second biopsy on another area which was inconclusive so they are whipping it out anyway. I feel fantastic today, the wait was horrendous. Any hints or tips on managing the next week whilst I wait, especially around sleep. In the last 6 weeks I’ve slept less than 5 hours per night. I’ve got so much from reading the forum up to now. I finally feel ready to join now xx
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Dear Archiesmum,
Welcome to the forum, we are here to support you at any time.
Waiting game is the hardest part, as you said everything is taking to long. Wishing you well with your operation and on going treatment.
Take one day at a time and hopefully be home again in no time. Try to rest, eat good food and be kind to yourself
Please keep posting to let us know how you are getting on.
Health and happiness ahead brave lady.
Hugs Tili 
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Hi archiesmum, I was diagnosed around the same time as you and also have a lumpectomy booked for next week (Thursday). Sheelagh x
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Hi @archiesmum1 Welcome this this fabulous forum that no one wants to join.
As far as sleep advice. I have recently been attending a CBT course for managing hot flushes but have been told that diaphragmatic breathing can help in many situations. Easy to find tutorials online but it’s essentially breathing deep into your belly, allowing it to expand briefly pause and breath out until your tummy is back to normal, pause again and then deep breath.
You can also ask your team to GP for a sleeping tablet, they helped enormously at the beginning, during chemo and occasionally still now.
Hope surgery goes well and same to @smak
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Hi, hope it goes well xx
That’s great advice thanks. The GP has offered to prescribe tablets but I want to try without first. I’ll have a google to look at your suggestions x
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Also a suggestion was to eat a banana and drink horlicks as they contain something that can help with sleep. I’ve tried the banana and cold milk (not keen on milk) and it hasn’t helped so far, only 2 nights so far. But it was another suggestion from previous participants of the CBT course.
Dark, cool room. Eye masks ear plugs. Take time in your day to write down or consider your worries so you don’t mull over them in bed. This has definitely helped having a ‘Worry Time’ in the day. Only go to bed when you’re tired and if you can’t sleep or wake for longer than 15 minutes, get up.
There is an app called Sleepio that I got free access with a cancer diagnosis, I believe it’s recommended by NHS England. It asks to restrict your sleep window, which was very challenging as my medication affects my sleep and I get fatigued.
If I remember anything else I will pop back.
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Hi @archiesmum1
I’m further along than you but have insomnia now! I find listening to rain storms on YouTube helps get me to sleep or listening to Jason Stephenson-guided sleep meditation (also on YouTube)-his calming voice puts me to sleep.
Hope this helps xxx
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I think there is a lot of waiting I was diagnosed March 21st surgery may 13th results from surgery June 20th also lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy luckily clear margins and now on another waiting list for oncology estimated 10weeks, my sleep pattern has been all over the place but I have recently started walking before bedtime, helps settle me and my dog.
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