Hello,
I’m a year post treatment for BC and I was looking at getting an infra-red sauna blanket and which also utilises red light therapy to reduce stress and improve sleep.
Are there any concerns using this post treatment? It’s hard to get in touch with the hospital BC nurse and I find they tend to google answers anyway.
I had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
Many thanks
Hello costal1
After treatment for breast cancer, we often hear from people who like yourself find that the quality of their sleep is not like it was before their diagnosis and treatment and they want to reduce any associated stress they may be experiencing.
It is difficult to say whether an using infra- red blanket will help you and whether there are any associated concerns using this post treatment. It is sometimes hard to get in contact with your breast care nurse or GP as it sounds like it would be helpful to talk through what you are experiencing. Poor sleep and stress can have many causes, including breast cancer and its treatment so it’s important to seek support with this.
We are aware of the mental health benefits of good night’s sleep how it helps boost mood, reduce stress and help with anxiety. As you are having trouble sleep, knowing how to sleep better can make a big difference. You may be interested in the information produced by the NHS on getting better sleep. There are also apps been shown to help with sleep like sleepio
Many people are surprised at how emotional they feel when their treatment finishes. For many people, it’s not always ‘back to normal’ when they finish hospital treatment for primary breast cancer. For some, it can mean leaving behind the routine and support they’ve become used to. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues. Coping with the shock of a diagnosis, treatment and side effects, can make it difficult to readjust to everyday life again.
If you have not done so already you may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes,
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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