Hi @michellem55 ,
Thanks for posting.
As you say, having very little sleep can make you feel dreadful so it’s understandable you’re looking for support in how best to get the sleep you need.
Sleeping pills such as Zopiclone are usually only prescribed for a short period of time (2-4 weeks) as your body quickly gets used to them and they tend not to have the same effect after this time and there is worry about dependency. But as you refer to, the benefits of sleep are huge.
You say you’ve tried everything to help your sleep including sleep apps, but our Facebook Live on sleep deprivation and mindfulness might just have some tips that you weren’t previously aware of. Our information on trouble sleeping also suggests that complimentary therapies may be helpful in enabling better sleep.
As well as talking to your oncologist about medication to help you sleep, it might also be worth exploring if there is a particular reason or reasons why your sleep is poor. Living with a diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer can be completely overwhelming and full of uncertainties and can affect so many aspects of your daily life.
We offer tailored support for people living with metastatic breast cancer including face to face and online. The groups are facilitated by a counsellor and every 3 months or so an expert speaker is invited to talk about topics may include managing fatigue, finding out more about clinical trials, managing side effects and relationships and communication.
Each month we also run regular online secondary breast cancer speakers live sessions. These sessions allow you to learn more about topics relevant to living with secondary breast cancer from an expert speaker with time to ask your questions.
If you’d like to access a service, more information can be found on the links above and you’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings.
You are very welcome to 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.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number 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,
Vic
Breast Care Nurse
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