"Concerned"

[Betty28]

Since I have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, I have insomnia really bad is this normal, and what can I do about this?

[Kimchi]

Was warned by a friend who had a few operations (removing cysts, one ovary, then hyster) she said that the anesthesia causes sleeping disorder and would take at least 6 months to get out of your system.  I noticed that the first 8 months of my chemo (started right after my hyste) I couldn"t sleep well and doctor gave me some sort of sleeping/transquilizer type pills that I was taking every 3 days (when I was so exhausted ).  Then around 9th month, I started to sleep much better without any help. Now (stopped chemo in Nov) seems like I want to sleep 10 hours every night...wake up tired, perhaps it's the lingering effects of the chemo meds.  

[OCFB]

I, too, have had trouble sleeping since my dx and hysterectomy.  I don't like taking pills because they make me horribly groggy.  Recently, I found something that works:  1 C of Camamile tea with 2 drops of Passion Flower Extract and 1 Valerian root capsule.  All this is available at Whole Foods or similar places and very cheap.  Believe me, it will knock you out and even if you get up to piddle during the night, you will fall right back to sleep.  Waking up and not being able to get back to sleep was my biggist problem.  The other thing I noticed is that when you are going to sleep, you drift off slowly as opposed to that "hit on the head" feeling I always had with regular sleeping pills.  I don't think there is anything dangerous in this stuff, either.  However, as with everything else, it is best to check with your doctor.
Linda (ZZZZZZZZZ!)

[freshair]

I had insomia for quite some time after the hysterectomy. The hormones are totally disrupted. I took ambien and it helped.

It was terrible I would wake up a half an hour later wide awake.

Then after I think a few years it went away. I am happy to say I sleep well now. It is important to get your sleep so take ambien, Marinol--interesting Deandra or whatever you can. Don't eat after 8:00. Drink plenty of fluids and be as active as you can be. I found sleeping better when I did long walks.

I wonder if you have good dreams also with the Marinol.

[Brownie3321]

Hi there - yes, this is a BIG side effect for me. Look at all my posts ;) they are always after midnight. I find a couple things have helped me. One, you can get Ambien prescribed which is a sleep aid. The other thing I tried which has helped the most is Marinol. This is the "pot" pills that are prescribed to cancer patients for nausea and lack of appetite. If you take it an hour before bed, you will usually fall right to sleep. Best of luck, Deandra

[crecco]

Unfortunately I think that insomnia is a part of cancer. That was one of my major symptoms before my dx. Thankfully after I started chemo it began to ease a little. But I still do not sleep like I used to. Funny thing is, I can usually tell when my numbers have started to rise again because the insomnia begins to worsen, every time. My onc has prescibed me sleep meds a few times but I really do not like to take them because I feel so groggy the next day. I have found that the Atavan prescribed to me for nausea and vomiting also helps for insomnia. I take double the dose at night before going to bed. But I did clear this with my onc first. You might ask him about it. This disease takes enough from us without being tired from lack of sleep on top of it. I hope that you can find something that wil help. LOL Chris

[vegas2cr]

I never had a problem sleeping until Iwas diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  After refusing for months to listen to my oncologist tell me I needed some help in sleeping I now take one xanax an hour before bed and it really does help.. I was one of them I don't take that stuff person but now it is a blessing to be able to sleep again.. Ronni

[lilbubba]

I think that anytime you have such a thing weighing heavy on your mind...it keeps you awake. Then when you top it off with just not feeling well...then it can really make for a restless night. I know that I have trouble too and I haven't been diagnosed. Sometimes finding something that helps my mind relax really helps. I think what helps me the most is a nice soak in the tub with a damp  cloth over my face and maybe a lavendar candle, but I don't get my hair wet because I don't want to be chilled all night.

[hopeshell]

Many of us really battle this!   I think it is a combo of missing hormones, anxiety, other meds...?  My gyn/onc wanted me to try benadryl before going to something else.  I take 50mgs at bedtime.  This has helped and I do sleep...eventually, but I still have issues.  Anything that relaxes you is helpful -  bath, music, yoga. A friend of mine gave me a soduku puzzle book and I find myself falling asleep sooner with that than I do with a book.  You should talk to your dr. and see what he recommends.  Lack of sleep is one of my biggest complaints since dx six months ago.  I hope you find something that works for you.    

Shelly