SLEEP!!!!!! I need it....

Hi everyone,

Well, the full brain radiation treatments are over! Praise God....no seizures! I did have extreme fatigue and I'm losing my hair again. And I have this oh so lovely rash on my face! Needless to say, it kinda stinks being a redhead with fair skin cause you get all the lovely rashes and allergic reactions! Go figure, like you don't have enough to deal with. :-)

I was extremely blessed to have been so fatigued by the radiation that I finally slept more than 5 hours in a night. Since being diagnosed a year ago, the treatments (chemo, steriods, etc.) have all caused insonmia. It can be a side effect that lasts for quite some time, according to the doctors. Even years after chemo. I haven't slept more than maybe 6 hours in the past year! And, if you knew me before the cancer diagnosis, you would know that I was a GOOD sleeper! I was really GOOD! Loved it! We are talking 10, 12, 14 hours a night. My family used to joke that my heart didn't start beating until double digits in the AM.

So, when all of a sudden, with the full brain radiation, I could sleep 8 hours through the night AND take a 2 hour nap in the daytime I was thrilled! And it really helped with the symptoms I was experiencing with my motor skills. The big tumor in the brain is in my cerebellum, deep next to the brain stem. It has been messing with all my motor skills like walking, balance, writing, reading, speaking, etc. Well, with sleep and of course the radiation, the side effects were improving considerably. However, if I didn't get a nap, or did something mentally challenging, I grew more fatigued and my side effects got worse as the day went on.

Now, however, since the radiation stopped on Monday, I haven't been able to sleep during the night or during the naps. It's really been effecting me. My side effects are worsening. I saw my doctor today and we are going to try a new sleeping pill along with another medication that is supposed to make you tired. Hopefully, the two pills together will do the trick. Please pray that this concoction will work and if not, we will be able to figure out what will.

I would love it if I just was able to sleep again, so please pray for a miracle. I am grateful for everyone's prayers and support. I hope God blesses each and everyone of you tenfold.

Blessings,
Noelle