Cancer: The gift that keeps on giving.....you a migraine.

Ever since November 9th, 2005, I have not had a good night's sleep.  At that time, I blamed it on chemotherapy for my breast cancer.

Chemo ended. 

I blamed it on my bilateral mastectomy in June of 2006. 

I healed. 

I blamed it on radiation (finished in September of 2006). 

Radiation was actually a breeze, so blaming this one was really a stretch. 

I have learned that once you have cancer, the doctors in your life tend to a) tell you to calm down, you're just anxious,  or b) listen to your complaints and help find a solution. 

My first oncologist listened when I begged for a good night's sleep.  I had a sleep study which put me exactly borderline for every sleep disorder possible.  Insurance saw no need to fix. 

Just recently, my sleep has gotten to the point where I was convinced I was losing it.  I stay awake until 3 or 4 am, and finally sleep until it's time to get my child to school.  I spend the remainder of the morning nodding off and fighting to stay awake.  I've had plenty of other issues, such as aphasia.  I would have a word get literally stuck at the tip of my tongue. 

As it turns out, I'm not crazy.  I'm a person with cataplexy and narcolepsy. 

Good grief.  I have MS, 3 different cancers, and now sleep disorders?  What is going to be next? 

It's been interesting to see and hear responses and questions.  Many people gave me a supportive hug, others laughed as though this is funny

So, once I am done giving my body a good and stern talking-to, I have a choice.  I can choose to continue hiding in a corner out of shame and frustration.  

My other option?  Fight this "thing" as hard as I fought cancer.  Bring awareness to a new level and make people talk about (whisper) "the disorder."  Somehow, make people believe that overcoming this disorder isn't done by wearing a safety helmet and harness wherever I go (true story), but by pressing forward. 

Now, if you would excuse me.....I need to get some sleep.