The Colon Club

I have an ostomy bag on my left. I also have a 30 day heart monitor, connected to my chest, that has over two weeks to go. My port was put in last Monday. With all this baggage already attached should I wait to start my chemo? Also how do I sleep after I start chemo with the pump on my right and the bag on the left. I can not sleep on my back and turn from side to side through the night.

Do you have a recliner? That's where I get the best sleep.

hiker

The chemo pump is attached via a tube, which is fairly long, so you have flexibility as to where it lies at night. It doesn't have to be on the same side as the port.

I feel for you. I’m a stomach sleeper usually but never in the last two years. A good mattress is the place to start unless you have a recliner. As needed I’ve used pillows for bracing and pressure relief. I’ve adjusted to this but I long for the day when I can spread out on my stomach.
Good luck finding your sweet spot for rest.
Cyn

I was able to sleep on my right side and stomach with the port accessed. At first I wouldn't even try it, but after a few treatments I did, wasn't a problem at all no pain or discomfort . But I did use a very small throw pillow right beside the needle so there wasn't direct pressure.

Sherrill wrote:I can not sleep on my back and turn from side to side through the night.

Never underestimate yourself.
For my whole life I believed that I was a side sleeper.
However when I was neither able to sleep on my right side nor on my left side after a couple of sleepless nights I have learned how to sleep on my back.
Eventually I was able to sleep on my right side and lost this new skill.

Do not worry. You can do it.

I'm a stomach sleeper and I still manage to sleep on my stomach dispite the port and tubing. Sometimes I have to use some extra pillow padding but i make it work.
Teri

Utwo wrote:

Sherrill wrote:I can not sleep on my back and turn from side to side through the night.

Never underestimate yourself.
For my whole life I believed that I was a side sleeper.
However when I was neither able to sleep on my right side nor on my left side after a couple of sleepless nights I have learned how to sleep on my back.
Eventually I was able to sleep on my right side and lost this new skill.

Do not worry. You can do it.

I agree! I also purchased a stoma guard, and then use the pillow I was given after surgery so I dont press on my port.You will acclimate.
Wonderfully made

Is XELOX an option?

I'm able to sleep on either side while I have the pump attached to my port, with no discomfort. It was a little weird at first, when the port was new, but it doesn't seem at all weird once the port settles in.