The Hermit Club
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hi Hermettes,,
Hope all my NE hermies are doing well. The video of all that snow! Crazy.
Bippy is unsure of taking a full time job, if offered. The interview went great, but it is more corporate than I figured. Frankly, not sure if I should jump right back in at such a high level. The office is huge and I did not expect that either, lots of employees. I am used to working alone and the atmosphere may be overwhelming. Thought about it alot and may do part time instead, along with that home biz. My gut is kind of tellin me this is the way. My old temp agency has work for me too, so.....thinking of going that route instead. It is hard, as we need the money.....Also, I aint done with rads or herceptin, much less recon. And I am still growin my hair back, so it looks like a marine newbie at the moment. Thoughts are welcomed!
Not much else to report, just doing rads. Our area is ready to hook up to a new county sewer system, and removal of old septic. We are signed up to start soon. This is great news for many reasons.
Anyhoo, I am here but just not posting alot. Been getting out more and trying to get back to a new normal. I always think of you all.
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Bippy- I did PT while going through treatment and for awhile afterwards. It is really a good way to ease back into the work world after all this. It will be an adjustment and your energy levels may not be good for awhile, mine weren't. So if you can find something PT for awhile, the bigger job may or may not appeal to you down the line. One of my best friends from college has a great saying which is "get what you need first, get what you want later." Go find that right work situation you need right now.
I can tell you that almost 2 years out from the end of my treatment, I don't push it with the work stuff anymore. There are time when there are deadlines I have to put in a bit extra, but don't make long hours a norm anymore. As a self employed person, I try to pick the right work for the right people that won't have me overworking. My days of killing myself for any employer or client are over. Not everyone has the same options around this, but think you do have some better options to work PT. Getting back to work can stabilize a lot for you, as long as you have the right structure.
I think it is worth exploring every opportunity and sometimes we can say something no longer fits. I have talked to many people in the past few years that have great work opps, but they require too much time or travel, and just said no to them.
If nothing else, you got some good interview experience with that other job opp! Good luck finding the right thing as you find your "new normal!"
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Ugh, the BS office just called and have to reschedule my 6 month follow up apt now, and it won't be until March. I was looking forward to being done with this. She said as long as there are no new issues, that will be fine.
Anyways, I was looking forward to the final blessing with this last apt before I go back to work, but will consider myself good to go given I saw the MO's office twice this month (no issues with the blood work) and had the good mammo/ultrasound outcomes last week. BS check up is really just a final blessing.
I do find it interesting that the doctors offices are really clear with you about doing your follow ups with them, but don't always adhere to the schedule themselves. I think I told you how the MO had me waiting a year for my last apt, but the CNP said I should be seen every six months so I am back on that schedule. I can only do my part, right? I know my bc was early and considered low risk for reoccurrence, but I do feel like I am getting less attention with time. Sigh.
Anyways, I am going to shift my frustration to an attitude of gratitude to be two years out from end of treatment and doing well. Now down with 4 follow ups, almost two years out from end of treatment, and three more years and 6 more follow ups to go). I am going to focus on continuing to get healthier, loose more weight, and get back to making money!
Thanks for e-listening.
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Jazzy, it stinks that you have to wait until March to finish this series of check -ups. Are you all finished with the house painting and flooring? You have been a busy lady ... well, you always seem to be a busy lady.
Last night at support group, several women were commenting on how being employed can help deflect some of the side effects and anxieties of breast cancer. However, employment can, I also heard, cause stress because employers who don't realize the physical and emotional tolls of breast cancer can expect too much too fast. I was retired when I was diagnosed, so I have no first hand knowledge about balancing the need to work with the need to heal. I worry about all you young gals, and I send you all good wishes for finding or keeping employment that is interesting and healing.
Bippy, it sounds like you have several job options. Will making a choice be hard?
M0mmy, I am thinking of you.
Cami, I hope today's service for your brother is as healing as possible. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Hi Teka, Foots, Onco, and Lily.
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Onco, your post showed up after I submitted my post. It sounds like you are frustrated with one or more of your docs. Last night at support group, one of the ladies mentioned having trouble finding a primary care doc who was taking new patients and on her insurance. So, I think you are correct when you say the system is packed.
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Been home since late and doing okay. Sore but that will go away. Been napping off an on since I got home.
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Mommy- yay, you are on the other side of the TE surgery. Glad you are home and resting and hope mom is taking good care of you!
Onco- thanks for your insights on your experience with follow ups. Perhaps there really is not anything in place to trigger it, but know other providers have things in place to trigger visits. I do think the system is overloaded with those in treatment, and they will get preferred treatment, including rescheduling. We are limited on specialists here, so when one goes out or is busy, you either get a CNP or get pushed.
Sally- getting back to work took the stress away about possibly loosing my consulting business and using up my slush funds. Plus, I did find my mind ran amok with all the possibilities, what ifs, etc. for awhile when I was not working. Too much thinking time, and since I tend to over analyze everything.
To that person's point, if you don't have a supportive boss and environment, it can be very difficult. When my client approached me about doing work for her (and she did not know what was going on), I told her I could maybe work for her PT for awhile. She was supportive of it, however, I had to deal with a few other people in her org who were less understanding. I put a limit on my hours (no more than 30 unless agreed to) so if they brought it up, I said this was what was agreed to between myself and the organization. I was prepared to leave if they could not honor it, breech of contract and all that jazz.
I think it is important to remember our health is no one's business. Some people have to tell employers due to FMLA etc. By not sharing it in the work place if you don't have to, you eliminate one stress in your life.
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Sally- and yes, my renovation work is done. Now I am working to finish putting the rooms back together (almost done) and also doing the clean out. I have been running around down this week dropping off donations, recycling things, took some nicer things to consignment today. In another week I should be in a much better place around here.
I will be ready to go when the right work comes (and it will because it always does....)
I am a purging fool this week!
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Mom and hubby are taking really good care of me. Hubby had to help me out of bed this morning.
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Mommy- I am glad you are getting good care from your husband and mother. I hope you are sleeping well too. Take it easy for awhile.
Cami- I was thinking of you yesterday, knowing it was your brother's funeral. I am sure it was a hard day for the family. Sending you love during this difficult time.
Concerned- are you still out there? How is your wife doing post surgery? Has she joined the site? Is there anything we can do to help you find some things here on bco that would be helpful to you and your wife?
Footprints- how are you doing on this friday morning?
Lili- are you working on your plans for the cancer workshop/gathering?
Waking up to snow this morning. I hear the northeast from Boston to Maine is getting more snow today too (last thing they need right now...)
After a productive week of purging, am working on the next round of things to take to place- a home consignment store, used books to a bookstore, more clothing donations, and going through files for storage or shredding. Round 2 begins. As Teka said on the de-cluttering thread, I picked up the decluttering bug!
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The snow that is hitting Maine also dumped about 2 inches at my house today
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Mommy- it is still snowing here, but has lightened up. I am going to venture to to the gym in awhile. Since it has been so warm, the snow is turning to slush but my guess is that turns to ice later today if this continues. I won't be going out tonight!
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Getting pretty windy here
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Sorrry busy sorting out moving house in to the place where I can start with my project......it won´t be a workshop though.......it will be a space where people can stay, start to assimilate the cancer experience and just rest and recuperate.....in a supported environment where all the hassle of travel and worry about health is taken away....travel insurance will not be needed within Europe as there are reciprocal agreements between most countries......
Yoga and all other experiences will take place within twenty minutes of "home" and I can drive people there........I am not expressing myself very well tonight
i am also participating in a cancer fundraiser and a bit worried (no stomach churning worried actually) about it as last time I went to one of these events (as a guest) it totally freaked me out and I ended up in the toilets in tears.......they always do a remembrance thing for those who have passed from cancer etc......
Hugs to you Cami.....
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Lili- your idea sounds really wonderful. Many things coming together about what you will do and how you will do it. Keep it going.
I hope the fundraiser goes okay. I understand your trepidation with this after your experience. It would be hard to hear the names of people who have not made it. If it gets hard, you just need to leave. Sending you love and strength to persevere.
Cami- hope things are okay with you and the family. Sending you a Friday night hug.
Blondie- I hope you are doing better from the pneumonia.
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Jazzygirl, I am hanging in there, Been weak and still got that
pneumonia in my lung hurts. I am very grateful for all the wonderful
people here that share love and caring hearts.
May heart goes out to you Blondie, hope you are feeling better.
To all the other wonderful people here, hugs and prayers coming Your way.
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Footprints- I am sorry you are not doing well. Keeping you and Blondie in my prayers for healing from the pneumonia. I want you gals to be happy and healthy and free (my favorite mantra). Hugs sister and thank you for your prayers for all of us too.
Waking up to snow again today. Two days of moisture is a treat!
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Hi Herms--I can't keep up/
Footprints I'm sorry u'r having a difficult time right now, I hope this eases up on u.
Lily u'r ideas sound wonderful, but I'm sure there will be some heartbreaking stories too. I hope u can focus on all the good things u r doing.
Mo u'r getting great care so I'm glad about that.
Jazzy as usual u are the sunshine here.
The memorial went well but to many people, it was like u'r in a big crowd and want to get out, there were body guards for some of the people (politicians) they need those body guards I'm sure--It actually scared my DD that something could happen ---- My GF sent a bunch of food from her restaurant (that's what Italians do even at wakes) Kinda strange still to me but.......I'm still hazy and sad.
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Cami- wow, body guards at a service. First time I have ever heard of that. Glad nothing did happen.
And good that you sent food. I always either make food or order it for people when someone passes. I grew up in a big Italian area so I learned that it's all about eating.
Grief will take over for awhile now, so you just take good care of you. Little Joey will keep his eye on you too.
Snow has stopped and things are drying out. Going to get out of the house now for some errands and a trip to the gym.
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jazzy, you continue to inspire me with your work and home deeds. Rads is taking a toll in fatigue and yesterday I sat all day, too tired to move. Was just feeling better before it hit and have so much to do. Frustration! My chemo and rad sisters talked me down and after sleeping many hours, feeling better. But not sure how much I have in my tank today.....
Work is tricky. I am signed up for a temp job only for a week, and do not wish to cancel but may need to, if I will be so tired. Do want the money and the mental challenge of work!
Well today I am cooking up homemade baked beans (no canned), so off I go. Our weather is again glorious here, but my best friend is in Maine and OMG. She will be here in a month to visit
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Bippy- I was very tired during my rads so don't expect to be feeling up to doing much right now. I was in the throes of that this time two years ago and remember very clearly how hard everything felt. I did internal rads which is not nearly as bad as external beam, but still did feel very tired. I was working PT through it, and when I was not working, I was sleeping, or eating. Life was at its very basic during that time. Be gentle on yourself.
Your rads will be over soon and do understand your desire to work and make money. It is the reality for many of us that we have to keep things going, despite treatment. Just know a FT schedule, even short term during rads, may be too hard. There is something about rads fatigue that is like no other. How many more weeks to go?
I have a friend in Maine too and they have gotten about three feet so far and expect another foot tomorrow. Good lord, too much snow!
Our snow storm is finally gone (and nothing like what the east coast is getting) and waking up to sunshine today.
OMG, my sister told me that at her Weight Watchers meeting yesterday, people consume an average of 6000 calories on Superbowl Sunday. Next biggest eating day next to Thanksgiving!
Enjoy the day my people.
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Progressing in the recovery phase. Mom went home today.
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Onco- you are welcome for the calorie reminder (I was really shocked by that number myself!), and I am eating healthy things today, and will go swim this afternoon when the game begins (won't be an issue with getting a lane then!)
I heard the Biggest Looser trainer guy, Bob Harper says on Dr. Oz this week too that having one day of eating too much is not what gets you, but continuing to eat like that for days after. Like with eating high calorie left overs that is common after holiday meals.
I like the Downtown Abbey and all the skinny people as motivators. What happened to Call the Midwife, is that series done now? I know we both love that show.
Mommy- glad you are doing better and am sure you will miss having your mom around. Do you have a post procedure follow up?
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I go see my PS on Tues. to see if the drains are ready to come out and how the healing is coming!
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To all the wonderful people here, May you find peace
and comfort, from whatever you are facing. Washington
lost and I feel the same about a super bowl. Prayer to
all that are fighting health challenges.
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Snow is falling here!
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