The Hermit Club
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Oh u are a newbie, well it'll go fine and let us know when u get home for the day..How often do u go? Good Luck
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Yep I am a newbie...dose dense every two weeks. Glad day is finally here...sad day is finally here.
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Ipc I know so many emotions but reall once it starts u feel like u'r actually doing something for just u. And like we said any questions, concerns or just (((HUGS))) we're here. Everyone on here is so very nice that's why I stay, plus I still like to be alone. hahaha
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Hi Skittle,
Thanks for the reassuring words....I am halfway through the first of the two months of chemo. The week following has taken a toll on me physically. Emotionally it is difficult dealing with the intense fatigue. So I try get through it the best I can, although it is hard for me to reach out. I do see a therapist which helps me tons. I have a caring husband who is doing his best to help me. I go on this site...funny how even writing this is hard. No one knows me and it is safe here...not sure why its hard....It is clear to me that there are some very kind caring people who want to help....
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Lori 1/2 way thru good for u. And yea it is so tiring--it drains u'r whole body. I'm happy u have a Husband that's so good to u--that means so much. Is anything hurting u? I'm sure u'r telling the onc how tired u are I hope--Always tell them everything even if it seems sillycuz they know what's going on. Just rest as much as u can, but if u have enough energy at any time try to take a walk and make sure u drink loads of fluids. I don't like just plain water, so I drink propel, but there are alot of water out there with some vitamins in them and a little flavor so that helps getting them down alot (to me) Please remember we're here and we get it.
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Welcome LCR and Spookie! We hope you will feel comfortable here with us.
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My thoughts are with you lpc.....may God hold you and keep you at peace through your treatment.
XOXOXO
Laurie
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Blessings to you Lori.
XOXOXOXO
Laurie
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When I was having chemo, during my bad week my main focus was just getting through to the next dose of nausea drugs. I barely ate and just laid in bed a lot of the time feeling too apathetic to get online or try to read or anything. I know a lot of women have an easier time of it and I really think a lot of my fatigue/apathy issues were from the nausea drugs and not the chemo itself. I was told later that TCH (mainly the Taxotere) is one of the rougher ones to get through.
I made it through all 6 cycles though and the good weeks seemed to feel so much better after the bad weeks. I was pretty consistent and by the third cycle I knew exactly which day I would once again feel almost normal and could stop taking the nausea drugs.
I'm still getting the Herceptin but it is cake compared to the chemo. I feel so much better these days though I still have some foot issues (either neuropathy or hand/foot syndrome). I've got my diabetes back under good control and am starting to add a little exercise back into my week. My hair is taking a bit longer to recover though. :P
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Back home. So far so good. Tired with headache but that is probably from lack of sleep. Back to the nest in my bed and hopefully some sleep!
My sweet 18 yr old son showed up with his head shaved bald. Brought me to tears.
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wishing everyone a beautiful 'carpe diem' day--hope to return here, soon.
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I just got a call from my MO's office about the MRI last week - no evidence of reoccurance.
I wasn't overly worried, but it feels good to know for sure.
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I do like being a hermit. I like being alone with my fur kids. I resent going to grocery, I have to leave the house!!!!
When I feel the need to see humans, we go to the dog park, and that solves that
I prefer to hang here, and on the LE threads. Everybody here gets it, no explanation needed.
Tomorrow I am doing something way out of character. Some go on vacations or cruises after tx finished. I'm going to a Maltese show in Orlando. I can't wait!!!!0 -
Jinkala that's alwys good news.
IPc just rest and pay attention to how u feel day to day.
Chocolate that sounds like a great time--Enjoy
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Hi all love and hugs and welcome to the new faces. My mom has entered Hospice, not sure if I mentioned that before. She absolutely is so much happier. It's hard to believe that they have given her 1 week because she just seems so much happier than at the hospital. They are still taking her to get her brain rads every day, because that's what she wants. I've asked her as kindly as possible that she doesn't have to continue with them if they are making her uncomfortable or tired. Honestly, I think she enjoys the ride to the hospital
I have tried to tell her that she can quit them, but she isn't ready. Her body will tell her I suppose. It's a beautiful facility and the nurses are wonderful. People bring their pets, children, and the views and gardens beautiful.
This whole experience has really put life in to a whole new perspective for me. I am definitely not a hermit anymore- by force. I'm trying to be kinder to other people that have really ticked me off the last couple of years. I'm trying... My mom was a hermit too, but many of her old friends have shown up. My natural response is to say, where the heck have you been for the last 3 years? But I'm trying to be kind.
My girls are my biggest worry. I'm so busy that I forget about their sweet innocence.
Distant hugs and air kisses to itchy skittle0 -
I am glad you and your Mum have the hospice, i do think they are about the best place to die in although that seems really strange to write, but they support all of you and make it so much more peaceful........
Your mum could outlive the week, i hate it when doctors say things like that as it risks becoming a self fulfilling prophecy.......
Take care and hope you take up support for you from the hospice too?0 -
Thank you Lily, I agree about the hospice. If I'm ever in this position, I've told DH that I think I want the same thing. She very well could go past the week. I hate that too. She seems so much stronger, but her she is so yellow
and her kidneys are going from what I've read about the swelling her legs and feet. But mentally, she's totally holding on. I haven't requested any support yet because I've been on over drive trying to make sense of my mom's lovely filing system. It consists of piles scattered throughout her apartment. Right now we are trying to find her car title. I've heard that it is too late for her to appoint me her Power of Attorney. So... I do need to have a heart to heart with the hospice doctor to find out her new timeline.
Anyway, have you found out about your scan yet?0 -
Xray showed. Nothing they say but i can see lots of bright white spots.....doc now says i may have heart problem too going by symptoms.....i am just so fed up with one health thing after another.........and i should have been low risk for bc according to research
Today is a year to day i came home without one breast and i am really struggling.....nothing compared to what is on your plate but i just want to feel ok and get some regular sleep.......
Take care x0 -
Markat- my mom passed away in March of 2012, not from cancer, but from a decline from a series of things that began the summer before. She lived a good full life and was 86 when she passed. We had Hospice come in at the end to help with her transition and they are wonderful. You are already seeing that in the facility your mom has moved into. I think Hospice makes both the patient and family feel as comfortable as possible during a difficult time. I know they will be of great service to your mom and your family. I am really sorry about all you are going through here.
What I can share with you from my experiences with my mother the last year of her life is that those little rituals (like going to the hospital for the rads treatment), are probably what keeps her going. My feeling here is that it is not the ride to the hospital but maybe the time with you and others that may be taking her there that she is embracing. If you are the one taking her, enjoy those rides, conversations, etc. Those times you spend together will really help you both right now, and you later on.
And about other people- I have always wondered where people disappear to when things get hard? Whether it is death, a job loss, cancer, etc., not everyone shows up. I have had a change in thinking about this in the past year about this after going through a few things. I have just come to realize not everybody can do these things. Not an excuse, just perhaps the reality of their limitations. I find these days, I am grateful for the people that show up no matter what is going on. People who don't show up I don't even think about anymore. I hope there are kind, compassionate, and caring people that show up for your mom and for you during this time.
My thought are with you, your mom and family today.
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Markat,
My heart and prayers are with you and your mom.
((((((HUGS)))))))
XOXOXOXO
Laurie
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Yay Jinkala!
Wonderful news!
XOXOXO
Laurie
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Markat of course I'm sorry about u'r mom, but relieved she's in a good, caring place and I agree with Jazzy she may want to continue for her own reasons and of course enjoy every minute for her reasons. U'r mom couldn't be in better hands and that includes u'r loving hands. And I'm glad u'r looking at life differently and thinking about how to live it with u'r family. This is such a sad time, but the transition is the best one and the hospice workers are unbelievaby wonderful. U have to be so special to be able to do that, so u can rest easy when u'r not there. I'm sending prayers for u and u'r mom for this diificult time---Please keep us posted. We care so much about u.
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Thank you all! Jazzy thank you for your wonderful perspective! And laurie for the prayers!
Camille thank you so much. I wish I could give you a real life hug!
Lily I totally understand being fed up with the crap. I'm still so exhausted and don't think it is from stress. I was exhausted before this stuff with mom began. I wish you peace and a good night's sleep!
I was a blubbering mess this morning at work. The department of ED came in to check my work and evaluate me. Apparently I wasn't marking something correctly on production sheets about crackers, of all things! The lady got snippy with me and I snipped back that I wasn't an idiot, then started crying and apologized. Ugh. I told my bosses they should fire me, and they just hugged me and told me it was fine. My head is definitely not in the game!!! Then I spilled my coffee all over my work binder lol. What a day!
Newbies I dont want to scare you off. My mom has lung cancer, not breast cancer. Just wanted to clarify!
Hugs and love to all!0 -
Marka big time (((HUGS))) I can not even picture u getting snippy, I'm sure u didn't it might have been snippy for u, but for me never. I define that word with my mouth and went on to define biggerwords. Another words Markat don' think about it. Apparently they didn't think much of it, and u don't need firing u are so going thru so much-u'r acting normal, and remember that. U'r not scaring anyone off cuz when it comes to our Moms everyone understands so just let it all out here with no apologizing to us. We all say what we want, with no I'm sorries--u know that.
Please Markat take care of YOURSELF, too.
xxxoooxxx
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Sweet Lori1020... It's hard because it's beyond your nature. It took me a long, long time to take the plunge and start communicating. I "lurked" and pondered and overthought everything. I'm just bowled over to realize the number of hermits who are wandering among us, going about their lives unaware of all the sister hermits. (Not expressed well... but I hope you know what I mean.) I have always felt dysfunctional and awkward, yet here's all this love and concern and support! I mean look at markat. All she's going through, yet I get sweetness aimed my way because I whined about poison ivy! (I'm not as itchy, yet still pink/patchy/ick spots. They have to be gone by the 21st, since I see my mo then, and he's not one to put up with much. sigh)
Markat... love to you and your mom. When my mom entered hospice, it was a mixed blessing. I was not aware that there's a time factor in Power of Atty. My husband's father did his from a hospital bed. (Hospital provided the notary. Nurses witnessed.) Prayers and hugs (itchless) headed your way.
lpc... sweet son story. He clearly loves his mom. Take a picture, frame it, and grow your hair together.
twinkle, Laurie, teka... hoping you are all able to recharge this weekend. Take care...
Camille... Is Joey excited about moving on to a new grade? He could have a summer project. He could video his gm, telling stories of her Italian family and their laughter and meals together. The stories are priceless, and he'd have them always.
spookie... how may furkids? (two cats, one dog here) :-) and the dh, if you count by fur. He was shaving in 6th grade...
Hermits, all... Love to you during whatever struggles or joys you may share...
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Spookie is a 7# Maltese, my girl. BTW we had a good time in Orlando, but glad to be home.
KrisKringle is a rescued min poodle, daddy's boy.
That's enough grooming for me, she's in full coat, to the floor0 -
Spookie ---they sound so cute--can u get a piture on for us? Some of u are so good with that, then there's me.
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lpc....I cried when I read that your son had shaved his head. What a wonderful young man full of compassion.
Skittle....Love you you this weekend. Thank you for your posts. XOXOX
Camille....You are so sweet and kind. HUGS!
Markat....I think of you and your mom every day. XOXOXO
Jazzy....HUGS to you too today!
New hermits...welcome. This is a daily safe place to rest when the rest of the world becomes too overwhelming.
I am begining to really feel the effects of being off of my HRT. The hot flashes are coming more regularly, but I am managing. I am starting to wish that I had not put my surgery off a month. I did it so I could accommodate all of my clients, but I am starting to realize it may have been at my own expense. I will just plod through though.
I got my hospital packet yesterday and was shocked and disappointed to find out that I am NOT getting a PET scan as previously thought. I am SURE that the nurse said that was one of the tests I was getting, but it is only blood work, EKG and chest X-ray. I was so excited to get the PET as I was hoping it would clue me in to the joint/muscle pain I have been having since December.
I am going to inquire, but I must have been mistaken. Also, the intense rash that I was experiencing is back in full force. It went away for about a month and now it is back. It is in my private area and on the inside of my arms where my elbows bend. SO weird.My son was able to take the mound the other day for the first time since his foot injury. He struck out all three batters! Quite the victory after not playing for eight weeks. I was so proud. The season is over now. He gets weeks off and then he plays for the entire summer. It is an intense schedule. We have a lot of traveling to do for tournaments. That is part of the reason why I also delayed my surgery. I wanted to back it up against those trips.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE...I have a blessing to share. You guys are not going to believe this. I am an independent hairstylist that has her own room. I notified the owner of the building to let him know that I would be gone for about seven weeks due to the BC. I assured them that I was not giving up my room and would continue to pay my weekly rent while I was out. I just wanted them to know out of courtesy why I would be absent. I recieved an email back saying that they loved me and that they wanted to give me a gift. They said that they wanted to cover my ENTIRE rent while I was healing FOR AS LONG as it took me to heal! Hermits....that totals over a couple of thousand dollars!!!!! I was stunned. Stunned. I could not believe it. I NEVER expected that. My husband found my crying and asked what was wrong. Bless his heart, he must have thought it was more bad news. I told him that I didn't know how to graciously accept this generous and overwhelming gift. He said, "You just do. You are a wonderful person, you are kind to them, you have paid your rent faithfully for years, you never cause drama, and they WANT to do it. Accept it and say thank you." I did. It is such a relief to know that I won't have that burden ON TOP of my lost income for those weeks.
I just wanted to share the wonderment of the kindness of people. I so humbled.
Well hermits, have a blessed and wonderful day. I am off to do more hair. We have a baseball party to go to tonight and so I am actually looking forward to that. They are all good people who love me and accept me for who I am.
Love you all. Looking forward to reading your posts on my breaks......
XOXOXOX
Laurie
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Laurie- aren't people wonderful sometimes? I am so glad to hear your rent is being covered. It is the gift that comes with letting folks know and allowing them to help. I am self employed too and know the burdens that come with loss of income while continuing to maintain the expenses that go with working for yourself. I am so glad that you have been given this gracious gift!
And about postponing your surgery, your doctors will always let you know what you need to do. There are certain situations that require getting in to surgery right away and others that can be scheduled out a month or so. I had that too last year, mostly because of another medical issue that came up at the same time and needed to be addressed first. In the end, everything worked out just fine as it will for you.
I have to go into work (ugh) and wish everyone a good day!
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Laurie Jazzy's so right about u'r surgery, if the Drs. thought it was a problem ud know so please don't think about it. And possibly they thought he pet scan wasn't necessary.
And YYYAAAYYY no rent, what a lovely thing for them to do for u. See u r certainly loved and these are wonderfu; people--U are blessed to have them in u'r life and u'r DH is right aand he does sound like a DH.
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