Trying to get it all done

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dietcoke
dietcoke Member Posts: 56
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Anyone care to share their schedule for trying to get all the daily things done.  I am really struggling with trying to keep up with everything.  It seems when things get hectic, it's the house and meal preparation are the first things to go.  Then we end up eating out or fixing something quick that isn't the healthiest choice.

As my BS told me last year I had the best bad diagnosis.  So I know I got off fairly easy.  Well it wasn't easy but I know it could have been worse.  So I don't know if it is the tamoxifen that is making me so tired that I just crash at nighttime and then don't get the things done that I need to.  Then add in the hot flashes.  Sometimes I think I have traveling joint pain.  One day it will be my foot that hurts, another day it's my shoulder, today it's my knee. 

Sometimes I think that if I just get over this particular hurdle of whatever life is throwing at me at the moment then I'll be able to be more focused.  But it seems that just beyond that hurdle is yep another hurdle.

Anyway I need to be able to schedule getting the things done in the house and meal preparation,  the laundry, plus 2 kids that have multiple activities (1 has baseball and 1 has dance) and spending a little bit of time on the phone each evening with the college kid that isn't at home.  Oh yeah don't forget to add working 4 to 5 days per week.   The other night I was trying to fold clothes while talking to my college kid on the phone, I know I hung up on her 3 times by having the phone on my shoulder and hitting the wrong button.     

My dh does alot of the cooking because he is more available at that hour than I am.  But his choices aren't always the healthiest.  He says he will fix anything I want if I tell him and have the stuff available.  Of course that all goes back to planning ahead.

Anyway I can't seem to get it all done.

Any words or wisdom, please!

Ann

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Comments

  • AuroraL
    AuroraL Member Posts: 33
    edited April 2010

    Stop trying to get it all done!  Me, I forget things all the time.  For example, last week I forgot to go to my son's confirmation meeting.  whoops!  It was son #3, so I'd been there, done that.  Nothing bad happened--most of the time nothing bad happens.  Cut back on things a bit--vacuum once a week instead of twice week (or every other week, whatever...)  We eat lots of Trader Joe's food--not always the healthiest but certainly not the worst.  What you need to do most of all right now is cut yourself some slack. Prioritize. Look around--it sounds like you have a wonderful family--enjoy them!  Spread out a blanket on the floor, order some pizza, and watch a movie together.  (if it makes you feel better, cut up some apple slices to go with it.)

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited April 2010

    Ann, I think Aurora is right.  One of the best lessons I've learned from my breast cancer experience is to let go of the pressure to be perfect.  During and after bc tx we just don't have the energy to do everything we previously did, although that does improve over time.  But in hindsight, I truly think the hectic pace and always wanting everything to be perfect may have even been a contributing factor to my developing bc.  So I've learned to relax and expect less of both myself and others, and just enjoy life and each other more. 

    As far as practical ideas, try cooking more than you need for the meal at hand, so that you have the basics of another meal ready to go.  Grill extra chicken breasts, for example, so that you have them for a casserole or salad the next night.  Maybe sit down with your family and list a few favorite meals, including at least one that your kids could be in charge of, like pizza.

    Are you getting in some exercise every day?  It's tough to fit in, I know, but it will energize you and help to recenter you mentally and emotionally.

    And above all, be honest with your family.  Don't try to do it all because you will end up feeling resentful.  Tell them if you're tired or need their help.  They won't see it as weak, but as setting an example for them of the importance of listening to your body and taking care of yourself as you rebound from what you've been through.   (((Hugs)))   Deanna

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