The Hermit Club

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  • Skittle
    Skittle Member Posts: 400
    edited March 2013

    Camille!  When our girls were little, we took a stuffed animal and lightly dipped its back paws in baking soda (could be flour or just about anything powdery.)  We left a bunny trail from kitchen (where I just happened to leave out the flour, while baking the annual Easter carrot cake) to their beds to their baskets (very lightly)...  They loved the idea of the bunny looking in on them and wandering about before leaving candy and hiding eggs.  And of course the carrots we left out were appropriately nibbled. 

    Teka... I'd be happy to wear more of my clothes, but they no longer like me.  Embarassed  I'm way more mishapen and soft than I was just months ago.  (Supposedly an se is to expect weight gain, but I'm fighting with it...)  I'm hoping that our new muttkin will help me stay outside more and work off calories, tossing a ball, taking long walks and just generally keeping up with him.

    Jazzy... I hope you are doing well starting off on arimidex/anastrozole. 

    Happy Friday ahead.  Hope some of you enjoy a long weekend.  (We still go to school here, but some are out.) 

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  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 977
    edited March 2013

    Oh, Camille you are such a fun and loving grandma to Joey! Good Grandma's are the best!!! My Grandma was so special to me she was a really super awesome lady!!! Loved her dearly!!!

    Happy Belated Birthday Jazzy! Enjoy your fun weekend!

    My MRI had a window that I could see out. It didn't feel quite so claustrophobic that way. Jinkala, take one of your favorite CD's that make you feel good and ask them to play it through the headphones. Practice slow, purposeful, rhythmic breathing to relax.

    Hi Lily. Welcome to our Hermit world. Everyone here is very kind and thoughtful.

    Bgirl, be kind to yourself you have been through so much this past year. It is very scary to return to work after the trauma and SE of bc.  I was very scared when I went back to work.  After being off for 9 months it was definitely an adjustment. I did find it doable though. I went back to work 1 ½ years ago. There are still some days that I come home from work, take my dog out, eat dinner and crawl in my bed. I refuse to feel guilty on those days.  If I am tired, I go to bed.  I try to think of it as treating my body good by giving it the rest and relaxation that it needs.  Good wishes to you as you decide what is best for you!

    Hi Skittle, Curveball, Teka, Blondie and all other hermits.

    Hope everyone has a "Good" Good Friday!  (Hugs) Smile

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited March 2013

    Hi everyone! Busy week for all! Hope everyone has good scan experiences. Mine are Tuesday. This will be my first bone scan. I've had everything else. I made an advising appointment at my University...so nervous!



    Speaking of weight gain, I've finally lost 10lbs! And I didn't have to cut off anymore body parts to do it!



    Hope all are well and having a happy holiday time. Hugs!

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    Markat 10 lbs. that alot Oh good for you.,

    Skittle I love the bunny story--that's such a cute thing to do.

    Teka that makes sense to me cuz that's usually what's at the beginning of the closet cuz of washing clothes and hangin them up--I just grab. Of course I'm no fashionista.

    FL u always sound like a cheerleader that's so sweet.

    Wow it is Good Friday--fast Lent, everything is going by so quickly.

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited March 2013

    Markat good for you.

    My MRI s were because of mixed tumour.  Lobular doesn't show well on mammo like ductal.  Also an internal mammary node they were watching on other side that showed on first MRI.  Also lobular can be more likely to have local recurrence.  So now I am back to yearly instead of six months.  Still get mammos too.  Special coil that goes around breasts so that is why face down.  Our hospital has 2 machines, but one is often set up for the breast MRIs because of having the Breast Assesment Centre there ... one stop shoppping for BC diagnosis & treatment.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend

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  • blondiex46
    blondiex46 Member Posts: 5,712
    edited March 2013

    Mark good for you...10lbs

    have to take son out to get food today...but at least I slept 13 hours and thank goodness my week off is coming.....

    Happy Palm Sunday and Easter to you all.....and Passover to others...what are you doing for the holidays....appears that I am cooking on sunday, 2 sons are in fla coming home then, dd2 working and dd1 wants to eat with family, she was gone for 6 years with idiot person, they broke up and now she wants to be with family, gs is 8 didn't see him either for 6 years and he doesn't know us...wish I had the money to make up baskets but don't for grandchildren....maybe will figure out something...or do it when I get money next week....oh well...I have 7 gc....older ones are 17, 14 then 8, 6, 3, 3, 1.....probably won't see them although they live close cause dd2 married a bigger idiot that dd1's that she didn't marry, thank goodness....oh well probably tmi...sorry...have a good day...

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2013

    Sorry to jump in in mid thread, but none of others seemed to fit & didn't want to start new one. I too am naturally introverted, but being a middle school teacher has forced me out a bit! I spend most time w close family...which leads to my problem today...I'm at my mom's with 2 kids, my sister & her 3 kids, and other sis & the hubbies still to come. Even though I'm still sleeping in my post mastectomy recliner in the middle of the living room, for the first time since being disgnosed, my first thought this morning was NOT about having cancer. I actually had a moment ( before I stretched & hurt myself) upon waking that I thought I was "normal"...then it was all I could do to not sob, not from the pain, but just the realization that I will NEVER again wake up "normal." I didn't cry, but several hours into the day now, I am having to totally fake being human with my family. I feel so alone even surrounded by these people who love me. I hadn't really gone through an angry phase yet, but I feel it comin' on, and I don't think Easter weekend is the best time! I stopped by my middle school Wed. to visit coworkers & students, & they were doing a "casual day" to raise money for my hospital travels, etc. I am sooo humbled & grateful, and then I feel like a bitch because I'm pissed...I don't want to be a charity! Then my mom comes in to tell me my & my sister's kids are planning something (God knows what!)to raise $ for cancer research for me. Again, touched & grateful for their sweet love, but I want just for one day to be normal, no mention of cancer, no thoughts of it, just being treated normal! Then I feel guilty...endless cycle. I'm already on an antidepressant. I just feel like running (ha!) away & crying.

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    Grover I hope u have a good place here for u. U'r at the beginning of this crap and crying comes so easily and u feel kind of like a lil monster among normality. Well u are normal but u have cancer and u'r feeling will change all he time. Sometimes u can be with u'r family and friends and everyone is laughing having a good time and u think I'm not like that anymore why are they laughing? Alot of us have turned to being alone alot--maybe that's not healthy who knows but it seemed to work for us. Now hsome of the girls have gone back to work, but it wasn't easy. So I can't say oh this isn't so bad, we all take and feel differant physically AND mentally and that's OK, we have that right. As time goes by usually we don't wake up with thinking about ancer but it doesn't leave u'r mind so easily. It's not like u've been diagnosed with an infction, take some antibiotics and u'll feel better--Are u gettin chemo, rads or what? I can't paint a rosy piture for u, but I can say it gets better with time and it does. But it's hard to be with anyone that hasn't had it cuz understanding how we feel is totalling foreign to anyone else. It's winthin us--that's why we're here to help each other cuz we get it. When the Drs, talk what the hell are they talkin about then u start digesting what they are saying. Hang in there we're all her and this is a bunch of wonderful women that u can rant to. like I said We get it.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited October 2013

    grover,

    Welcome!  

    You're beat down by BC right now, but in time will feel somewhat normal.Kiss

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  • Jinkala
    Jinkala Member Posts: 193
    edited March 2013

    I've settled into a new 'normal', I think - and even that will change over time especially once I'm done with treatments and side effects and tests and all.  I can't imagine going through all that with a ton of people constantly around as well.  It would feel so draining to me.  I do enjoy my family but I only see them once a week or so and the only person I see day to day is my boyfriend who has his own hobbies to keep him out of my way a lot. Heheh

    Today I'm off work so I can go get my Herceptin treatment this afternoon.  I'm trying to drink lots of water this morning to hopefully make my difficult veins easier to work with.

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2013

    Thanks, Teka & camillegal. I start chemo April 16- 4 intense rounds every 2 wks., then 8 more, 1 time a week, then rads every day for about 5 1/2 weeks, soooo i was hoping to have a couple of good weeks before that all starts. I've been eating really healthy and taking bunch of supplements, chia seeds, protein drinks. I'm overweight ( so now very out of proportion) so I needed to anyway, but I'm thinking about throwing that idea out for next 4 days & eating whatever i want, incl.the candy! Food has been my only real vice....maybe i need it now more than diet? What's it gonna do, kill me? :) Thanks again...Hope you all have good holiday weekend.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited October 2013

    Eat, drink, & be merry before the start of chemo treatments.Tongue Out

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    Grover u need alot of protein and fluids during treatment remember that--hahaha I'm not sure what has protein in it but others will know. So u haven't started yet no wonder why u'r a wreck the starting as more nerveousness than the actual starting so I don't blame u--and believe us when we say we didn't like to be with people much so u r ok with that feeling.See u'r normal and enjoy u'r foo now--let's face it it's not going to make any difference in the next couple of weeks. Oh I'm bad. hahaha

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  • Skittle
    Skittle Member Posts: 400
    edited March 2013

    Markat--Yay!  I hope the university guides you to a talented advisor who can answer all your questions and keep you from taking wasted hours.  I'm proud of you for looking into it!  How did you lose the 10?  I need to get serious and lose about 15...especially before seeing mo in May.  He gets cranky if I gain anything.

    bgirl--you've deserved a restful weekend for a while.  Hugs to you.  Have a jelly bean and try to relax a little.

    grover--what grade!?  I teach at middle school as well... but chose not to tell my kids.  When I had my surgeries and initial mess, I just took off with no explanation to them... they just knew I was out a lot.  (and my district had me writing common core standards, so I was out with that... they just assumed it was more school stuff.)  I didn't think I could take everyone knowing and the pity faces, so only a tiny core of friends at school and my principal know the real bc story.  Good luck to you!!  I agree with the protein suggestions.  Your body will thank you for stocking up on good fuel.

    blondie--whatcha cookin'?  We were going to have a dh, dd1 and 2, and me (that's our entire family) dinner together, but then dd1 just came down with a severe "bacterial conjunctivitis"--pink eye... so she's telling us to stay away.  Instead, I'll be going out with my two team teachers to celebrate a birthday since her hubby is in Afghanistan and three sons are weekending with her ex.  (It'll be my first girls' night in I can't remember how long.  Way beyond hermit comfort.)

    FL--you're a busy woman.  Collapsing into bed is sometimes the best remedy for all of us.

    Curve, teka, camille--take care.  Hope your weekends are restful.

    Hugs to each.

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2013

    Skittle, I teach 7th grade language arts. My school is very small, and like a (somewhat dysfunctional!) family. Plus, our students are nosy, they come right out & ask why we're out. I decided to tell them rather than lie or say it's personal, partly because I knew I'd be starting chemo as soon as possible after surgery & be out the rest of the year, and partly because my kids this year are so wonderful & caring. I knew they'd be supportive, and they were. I did feel a bit odd with everyone knowing, but I also think that responding to 7th graders' innocent, if nosy, questions actually helped me deal with my diagnosis as calmly as possible. Between my "school kids"and my own 2, I had to hold mysself together:) My first experienced source of support was actually a student's mom who is a 7 year survivor. It figures that the year I get my best group of kids ever, I don't even get the whole year with them!

    All, thanks for the sharing & support...who knew a discussion board online would be my best therapy? Have a wonderful, relaxing Easter!

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    U teachers amaze me whether or not if u have cancer or not. Working with young people is a gift you have, I know I couldn't do it. And I really think however u choose to manage who to tell is totally personal and anyway u do it is absolutely fine. It's your choice

    Skittle pin eye OMG that's so contagious my DD get it often and has o throw away all of her makeup stuff and everytone stay away from her and doesn't use anything she uses, My GS did catch it once from her but so far after he didn't. And it's painful too. But I know the meds for it usually word pretty good. And u'r keeping u'r self busy.

    Grover of course this is a good group of kids--that's the luck u'r having this year, but u have u'r own darlings so u'll settle into u'r own comfort zone this year.It'll be different for u, I know.

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    OMG I've never watched this and I don't think I will again HOARDERS, I have a couple of things a little messy but oohhh this is throw-upable. (I know I make up my own words) I realize these are sick people but it's to sad to look at that they don't see it. If they would say please just throw everything out fine, but they can't--oh these poor people and they all have animals that live there and I feel sorry for these pets. I just hugged my Katie-Kat.

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  • whaevah
    whaevah Member Posts: 354
    edited March 2013

    Happy Easter my fav Hermits~

    Beautiful sunny day here, will head out for a little Vit D soon. Recouping from the deluge all around , reading occasionally but not posting much Embarassed

    My first big dinner party last night since the shite storm started and really enjoyed it! Bitched swore and laughed with a dear friend who lost his wife to FC in Dec2012. Two lovely young woman brought their guitars and played for us...we cried during one sweet song for our friend/sister/wife. Thank the sweet baby cheeses I wore waterproof mascara, clown shows are not pretty Tongue Out

    Se's suck. Fatigue is hardly manageable and my attitude is crappy. Did I mention that SE's really suck? Impatient patient here, looking around for my old hands and feet, which did work rather well this time last year. April 2 will be my 1year surgery date, or as my MO likes to say sprinkled with fairy dust, 1 year NED.

    Markat, I have been drinking 1TBSP of organic Apple Cider Vinegar in a big glass of warm water 3x a day (now 1x) and it really has helped with my chemo induced sinus and tinnitus. Still there but not as bad.Yay on the 10 lbs! You must feel so much better, 10 lbs less of this FC crap. See...my bad attitude Kiss

    I discovered that "natural flavors" in some ice cream (Magnum Minis) give me flu like symptoms...who knew...so stopped those and getting better. I only ate a half of one as a treat, but a couple of times a week. It is like navigating a field of land mines, trying to adjust to this new normal.

    Belated Happy Birthday Skittle, my brother shares the same day!

    Camillegal...I see you are still giving some great support and advise...and funny too:)

    Teka Wink I have a shovel if you want

    *waves* to bgirl ,FLwarrier and all the newbies and cave dwellers I have missed.

    FCYell



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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited March 2013

    Oh whevah it's so good to hear from u--U must be getting out more---I think u said something about SE's and how they suck--Well thumbs up for that one. but u sound good and now u'r partying too. YYYAAAYYY

    The weather is kind of breaking here too, well we hope. So u can start u'r Vit. D routine again. We've missed u, but it's good to have u pop in to let us know how u r doing.

    More and more are doing better and i love that. Well I don't work so I'm around alot more, that's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it.

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  • Teka
    Teka Member Posts: 10,052
    edited October 2013

    whaevah,

    No, a trough will suffice!Tongue Out

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  • blondiex46
    blondiex46 Member Posts: 5,712
    edited March 2013

    so nice to see you alll...been a rough 3rd week for me thank goodness off next week, did too much and pushed myself too much...so playing for it...making turkey breast and spagetti and meatballs is the intention, we will see.....hate to cook so ragu is the sauce...

    hey whatevah......how r things...

    Cam I am with you hoarders make my house look good, lolllll...teachers, never could never be one, give you a lot of credit....

    Teka, grover, cam, skiddle, whatevah.....and all my hermit friends have a wonderful holiday.....

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited March 2013

    Hi friends! Hope all are having a lovely weekend. I'm in the middle of making deviled eggs and some type of pineapple cake that the 9yo requested. You mix a can of pineapple with a box of angel food cake and that's it. Probably too easy to taste good, lol! My mom bought me a Shark vacuum because I was complaining about my Dirt Devil. This thing is amazing! I've never had a nice vacuum before so this is wonderful. It doesn't take much to entertain me anymore haha.



    Whaevah! So good to hear from you! Thanks for the tip. I've been reading about Apple Cider Vinegar being a 'cure' for a lot of stuff. Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Yay.



    Welcome Grover! We can all relate to what you are feeling and going through. How old are your kids? I'm glad you are surrounded by so many people and have a good support system. The charity stuff can be awkward. A group of our friends had a fundraiser for me when all this began. I was so embarrassed. At the time we had complete medical coverage so I decided to donate the money to the women's center at our hospital. A year later- our insurance sucks,lol!



    Blondie, hope your family has a wonderful Easter! Hope you are feeling good.



    Skittle, thanks! I'm nervous about some old credits that may not count anymore since they're over 10years old. Of course they are core/required courses so I really hope I don't have to take them over. My other credits will expire in 2years, so I'm not sure how that works. Hope DD feels better soon and you all have a nice Easter. Just have her put goggles on ;)



    Thanks Camille, Bgirl! Hugs to all!

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  • markat
    markat Member Posts: 909
    edited March 2013

    Oh and I think I lost the weight because of work- at least I hope that's why. I stand for 4 hours straight so going from my lazy hermit couch potato self to working has helped.

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited March 2013

    Hi ladies:

    Happy Easter to those of you celebrating the holiday today. It is a sunny warm day here in NM, and hope you are enjoying nice weather, are surround by friends and family, or otherwise enjoying the day in a way that fits you.

    Back from my hermit time at the hot springs. The mineral waters and treatments helped to restore me in very good ways. Northern NM is a very spiritual and healing place for many. I enjoyed some peace in my life for a few days, as well as woke up today feeling the best I have in many months. Another step on the path to wellness and wholeness.

    And I said a prayer for all of my sister hermits here on this thread for good health and healing as you all continue on your journey.

    I am doing okay on the Arimidex. Mostly achey bones and stiff joints, but just getting used to it. It just takes me a bit longer to move when I stand up, or get out of the car after driving for awhile. I do feel old!

    Back to the grind tomorrow and two very busy weeks ahead. But I am determined to take good care of me and enjoy the signs of spring that is unfolding all around me.

    I hope all of you are doing well this weekend and wishing you a good week with whatever is coming your way!

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  • blondiex46
    blondiex46 Member Posts: 5,712
    edited April 2013

    Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!!

    Thanks Mark it was wonderful!!

    Yay Jazzy how cool is that, all refreshed...do take care of you...

    My week off from chemo and as I probably said, it was horrible this time, this 3rd week was the worse one yet....am going to work at Macy's on Wednesday haven't been there in a while.....thank goodness they let me come and go as I please....

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited April 2013

    Hi Blondie- so sorry you had such a rough time with the chemo. I hope your new week is better. You deserve a break from all this!

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  • blondiex46
    blondiex46 Member Posts: 5,712
    edited April 2013

    thanks Jazzy I will take a week.....need to feel somewhat normal...have plans for this week....hope I feel good enough to do them...

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  • camillegal
    camillegal Member Posts: 16,882
    edited April 2013

    Hi everyone.

    Blondie i'm sorry u'r feeling so bad--it tough, I hope this week is better for u, much better.

    Jazzy u do sound all jazzed up--u had a well deserved break.

    Markat since u are no longer an official couch potato that's why u lost weight. Wonderful, tell us how that cake turned out--it's so easy.

    I've been draggy lately, could be the new pain meds. just what I need less activity---OOOHHH

    Oh u teachers out there and everyone else LOL--Joey got an assignment due at the end of April of coming up with a brand new invention to make the earth more evironmentally better. 4 IDEAS--4??? Thst no one else has ever done-hahaha I never invented anything let alone come up with 4 ideas and he has to make one of them. Now he'a got a whole month hhaha that companies take years to make. I know I'm old fashion   but I'm thinking this teacher wants out and maybe, just maybe some kid will give her an idea she can build on and just do it. I just thought this was funny.

    I wish everone a wonderful Monday, and sometimes that's not easy.

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  • washingtonwoman
    washingtonwoman Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2013

    I'm so glad I found The Hermit Club tonight, reading your posts help to feel more normal about the emotional struggle this breast cancer diagnosis is and how it has turned my life upside down since 1/30/2013.

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  • grover
    grover Member Posts: 44
    edited April 2013

    Markat, My son is 12 and daughter almost 9. She's actually handling all this better than him, but he has Aspergers, so that's complicating things. It was a rocky Easter. Started well, but I kind of lost it at dinner, even w/ DH...in true hermit fashion, spent about 4 hrs. alone in mom's room. At least I got a nap...Feel guilty for messing up day.

    Camillegal, Almost all my teacher friends play lottery, so your theory may not be crazy:)

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