The weather is changing here in Atlanta. Fall is slowly approaching. So, I decided to do a closet inventory. YUK! I wanted to chuck everything in there! Seriously, I feel like I need a new look especially since I have not shopped since pre-pandemic and now with this MBC diagnosis. Maybe that will make me feel like me again. Now that I am home, I live in warm ups and sneakers. I have been dragging around town like a "slump-a-dump" thinking who cares-- feeling invisible to men (I am single now). But, then something hit me. I decided to get dressed (in something other than sweat pants) and hit the MALL🛍️! What a rush!!! I actually had fun trying on lots of beautiful new fashions -- 👗, 👡, 👖, and beautiful 👢. I then got my nails 💅and eyebrows freshened up and made an appointment to get a haircut. I picked a style that will hide the thinning at the top! lol!
Well, I didn't chuck everything in my closet but I can now add to what I have to put together some nice casual looks when I go out to the grocery store or to the doctor or even with my girlfriends for dinner. I decided to do this for ME! Message: We, MBC Chics, live a day-to-day wild rollercoaster ride🎢 . Let's try to stay strong so that each twist and turn, up and down does not make us lose ourselves. If I can do it, you can!X
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Hotlantaphatz
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Good for you , “look good feel good “ or a least a little better lol . Sounds like you had a great day at the mall. Luann
I want to clean out EVERYTHING, just to feel good! I weighed in this morning and NEVER weighed more! I will not buy another piece of clothing until I lose weight! Can’t believe that I have weight gain with 4th stage cancer! I need to pay attention to what I’m eating and drinking going forward, bc this is damn depressing and none of us need more to be depressed about! Kathy
Oh Klamato! I am with you. My size has gone up too and it can be depressing. Sea salt and caramel frozen yogurt has been my new friend. lol! but maybe a new top or pants might make you feel better as you lose weight.
Talk about weight gain, I was at the oncologist today and guess what, gained some more. We had to have a discussion about the prednisone, so he is changing it to deflazacort. I tried not taking it all the time but the inflammation, aches and pains make it near impossible, Let us see if that helps.
Sometimes for some people a bit of new clothing is the impetus for feeling better now, rather than waiting until weight loss. Hoping that no matter what we weigh today that we can feel a bit better about ourselves. Reading the messages. I can relate and am going to dress better today and perhaps clean out some old clothes and try out some new ones. Thank you all for the impetus
Yes, I relate and am grateful for your words: "Let's try to stay strong so that each twist and turn, up and down does not make us lose ourselves." I appreciate actions which help me reclaim myself as alive with some vibrancy. I can sometimes slip into dressing in the covidtime style, but need to break out and wear something nice, even if it is for the Doctor's office. My recent action: Out of the nightgown, and then went for a walk under the night sky with a shining moon.. Helped..
I confess I laughed reading your line "covidtime style." We went grocery shopping one day and it looked like people rolled out of bed in their pajamas and hit the grocery store. And they just never noticed that they forgot to change, brush their hair or wear makeup! Like the mirror did not exist.
I see it too. In California. I don't understand how people can just go out in public in their bum around clothes and pj's! It seems so "I don't care!" I've never been that lackadaisical with my appearance, but now with cancer, I'm even more fastidious.
Go you! I am a firm believer in making an effort even if it's just for me. Despite intellectual pretensions, I'm have a frivolous, vain streak a mile wide, (just being self aware...) and figure it takes the same amount of time to put on decent clothes as it does sweat pants, and I feel so much better when I do. A bit of makeup to work at home? Why not. I have always been interested in fashion and enjoy learning about young new designers even if I don't buy.. My favorite compliment was when my chic 21 year old dubbed a pair of wide leg jeans I worried were too trendy as "Both stylish and age appropriate," That cracked me up.
And per the weight gain/loss thing. Who cares--be the best you now! There's lots out there for all sizes these days. Have fun!
I think for me this stems from my constant awareness of how impertinent things are. I am healthy (ok other than a terminal disease) NOW. I have hair to get highlights in NOW. I can put on lipstick for date night NOW. All of this won't last--it doesn't for anyone, not just cancer patients. It's like that rabbinical saying "If not now, when?"
Don't judge but my new secret Netflix habit is that show Queer Eye--where someone who is inner fabulous but outwardly insecure, or too busy to focus on themselves or what ever is made over--style, home, cooking, etc, I love watching people blossom when they take a moment for themselves in seemingly frivolous ways. Also the message is always about accepting/loving oneself vs trying to :"it in" or live into other's expectations which is good to be reminded of every so often.
I know its just TV and its not really that simple, blah blah blah, but a bit of positive escapism is good for the old soul.
"---who is internally fabulous but outwardly insecure". Enjoyed your pertinent post. With cancer and covidtime your words and Netflix suggestion are both humorous and helpful. Thanks
Love it! I finally broke down and bought some jeans that fit (weight loss), some non-t-shirt tops and some bangs for my bald head with new hats. I want to look more like me, even without hair!From OTP Marietta
I know this is not the place for asking, but what about unexplained weight loss? I lost 50 lbs. from Christmas to May without even trying. It just kept falling off. Mind you I had it to lose. 200 down to 150 lbs. No explanation. Did anyone else have unexplained weight loss?
My appetite didn't change and the meds didn't do it. I have no explanation. It was a miracle dropping off the way it did over a six month period. And then stopping at 150. I keep expecting it to keep going but it doesn't.
I lost 15 pounds in two weeks. It was the first sign I had cancer. Unexplained weight loss of 7% or more (it was more than that for me) is a symptom. My docs didn't get it. One told me I was wasting (losing muscle) and I should eat peanut butter! I was doing that. Plus it was Christmas and I was eating rich foods and losing weight.
It wasn't until I couldn't walk a few feet without stopping that they finally tested me. Once the treatment started working, I was able to put on weight again. Not too much. Just enough. A few pounds (this is all relative to our size). So if you had that unexplained weight loss and it has stabilized, that is a good thing.
I have had Cancer since 2010. Mind you, it was never confirmed in my hip but my family doctor and oncologist both said it was most likely Cancer in my hip spread from my left breast. I had to have the breast removed and the cancer has never returned to that breast site. It had spread to my lungs before the surgery or so they said. It is very slow growing. It was the strangest thing though, losing 50 lbs. without trying and painlessly each month I would lose another 15-20 lbs. Never done that in my life.
I was sure it would stop around 150 lbs. and I was right. I felt fine.
Hey Hotlanta! I just did the same with my closet over the weekend! Making a clothing donation to an org that benefits the schools where I live is good for the soul! Win/win! Also, I try to get out of the house everyday so doing hair and makeup and putting on something presentable is part of that making an effort. Don’t feel compelled to shop except for others which makes me feel good. Since I retired 5 years ago and moved from just outside of the DC area (lived there all my life) to the beach in NC I pretty much live in flip flops and beach casual year round, also good for the soul! We all have to find those little pleasures that help get us through the day, especially on those “wonky” days when all you want to do is lay around and find something to binge watch. Walking on the beach with my dog or grabbing lunch somewhere close by with my husband….the best! So that’s my view from “down here”! Happy shopping!!!
That sounds wonderful! We need to feel good about ourselves while we are on this difficult journey, and whatever helps us do that is very rewarding. New wardrobes, getting hair and nails done can help our self-esteem and give us more positive thoughts. I wear a wig when I go out and get lots of compliments on it, everyone asks if I got a new haircut. I also have been getting my nails done for awhile and that feels good, too. I have always loved shopping as therapy whether I am buying a new golf outfit or something to wear to dinner or even the doctor's office. Keep taking care of yourself and do well on your treatments!
Taking care of yourself is so important. My mom and grandmother made my clothes when I was younger and I learned that no matter what size you are, if it fits you look fabulous. Celebrate each day ! My chemo nurse gave me a bracelet that says "Best Day Ever" and I wear it with one that has my motto, "Though she be but little, she is fierce.
I feel so much better when I get dressed and at least put on eyebrows. I normally don't go downstairs until I am dressed for the day, but today, for the first time ever, I stayed in bed until 8 (usually up at 6) and came down in my pajamas. I am going to treat myself to banana pancakes and then go back up and shower and get dressed. My cat is confused by this change in routine and I am hoping no one knocks on my door for at least an hour.
Several months ago I went through my closet and tried on everything. If it didn't fit or I just didn't like it, it went in the donate box. Then I sorted clothes by style and color. Love the way my closet looks.
I've been wearing my summer dresses to church and my nice outfits around the house even if I am the only one who sees them.
I joked that I didn't want to die and have people go through my closet saying "she never even took the tags off of this."
What a fun post to read - good for you! I went through this a month or two ago and bought some new tops that aren't t-shirts! I love wearing them and they give my mood a boost. Of course, now I want even MORE! LOL It felt so good after the years of "pandemic wear". BTW, the "slump-a-dump" description is hilarious.
Way to go Hotlanta! The first several yrs after dx'd metastatic I bought NOTHING for me as I never dreamed I would still be in the race now for7-1/2+ yrs. I'm in NC and like you we are experiencing some milder days ushering us toward Fall. I still need to do the closet donation thing yet again but have bought some transitional items on sale on line recently because I finally believe I just might live to need them!!!! And I like it!
Was reading your bio. No need to fear Ibrance. Mostly it's boring trying to keep up with getting the refills every 28 days. I try to eat high energy foods like oatmeal or other grains on the sleepy days & if I can't get those, I just sleep it off, but that's just me. They don't last long. Best to talk to your Onc. for good advice.
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