“Cabin fever is an idiomatic term for a claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group ends up in an isolated or solitary location, or stuck indoors in confined quarters for an extended period. Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel in these situations.”
I mentioned in an earlier post that Nick and I have no problem keeping ourselves entertained, but we’ve spent a lot of time indoors, looking at screens, with very little ‘in real life’ social contact. This past week we started to feel the effects of our extended isolation. It kind of crept up on me, a general feeling of malaise, irritability, a heaviness when I woke up in the morning with no specific cause. Ray was less affected, I think, because he gets out more. He cross-country skis with one neighbour, goes for long walks with another, and has had another friend in to help with the basement bathroom.
Keeping ourselves mentally healthy is important, but finding a safe balance can be tricky. Nick decided he needed to get out and went to see the new Black Panther movie with a couple of friends. And yes, seeing a newly-released movie on a Friday night during peak flu season is one of the worst things he could do, but Ray dropped them off and picked them up and Nick wore a surgical mask and gloves the entire time, foregoing popcorn and a drink to avoid having to remove the mask. I was impressed he had the courage to do that, given the importance of appearances at that age, but I suppose having cancer changes your perspective on what matters.
Over the weekend, friends stopped by for a visit, some other friends dropped off a lovely care package, and I went to the opera with a friend to watch another friend perform. By the time Monday rolled around, my mood and energy had palpably improved. In addition to his movie outing, Nick had a couple of friends visit over the weekend, so I think we’re both in a better head space to face chemo session #5 on Friday.
And, as always, the support from all of you buoys our spirits. The blog stats show where Nick’s supporters are and I visualize the positive vibes, prayers and love going out into the universe from around the globe, from people of varying religious and spiritual beliefs, and it makes me feel like we’ve got our bases covered.
What an amazing post! I think I like this one the best; all sister biases aside. 🤗💕
Where’s the medal count beside all the countries? Haha! Always thinking of you all and sending positive vibes!
So did Nick like the movie? Lee and Rich saw it this weekend too and both quite enjoyed. (Rich just doesn’t get it’s an issue when he tags along with Lee and his friends to the movies, to the pub. He is, after all, the cool dad 😆).
Yes, he liked the movie. And liked that he got to see it before everyone else had already seen it.
I guess some dads are just teenage boys inside grown man bodies. 😉
Yup…lots of love comin’ your way from little ol’ Georgetown, too! Lovin’ the blogs….and so glad you can get out there, Nick, once in a while. You’re a fashion icon. If they can wear pj’s on the street in Asia…and a mask (very stylish:) then you are right up there….VERY SMART in all ways! Yahoo! Xoxo!
So, wending it’s way across lands and oceans ( don’t ask me which as Geography wasn’t my strong point!), our love and vibes from Cranham in England. Well done Nick for having the courage to go for the ” alternative highwayman ” look! When you were talking a few weeks ago about how you and Nick were happy to spend all that time indoors,I doubted if I could have done as long as you had without getting very bad tempered! So glad you were able to both spend some time with friends xx
Cabin fever!! Glad you were all able to remedy it – and are ready for Friday. Glad Ray found a helper for the loo-reno – Gary is still fighting this cold that will not let up.
Should be back to a gym routine sometime soon if you need to get out Caroline! 😉 We look forward to hanging out once flu season has past. Connection to our community of friends is so important for our spirits. Thank you for the post. Thinking of yous!! Xo jennifer
You are truly a very gifted writer and I thoroughly enjoy reading the updates. I love how you always weave some humour into your posts. I’m glad you are feeling more positive. Lots of prayers, love and positive vibes being sent from Milton !!