Hot Flashes: Who hates them more, men or women?

Allen: It's freezing in here!

Me: Why does it feel like it's 1000 degrees in here?

Don’t be fooled. Just a few minutes after I complain that it is too hot, wipe the beads of sweat from my forehead, and gulp down an ice-cold drink, I am complaining that it is too cold. Oh, and then it starts all over again!

Again, I ask you to reflect as you are reading. Is it worse for me, or worse for Allen? I argue that I can't control what is happening, especially since it is brought on by Tamoxifen. He argues that he has to wear a hoodie and socks and have an extra blanket for the bed. Then the debate ensues. I am not upset that he does not get it, and to be honest, I feel awful for him. I can only imagine that he really might think to himself, "Which hoodie should I wear to bed tonight? I wonder if Jacqui will notice if I put the space heater on for just a few minutes?" He can't really help me, and he really is patient with me.

I'll have you know that I always notice when he puts the space heater on, and I always turn it off. There have been some nights where I wake up and have to open a window and just stand near the window in the middle of winter, just to cool down. You can ask anyone that I work with. If you are one of my work friends, you have seen it. I get all red, I am searching for a cold drink, I am fanning myself with whatever piece of paper is closest.

One thing I don't miss during this pandemic is my office! When I am in that office, which is a classroom in a billion-year-old building (yes, I exaggerate), my desk is right next to the heater. I have included a photo sample of what type of heater it is. During the winter, you could literally crack an egg on it and have your breakfast. Now Gemma, who has her desk right next to mine, loves the heater! She is always cold, I am always hot. We do make a great team at work, except for the temperature thing. So, I guess the hot flashes don't always annoy your life partner, but your work partners are affected by it too. It certainly gives us something to laugh about!

In two months, I will be finishing my five years of Tamoxifen. I can't believe it. Five years cancer-free. In three days, it will be five years since the cancer was surgically removed and the healing process began. I will save that story for my January 5 entry. For now, as I sit here typing, I am already starting to schvitz (look it up). I have an ice-cold drink with me along with my hot tea. I remove my sweatshirt only to be prepared to put it back on in a few minutes. It's ok because I am here to experience this little annoyance in life. I am truly grateful for the gift.

Thanks for listening! xoxo