I love my 4 kids and my 4 dogs, but sometimes I just need to shut the door on all of them

The author said her bedroom has become her necessary respite from her big, busy family.

Ableimages/Getty Images I first started retreating to my room when I was recovering from surgery after breast cancer.

Eight years have passed, but I still see my room as a place for peace and quiet.

If my door is closed, my kids know to go to their dad if they need something, and not to disturb me.

My bedroom has become my escape, my sanctuary, my necessary respite from the hustle and bustle of a big family, including four kids and four rescue dogs.

When I'm in my room, and the door is closed, my family knows there are very few reasons why they would be allowed to disturb me.

Now, before you say, you chose this life, I want to acknowledge that I absolutely adore my family, including our little furry friends .

However, like many families, our home can be noisy, busy, and at times, downright chaotic.

I deserve a break , and I refuse to feel bad about that.

My diagnosis changed me I was never one to slip off to my room until I was diagnosed with breast cancer .

Even as a type 1 diabetic, I would manage my highs and lows in the kitchen or living room, riding out the symptoms, no matter what was going on around me.

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When breast cancer chose me, and I had a mastectomy, the six-week recovery meant that often, I would be laid up in my room, sipping water, napping, or watching a show.

My chest incisions were fragile for weeks, and I still had young kids.