So...whats for dinner?

carberry

Joycek so sorry to you and your husband, it sure hits home when it is a friend, probably around the same age? We just lost a friend also, he was vaca in Florida and had a massive heart attack, he only got to be retired for 2 years. I like the saying "live everyday like its your last"

Michelle...I like that...when the weather doesnt cooperate...belly up to the bar!  LOL Hope you get some good sunshine before you return.

Are you ladies having eye problems due to BC treatment? or would you have had it anyways? Very scary stuff when it comes to your eyesight.

Kaara

carberry:  My eye problems have been with me for about 10 years, long before bc.  My eye doc did say that bc could spread to the eyes, but mine didn't.  At least treatment is available.

Ducky:  The funn thing is, on the chart you are talking about, it looked ok up until about August of this year and I noticed that in the left eye, some of the lines in my side vision were wavy but not the center..it was clear.  I was concerned but then I was dx with bc, and it went on the back burner for a few months.  That was probably a mistake on my part.  Fortunately my central vision has not been destroyed as yet, so there is hope.  Just stay on top of things and get your regular check ups.  See a retina specialist as they have all the latest techniques for treatment. 

duckyb1

Kaara..........I already have a Retina specialist because a few years ago I had a torn retina and had laser surgery....................then a few years after that glaucoma.............which I also had laser surgery for, and then cataract surgery........now this crap.

When they first gave me the "chart" to look at he said "do  you see the center dot.........I said "yes"............then he said "do you see the lines around the dot".................I  said "yes".................he said "are they wavy or broken.................well of course they weren't he forgot to tell me that I had to concentrate on the dot in the center, while looking to see what the lines looked like..................I looked first at the dot................and then directly at the lines........................they were perfect...................but this week after reading the direction "on my own at home"...................I realized how it was suppose to be done, and when done right, yes some of t;he lines were wavy, and broken.......................quite a difference from what he told me to do....................or I'm just stupid, and wasn't listening to what he said, but i swear he did not tell me to keep my eye on the center dot................oh well either way, I have it, and it isn't going to change anything.........................I just don't know what type I have..............you would have thought he would have told me........................as I said it was an emergency visit cause my whole eye was covered in blood, and had to go see them immediately............ it was a broken blood vessel, no big deal, but that was why the visit to him, and not to my regular Retina Dr. who is in the same practice.............It was also a Saturday..................I was lucky to see anyone.............and I wasn't going to the ER......I knew what it was..........

Christ, my kids had me with an aneurysm, stroke, you name it.............but I don't listen to them most of the time anyway...............

carolehalston

Michelle, it was windy here in south Louisiana today, too.  I played golf and wasn't able to wear my sun visor because it kept blowing off.  The wind blew 10 to 20 mph.  To make matters worse, the air is full of pollen.  All my exposed skin felt gritty afterward.

I'm baking bread again today.  A big bowl of dough (Pan Bigio--Bread with a Starter) is in the first rising stage in the kitchen.  DH made me a lovely board for kneading.  It works much better than my slick countertops.

Dinner will be left-over salsa pork chops.  Laurie's recipe for salsa chicken with a different meat.

Kaara, I certainly hope those injections work wonders in preserving your vision.

Joyce, my sympathies for your DH's loss. 

Debbie, it's bad enough to have serious health problems without having to fight for the best treatment.  So sorry you and your dh are having to deal with this situation. 

Tomorrow is my 69th birthday!  My mother, DH and I plan to go to lunch to celebrate.

apple

oh .. best of luck with those eyes gals.

as if there were not enough issues in our lives. 

deborye

So sorry about your DH's friend, ((HUGS)))

MinusTwo

Carole:  Wishing you the best of B-days for # 69.  I'm only one year behind.  Hope you do something  fun just for you.  Jan

debbie6122

Apple- Thanks and i did use a little bit of bi..tchiness today LOL! Was on the phone for ever with chucks ins company. They have 72 hours to decide weather they will pay for out of network but luckily i found out that if they do approve it, it will only cost us about $8,ooo which is better than the $50,000 we originally thought with only a $1,200 deductable so it is looking a little better, now we wait for the approval.

Michelle- Hope the wind calmed down enough for you to put on your bikini LOL!

Kaara- and Ducky- I dont know what MD is but can you do a lens replacement? I had what was called a lazy eye when i was born and had an eye operation on my left eye when i was young. By the time i was in my 40's I was pretty much blind in my left eye, i had gluacoma and cateracts had lazer surgery then had lens replaced in both eyes that was in 2002 just lately i have noticed floaters and my sight is not very good in the left eye, i havnt had them checked in a few years now, i know i need too but was wondering too if the chemo had an effect on my eye? I hope your injections werent painful and hope you both get something that will help with your sight.

Carol- Happy Birthday!!!  Hope you have a great day! Your bread sounds yummy.

Carrie- Most grocers will carry quinoa it dosnt look like pasta looks more like a small grain but is very good. If you cant find it where the pasta is you might look where the rice is usually in the same area.

Bedo-Hope you are feeling better today (hugs)

Joyce-Still thinking about you and DH tonight. 

apple

this is a bit off topic, but if you have a minutes to kill.. read this article on this unusual spice which I am going to try, if I can find it. 

Wish it were a cure for cancer.  it's just interesting to me.. I like stuff like this.

http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200904/devil.s.dung-the.world.s.smelliest.spice.htm

Kaara

debbie:  Glad you are getting some results from your insurance carrier.  I think sometimes they just automatically deny a claim hoping the customer will accept that and go away.  What a bunch of SOB's!  They sure don't mind taking our premiums year after year, but don't get sick or they'll give you problems!  As for lens replacement, I did read that they could implant a little telescope in the back of the eye in late stage MD which clears up central vision, but it's still in clinical trials.

Ducky:  I'm sure if you have the wet variety your eye doc would have taken immediate steps to get you treatment.  There is nothing that can be done for dry type but careful watch, hoping it doesn't turn wet. I had that for about 10 years before this.  It's a good thing I didn't do chemo or rads, or I would have surely blamed it on that!

Carole:  Happy Birthday!  You are a die hard golfer like my boyfriend...he was out playing yesterday and it was raining.  He always says..."oh, it's just a shower...it will pass quickly"...as the wind is blowing and the rain is coming down in sheets:) 

Dinner wasn't very creative last night...grilled chicken breast, quinoa brown rice, and broccoli.  I bought something called Coyboy Caviar at the store...it's blackeyed peas, corn, black beans, and peppers in a salsa type sauce.  I added that to the rice and it was delicious..gave it a kick.  It would also make a nice dip for chips..healthy. 

chef127

Hi apple,

I have  bit of knowledge of middle eastern and Indian spices and herbs and thier medicinal properties, but this one is new to me. There is a health food store near me that is owned by an Indian and he carries a vast amount of unusual spices (in bulk) he is always suggesting the benifits of spices. I'll check this one out. There is also a large mideast and islamic communty that has a lot of shops offering unusual grains, spices, beans, seeds,etc. Its in a sort of a ghetto but I frequent it often. If I find some I will try it. I'll let you know. THANX

Maureen

apple

i think this is the operative word.."sold as : "bandhani hing, several varieties of which can be found in almost any spice market in India, and in North America and Europe on shelves at international groceries, where jars cost a few dollars".

I have seen that spice listed in Dal ingredients.

chef127

bandhani hing, thanx. that should narrow my search.

Laurie08

Happy Birthday Carol, I hope you have fun celebrating!

Kaara and Ducky- I hope you and your eyes find something that works.  Makes me think I should have my eyes checked.  I haven't in 17 years.

Joyce- Take care of yourself all alone down there.  Glad that Michelle and her Dh are there so you can catch up with each other.

Debbie- I am glad you are making head way with the insurance company, but it is total BS that you are having to fight at all.  Hope today goes well.

I just got back from the grocery store.  It is so warm here today, low 60's!  I bought so much summer type food it felt good!  Not one meal for the next week involves anything canned or mashed potatoes, yay!!  Too bad it costs so much.  For the first time in months my heat is off, the windows are open and we plan on playing outside all afternoon.

Tonight we will have grilled chicken in a balsamic marinade served on top of grilled bread, sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese and I am making a salad to go with it.  MMMMM...it's been too long!!

debbie6122

Apple- That is one ugly looking spice LOL! Very interresting article i typed in asafoetida and where to buy and looks like you can buy it in the spice form on line or maybe health food stores i have a big health food store here that has bins of different spices i will have to check it out, the good news is if in spice you wouldnt have to look at how ugly it started out and the smell may not be so bad that way, I like the idea that you can use it in replace of onions, garlic and shallots the health benefits may be worth checking out.

Kaara- I have tryed a salsa similar to the one you had last night that i bought at a gourmet store i really liked it

Laurie- Glad you are having nice weather there and the boys can play outside i cant wait for grill weather here although today is 59% not to bad for this time of year.

debbie6122

chef127- Hi and welcome, would love to hear some of your middle eastern recipes if you want to share. Your furbaby is so cute!!

Debbie

chef127

Hi Debbie,

I have lots of veget. dishes. Are you familiar w/ mid east foods? let me know if you want a particular recipe. Baba Ghonoush, hummus, tabuli, lots of whole grains and beans. soups etc.

Sasha, my furbaby is the love of my life. I'm sooooo happy I have her.

Maureen

debbie6122

Maureen- I have not heard of baba ghonoush, love hummus and tabuli about the only indian spice im not crazy about is curry but if i have a recipe that calls for it i just put a pinch in or leave it out all together. I would like to hear about the Baba ghonoush.

You just made me think of my dog sasha that i had about 20 years ago she was a samoyed and i just loved her!

Laurie08

Welcome Chef127!

carolehalston

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes.  It has been a very nice day.  DH bought beautiful yellow roses and arranged them in a vase.  My mom treated me and DH to lunch.  It was a heavy lunch so we will just have a sandwich or a snack for dinner tonight.

The windy weather continues here, but it is overly warm for early March and sultry.  We have the A/C on. 

Yesterday I bought a package of baby artichokes grown in CA.  I've never cooked the small ones.  Any suggestions?  There are nine of them in the package and they're cute.

Laurie, I know what you mean by summery purchases at the supermarket.  I recently bought cantalope and watermelon, and they both are delicious.  I just got an e-mail from the local farm that offers CSA participation.  It's more expensive than last summer, up from $25 to $30 a week for 12 weeks.  That's a pretty big check, but DH thinks we should do it. 

SeasideMemories

Joyce,



I am very sorry to hear about your husband's friend... Losing someone is particularly difficult when it is someone your age and it happens so suddenly. Think of you and your hubby.

carberry

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Carole!!  Love that you got yellow roses.  on valentines day my DH told me he was thinking of getting me red roses and I was sooo glad he didnt....do not like them, but looove the yellow and white ones.  He should know this after 35 years!! Hydrangeas are actually my favorite flower...I have several plants in my garden.

Laurie I too got the bug for summer food...did hamburgers on the grill and made macaroni salad.

Maureen  welcome! Dont know about our culinary skills, but we have a lot of fun here.

SeasideMemories

Debbie,



Sorry that the insurance is continuing to be a pain in the arse but, looks like maybe things are turning around a bit and might work out. I swear sometimes it seems like they do this kind of thing on purpose so that, if it all works out, you're just so relieved that you got anything that you forget all the crap that they put you through!! Makes me very angry!



Carole,



Happy Birthday!!! Sounds like you are having a nice day!



Hey chef127!! Welcome and glad to see you here... This is a really fun thread with a great bunch of ladies! Love Baba Ganoush but haven't ever made it myself...

apple

(my first chef job was for an awesome Lebanese Continental restaurant and we catered to the middle eastern population.. quite wealthy and loving to party at the time.

i love that food.

anyway, we are having store bought (sam's) pizza.. i just don't want to cook.. I can truthfully say this is a first.

debbie6122

Joyce-Sorry you had to stay behind to work during this difficult time. I hope the weather clears up so you can enjoy more time with michelle. (((hugs)))

Carol- I love yellow roses, sounds like you had a great day, i dont know about you but i have a birthday month LOL!

I love baby artichokes and have cooked them different ways. prepare them as you would reg artichokes, cut stem off, peel back otter layers of leaves, put in bowl of ice water with lemon juice (keeps from discoloring)  at this point you can cut them in half and boil them until tender and saute them in a little evoo and lemon juice and top with parm cheese. You can grill them preparing the same as above and when done pour a mixt of lemon juice, evoo and a little dijon mustard, salt and pepper over them or you can bake them put them in a 350 oven bake for 20 minutes covered with a little white wine, lemon juice, evoo seasonings covered. take out of oven and increase oven to 425 uncover and put a mixt of bread crumbs, evoo, lemon juice and zest put on top of chokes and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until they are tender and breading is browned. YUUMM!

Edited to add>garlic in the recipes, how could i forget that! Actually chef reminded me

SeasideMemories

Apple,



We lived in Rochester, MN, home to Mayo Clinic, for five years...



Many very wealthy people from the US as well as abroad sought testing/treatment there... I will never forget when King Hussein of Jordon was there... He and his entourage took over several floors of a hotel. They sent ahead a group of people to totally refurnish their rooms with brand new furniture for the duration of their stay. Then, when they left, all of furnishings were loaded onto a plane and flown home with them...



Wealth beyond anything imaginable!

deborye

What is the real date when you count for your cancerversary? When you were diagnosed or after the surgery?
Mine is either March 23rd or May 4th.
5 YEARS

 

Lacey12

Carole, so pleased for you that you are having such a lovely birthday!



Joyce, hope your DH is doing okay...so hard to lose a good friend.

That wind in FL sounds really annoying...and we are having a really strong wind tonight here....but with such lovely temps, we have little to complain about.



Debbie, am glad that the ins co is not playing hardball....keep on pushing, as others have said, they do back down if you don't.



Apple, interesting article about that spice....not sure I'd ever be able to use it since I'd never get the raw smell out of my head. I feel the same way about fish sauce and that shrimp paste that is in Thai food, so I never make those neat recipes.



So I had my meeting with the onc nutritionist today. She basically debunked the site that has had me terrified about eating sesame, black tea, pork, etc., etc. Not surprisingly, she talked common sense about what to eat. Of course alcohol is a culprit, and she suggested limiting oneself to one 5 oz glass of wine daily.....but that does not translate to three if you skip three days! Dairy is something to be thoughtful about. She said that she was unaware of the grapefruit issue with people taking Tamoxifen other than the fact that grapefruit interacts with many meds. She's checking on that for me. She copied the AGS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention, and I'll post that link later.

She also gave me some info on soy and bc that indicated that eating up to 3 servings of WHOLE soy foods (tofu, tempeh, miso and soy milk) is safe, based on the most up to date studies, but that highly processed soy foods (soy chips, soy dogs, etc.) should be avoided....I guess like all highly processed foods. The info also said that isoflavone supplements (Genistein and Daidzein) should be avoided by people who have bc history, even tho those supplements are marketed as cancer preventatives.



I stopped at Trader Joe's on way home and picked up a spinach, quinoa and bean salad with a ginger dressing. I have to say I am VERY relieved to learn that I can eat all of the healthy things that I always ate, and don't have to give up my morning black tea just because I'm on tamox.

Laurie, your dinner sounded delish...and yes this Spring day has been wonderful!

Lacey12

This is the link that answers some of my questions related to diet concerns....and there are many more articles on this site....I'm sure many of you are already familiar with it. http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/ACSGuidelinesonNutritionPhysicalActivityforCancerPrevention/acs-guidelines-on-nutrition-and-physical-activity-for-cancer-prevention-common-questions



Basically the nutritionist felt that I was being overly cautious about what I was eating given that I was taking that site about the ER+ PR+ recommended foods too seriously...as she pointed out, the site is a .com, not .edu or .org, so it,in her opinion, is suspect in terms of authenticity/accuracy. Who knows....but I like this plan better! Except there is no real place for my m+m's!

debbie6122

Joyce- Glad you had a nice time out with michelle and friends, the airlines used to have a berevement price when you book last minute but not anymore we found that out when chucks sister passed away in michigan it was so ridiculous. Im also thankful for this thread and all you wonderful ladies here, love you all!

Seaside- A kind wow! My sister and i were reminising a few weeks ago how when we went to arizona to visit my aunt and uncle with my mom and dad we wanted to go to a night club so my mom and aunt dropped me and my sister off and said they would pick us up even if it was late to call them when we were ready, a prince came in who was very, very handsome (sounds like a fairy tale) had his entourage with him as well, he wanted my sister and we sat in his little area they had blocked off and drank with him he paid for large plates of appetitizers and fine wine, champagne and drinks, when it was closing time we called my mom it was like 3 in the morning and when she came to get us he walked over to my mom and said i want to marry your daughter and take her back with me, but my mom said you cant have her, i mom was laughing about the whole thing but he was serious my sis didnt want to go with him but i said i'll go LOL! It was such a fun night!

Deb- Not real sure about that i was thinking maybe last date of tx.?

Lacey-Thanks for the info from your onc nuitrisonist, sounds like good advice and the ariticle is interesting too. I say go for your m&m's though, in moderation! i eat a small piece of choc for dessert everynight but it is 82% choc i wont give that up. I do only drink wine every once in awhile now and only use rice or soy milk.

bedo- Did you get your computer fixed? Please check in and let us know how you are doing, im worried about you!!