Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Deep Breath

Sorry to leave you all hanging yesterday, but I really needed a night to take a deep breath.

I received the results of my MRI and without going into any of the painstaking details, I will just say that it wasn't the most satisfying news. Basically, there is something going on that they need to remove and have biopsied to determine what it is exactly and how to treat me. Of course I was given the worst case scenarios but I was also told that they are not likely.

What discourages me most is having to endure another intensive and difficult surgery with a rather complex recovery process. In order to remove the infected lymphoid, the surgeon must make some rather intricate incisions in my muscles and nerves that will result in a painful and long process of healing and learning how to use my mouth again. This of course is the WORST news. Taking away my ability to enjoy eating is probably the most devastating thing someone could tell me. Regardless, I want them to find out what is going on and treat it, so I guess the brutal results are necessary.

Oh and I forgot to mention, I will NOT be going back to the doctor who caused this all for the surgery. We left his office yesterday and went straight to another doctor. Not only did the doctor who performed my original surgery cause me more pain and suffering than I would have ever imagined, he lied, he ignored it and he potentially put my life in serious danger.

So that's that. In a few weeks, I'll be going in for surgery once more. Looks like I'll need to stock up on the oats, ice cream, and yogurt. Thank goodness it's pumpkin season, because I have a feeling I will be consuming my fair share of Pumpkin Oats for the entire month of December. That's okay; the big round puffy face will only contribute to my resemblance of a pumpkin, what with the orange skin and all.

Oy vay! What a fiasco. Lesson to you all…..trust your doctor before you go under the knife.

Okay enough of the depressing rant….

I haven't really been in a clear state of mind to remember to document or photograph any new meal creations over the past few days.


(Except for this one because it was just that good)



TJ's Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, Butternut Squash and Brussle Sprouts over Pumpkin Risotto and Spinach with Goat Cheese




But I can tell you that there is one stand out food that I run to during all of my times of despair…

The classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

What is it about this meal that delivers such comfort? Childhood memories of warm cozy nights perhaps? Whatever it is, it always does the trick.

You know I took a twist on this classic….

Pimento and Spinach Grilled Cheese on Pumpernickel

I made a take on Kelsey's Pimento cheese spread.
1 T diced Pimentos
1 T Greek yogurt
1 T Dijon
2 T shredded Pepper Jack
1 T feta
Garlic Salt, Pepper and Crushed Red Pepper

I lathered this on to a slice of Pumpernickel, added spinach and some sliced avocado, and then pressed on the Foreman.

This had such a sharp intense flavor, just the way I like it!

Toly's was the more classic version.

Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomato on Texas Toast

Tomato soup; a must with this meal!

This dinner warmed my heart.

Well, there are some decisions to make and things that need to be taken care of in the next few weeks. Thanks for all of your well wishes. You guys are truly the best! :)

Oh, I almost forgot....

Megan for MegaNerdRuns had a brilliant idea of stating something she is thankful for each day starting now and up until Thanksgiving. I LOVE the idea of taking a second every single day and stating something I am thankful for in my life, so I decided to join her in this November Challenge.

TITF (Things I'm Thankful For) #1- I am thankful for my health. I usually take this for granted and sometimes I don't thank my body enough for allowing me to do the things I am capable of doing. It's times when the most esstential but simple functions are compromised that we truly recognize and appreciate them the most.

What are you thankful for today?

Hope everyone is enjoying the week so far.



15 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry girl....but am SO happy you're getting this taken care of. I seriously want to hurt your original doctor.....how could he be so careless? Sigh. Hooray for lots of pumpkin though. Would you mind emailing me your address (itzyskitchen at gmail dot com)?

    YUMMMMMMMY dinner. I want some grilled cheese! Especially on both fabulous breads.

    Hilarious that you're having peanut sauce this week but I should have known ;)

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  2. HUGE hugs to you my dear... so sorry you're going through all this!!!

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  3. Please know I'm praying hard and thinking of you!! **hugs**

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  4. I am really sorry that you are having to go through this girl, you are in my thoughts! And major props to you for putting together such lovely meals even while you are dealing with this situation, you obviously rock in all ways possible :)

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  5. Ughhhh this makes me so sad!! You do not deserve one bit of this! I'm hoping this is over soon and you are able to enjoy food again. I'm glad you are you going to another doctor!!

    Your new meal creation is everything I love in one bowl!! Wow!

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  6. I am SO mad at that oral surgeon who "treated you". He deserves to be sued! Obviously he knew he messed up and didn't fess up to it. Totally lied about it, and tried to ignore it. It's NO JOKE when a wound like that gets infected. I'm so sorry that you'll have to undergo complicate surgeries to remove the infected lymphoid. UGHHH. I'm actually applying to dental school right now. Hopefully, the old generation of evil dentists will soon be exterminated with the new generation.

    :( Stocking up on pumpkin is a great idea. I am SURE you'll recover and that you'll regain your speech and tasting abilities. You're young, healthy, and a great person. You just have to think positive! Don't worry but make sure this new doctor is THE SHIT so you're extra extra safe this time around. Good luck sweetie!!!

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  7. I have been following some of your food posts for a while now and they are so yummy! I am so sorry to hear you are going through all of this....is it just an enlarged lymph node?
    Take care Doll!

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  8. BIG HUG and lots of support!!!

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  9. Oh, Lauren...I'm so sorry to hear. But girl, you've got some great attitude. I think you're wonderful, and you'll do fine, no matter what. I have you in my prayers, and may everything work out smoothly!

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  10. Sorry to hear about your mouth and impending surgery! :( You're in my prayers too ... but I'm also very glad you're getting it all taken care of!! I'm sure this surgery will go MUCH better than the last and when it's all over with you will be so glad it's all over. And thank goodness for oats, ice cream, and yogurt :)

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  11. I am so sorry to hear this news! You are right though, it's super important to know the doctor's credentials. There are a lot of bad people out there and it's hard for the good people because you don't expect those things from someone. I wish you all the best and enjoy what you can :) You're in my thoughts (But when are you not?) I'm sending even more positive energy to you! Stay strong m'lady!

    I am thankful for my health too! I'm riding out a cold right now and I Can't wait to be feeling better

    p.s. I thought you might like the recipes on this site :) http://www.mixingbowl.com/group/contest/view.castle?g=1135692&pi=1

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  12. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about all of this. I truly wish you a successful and quick surgery and recovery period. I hope that you find some relief. It makes me happy to hear you are going to a different doctor. My thoughts and prayers will be with you through all of this!

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  13. UGH - I am SO sorry about your MRI results. So glad, though, that you found a new doctor that you can trust and that can hopefully fix whatever it is that is happening. Best and deepest well wishes going out to you!!

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  14. Hey there friend. I am very very happy you are now receiving proper treatment and care from the new doctor. I am sorry you had to go thru months of misery with that other one.

    But the most important thing is to get yourself fixed up and all things healthy. Lymphs can get infected. I'm sure this new guy will treat it right up.

    And look at it as an opportunity to indulge in some fabulous new flavors of ice cream.

    ***BIG HUGS***

    P.S. I'll be your neighbor soon, so when this surgery happens, be sure to let me know what I can do to help out.

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