Thursday, November 19, 2009

Now We're Getting Somewhere

Yesterday was a long and exhausting day. Fortunately, it was the best appointment I have had so far and I FINALLY felt like I got the answers and understanding I deserve.

We left for Maryland and made it to my 4pm appointment by 3, so that I could start the paperwork and get situated. I actually ended up waiting for awhile and wasn't able to see the doctor until 5pm. I didn't mind because I knew he was doing me a favor and cramming me into this extremely busy schedule.

Okay, let me just say, this guy was unbelievable! Not only are his credentials entirely remarkable, he was the most kind and empathetic doctor I have ever encountered. He spent 2 hours with us listening to my story, going over every single issue, every image, gave me his thoughts and what he believes I should do. He was also very reassuring that he does not believe this is cancer and since he does happen to be an oral cancer expertise, I felt good hearing this from him.

Now, where do we go from here? Well, he believes I should proceed with the surgery and have some of the lymph node biopsied to determine what is causing the inflammation and to rule out anything else. He was also quite concerned on my numbness on the right side of my mouth and referred me to a nerve specialist at the UMD. I guess if there is any chance to regenerating feeling back, it is something that has to be assessed immediately. So unfortunately, I'm dealing with 2 major issues but hopefully, they can both be taken care of at the same time.

As revealing as it was to finally feel like I was being helped, I still feel that this is not the end but only the beginning. The surgery will only start the process and truthfully, it's not as though after I go through it, everything will be better. They still need to figure out what this is exactly and then determine how to treat me. It will be quite a long road, but unfortunately, I have no choice. I'll keep my head held high and try to maintain the best attitude throughout it all. I realize that so many others endure pain and suffering that go far beyond this, and I can only be grateful that my situation is not as bad as it could be.

Again, I can't thank you enough for all of your love and support. It truly means the world to have such amazing people that extend their genuine care during times when you need to hear it the most. Love you guys!

Okay, story time over, moving along…

Do you guys remember when I told you that I was having the hardest time locating my beloved granola? Zoe's is by far, my granola obsession. I have yet to meet a granola that even comes close to comparing to how much I love this.

Well a few months ago, I noticed that it went missing from the shelves of my grocery store. I checked every week, and each time was devastated to not see it. I finally asked, and the manager said they stopped selling it. Then, I went online and discovered that the company went out of business, but it was still available in select Big Lots stores.

Well, of course, I sprinted to my nearest Big Lots in hopes of locating this little jem.

And... guess what.....


Ta Da!!! I found it!!!! I only picked up 3 boxes, but I am already planning to go back this weekend to get more. People, if you love Zoe's as much as I do, and you see it on the shelves, GRAB AS MUCH AS YOU CAN because it will soon be more no!

Aside from my granola munching, I did manage to eat a real meal today.

Obviously, I wasn't able to honor BFD yesterday, but that doesn't mean it was forgotten this week. Oh no, we just readjusted and moved the occasion to tonight.

All I have really been craving these days are big bowls of random veggies all stir fried together into one enticing concoction of unusual flavor.

So, BFD this was another Skillet Creation!




I know I tell you this all the time, but this one was soooooo good!

Butternut Squash, Red Onion, Brussle Sprouts, TJ's sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, sauteed in a little balsamic and maple served over wilted spinach and topped with feta.



Oh, and just so you know, after this was taken, I drenched this bowl with lots of Honey Mustard. Unbelievable!

Toly felt rather fond of his skillet creation tonight as well. Let's just say he ate it faster a Kobiachi eating hot dog contest.

Bacon, Potatoes, Cheese, fried eggs and tomatoes.


As we were eating, I tried to explain to him my theory of bowl eating. I assured him that eating out of a bowl just makes everything taste better. The idea of layering flavor combinations into every bite is by far the best method of consuming food.
He didn't disagree.
Again, I can't stress enough how encouraged I have been by everyone's amazing comments. I literally get chills and then tear up after I read each one and I can't explain how much that means to me.
Hope everyone is having a great week! TGTIF!!!
Adios!

16 comments:

  1. oh girl! I'm glad you finally found a worthwhile doctor! Keep us in the loop about when you have to go for surgery etc.

    YUMMMMMMM on the dinner. Brussels? I'm in- looks so good.

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  2. Oh Lauren, I am SO happy the appointment went well! No one deserves to go through this much pain, especially not someone as sweet as you! Hopefully the rest of the processes go well--at least you found someone competent now :) Your BFD looks delicious, too!

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  3. I'm so glad you went to that doctor! It must feel good to actually talk to someone who cares and who knows that's they're talking about. Keep us updated!!

    Ha, and I totally agree with you about eating from a bowl! : )

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  4. Thank the heavens that you finally got to see a considerate doctor. You do not deserve any of this and it hurts me just to read about it. You WILL get through this, Lauren. I know it. I'll be here if you need an ear!!

    If you end up going to MD while I'm home, maybe I can drive up and meet you!!!! I'll bake you some lovely treats! Yeah? Yeah?

    I have never tried Zoe's granola!!! I will tear it off the shelves if I find it. And if I end up disliking it (impossible!) I will give them to you :)

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  5. I'm so thankful! That's great that you've got such a wonderful doctor that you like, and also that he does NOT think it's cancer!! My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lauren! I know you are going through some rough patches right now, but you WILL endure through it, and come out stronger and more beautiful and wiser than ever! I must say, you're experiencing some stuff that most people haven't gone through, and you're actually learning a lot of things about life!

    By the way, I have been having some trouble getting to your blog for some reason. I'm glad there's no problem now!

    Oh, and Zoe's Granola! haha! I remember your love for it! Yes, grab as much as you can! >.<

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  6. glad you found a great doctor - what a difference someone with good bedside manner and knowledge can make. you've got a terrific attitude too....

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  7. that creation looks so good! you are beautiful!

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  8. I'm so happy to hear the appointment went well!

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  9. I'm so pleased to hear that this appointment went well and things are going in a more positive direction. No one should live with your condition - it sounds awful!

    ALL of your BFDs sound incredible - they literally make me want to whip up something like that right when I read about it. Yum!

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  10. Oh gosh I am so glad that you got some sort of answer and direction on where to go with your situation. Goodness what an ordeal!

    HOORAY BFD! :D

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  11. Oh honey pie, so sorry about all the medical drama! I'm just catching up, so I am glad to see it looks like there might be some light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry the cinnamon rolls didn't turn out as you'd hoped. I feel the same way about "wasting" my desserts. BFD looks fab as per usual. Hope you have a great Friday and weekend! xoxo

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  12. your eats look amazing. and i'ms o sorry about all this stuff you ahve to deal with, but i am impressed wiht your ability to think rationally about all of this. i know you will get through it and you are soo strong!

    xoxo have a great weekend
    shelley

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  13. I commend you for staying strong throughout all of this - you're amazing!!! Hang in there xo

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  14. I just caught up on my reader, I am so sorry to hear about all this. But I am really happy that the appointment went well. You are a very positive girl and I really admire it!!

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  15. so glad you finally got some peace of mind!! I can't imagine having to go through all that!
    and I've never tried the Zoe's granola, but I guess I'm glad I haven't cuz that way I won't miss it. Why do they always discontinue the good stuff. Best food, gum, make up. perfumes ????? so strange

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  16. that is really awesome you found someone who took TWO HOURS to talk to you about what is going on. how remarkable! best of luck with moving forward on everything.

    mmm.. i have heard good things about that granola!

    and i agree with the bowl theory :)

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