“You have to go to the mattresses” In the cute movie “You’ve Got Mail,” Meg Ryan’s character is confiding to Tom Hanks’ character about the struggle she is experiencing with the possible closure of her family bookstore. As you no doubt recall, Tom Hanks’ character replies to Meg Ryan’s character that she must “go to the mattresses,” a line from the movie, “The Godfather.” Whatever it takes, pull out all the big dogs, and wrestle the devil if necessary. He further states that “it is not personal.” She must however hold nothing back. She must fight for herself and for what she wants. <a href=http://www.youvegotmail.com > movie </a> I want my life and a future. Therefore, I fight hard.
I use all kinds of weapons including food, diversion, work, play, and above all else, prayer. Included here are some “tips” to help in the fight:
BREAKFAST FOODS are good all day long.
PEANUT BUTTER CRACKERS help settle the stomach.
Peppermint candies- keep them with youPeppermint sticks – to remove the metallic taste, to cool and soothe the mouth, and to settle the stomach.
SERVE EVERYTHING VERY COLD or VERY HOT.
SERVE EVERYTHING WITH SPICES. If the meal is bland, the taste is metallic or aluminum.
KEEP SOMETHING ON YOUR STOMACH AT ALL TIMES.
USE PLASTIC UTENSILS
Believing in the healing power of God, I pursued my treatment like a woman possessed. I continued to work, continued to be a mom and a wife. I went to work after chemotherapy treatments. I climbed the stairs, pulling my body up and up, step by step. I would not give in or give up. I suffered the ravages of chemotherapy as everyone does, but by pure will and bull-headed determination, I refused to give into the grip or the look of death.
Denial and diversion became important elements in my recovery plan. When it was time for treatments, I got into the “treatment box.” While there, I endured. When it was over, I got out of the “box” and lived as close to a normal life as I possibly could. I was consumed with reading Antiques and Collectible Books. I became obsessed with Vintage Barbie and her outfits <a href= http://www.vintagebarbie.com > collectibles</a>.
I also believe that God intervenes for His own purpose, whatever that might be.I took prescription drugs to decrease nausea and improve my sense of well-being. The side-effects included “increased appetite.” As a result, I ate everything in sight. Driving home from work, I was often allured by the aroma of Memphis bar-b-que or fresh baked cookies, cakes and dozens of donuts. I would detour and devour a sandwich or a dessert, driving around neighborhoods, gobbling grub like a starved dog. My cravings were never actually satisfied by the amount of food intake, but my ability to withstand rounds of chemotherapy improved.
In losing my stomach muscles and my bikini figure, I gained cleavage. Perhaps that’s not such a bad trade off. Anything seasoned with excessive amounts of sugar, salt, onions, and spices tasted delicious. Everything bland tasted of aluminum or worse. Included below are some of the best dishes for satisfying the appetite, cutting the metallic taste of just about everything else, and giving the body the nutrients it craves.
KICKIN CHICKIN VEGETABLE SOUP:
1 can each: chicken broth V-8 juice (secret ingredient!) chopped tomato bits tomato, onion, peppers shoe peg corn cut green beans tiny baby peas sliced carrots sliced potatoes chicken pieces LOTS of salt and pepper and Cavender’s Seasoning Bring to boil and then simmer for 2 hours.
BROCOLLI CHEESE SOUP:
3 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup 3 cups of Milk Mix and then add 1 roll of garlic cheese Simmer and then add 2 pkgs chopped brocolli (prepared) Lots of salt and pepper Keep warm. Serve with butter/Waverly/saltine crackers.
HOT CHICKEN SALAD
2 cups diced chicken 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 cup finely diced celery 2 Tbs minced onion 1/2 cup lightly toasted slivered almonds 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper 2 Tbs lemon juice 3 hard boiled eggs – sliced Mix All Together Top with potato chips and grated cheddar cheese Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes in 13×9 casserole dish
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