I just returned from a quick, four-day trip to Washington D.C. for ProjectLEAD with the National Breast Cancer Coalition.
Coincidentally, my daughter’s kindergarten class has been learning about Washington D.C. in their social studies segments. She wanted me to be sure I got my picture taken with the President.
I got this close.
The White House is beautiful at night.
Our schedule for this trip was very tight: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, so I did not actually see daylight, with the exception of one quick run to Starbucks, and then the cab ride back to the airport on the last day. But I wasn’t there for sight-seeing or picture taking, we had much more important things in mind.
I’ll be posting much more on this project in the near future.
While my husband was in grad school studying Persian literature, I started exploring Persian culinary traditions as a fun way to embrace and support his studies. One of our favorite meals is the very simple dish of koobideh, ground lamb kebabs, served with roasted tomatoes and basmati rice.
The trick to a successful koobideh is to drain out the onion juice. This will help the meat to hold it’s shape better without being to soggy. The ground onion creates a much different experience in the flavor and texture of the dish than simply chopping the onion and adding it to the meat.
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:11]
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
How did you tell your kids about the cancer diagnosis?
We used the local Gilda’s club
How did your kids respond?
It was a very positive experience
What are some things you did that worked really well for your family with regards to dealing with the cancer, and treatment, while raising children?
I kept their routine as normal as possible
Did not give them too much information
Let them asked questions if they wanted to know more
Kept very open lines of communication
Used a lot of professional help- Gilda’s club and local help from my hospital with this
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?
No
Do you have concerns about the long term impact of your cancer on your children?
Yes
What advice would you give to other moms who are diagnosed with cancer?
Don’t give your children too much info
Cancer is very scary for children.
Children process info VERY different than adults. Let them ask questions (if they have any) and follow their lead
What concerns or fears troubled you the most?
How did my diagnosis and treatment impact my children
How did you deal with those fears?
Time will tell
Have those fears and concerns changed over time?
Yes, As more time passes-I think about this less
What was your darkest moment?
Mental breakdown and depression 18 months after diagnosis
What was your best moment?
Every day (including today)
I love my life and my family and still think I am a very lucky person!!!
I am blessed
What did you do to take care of you? How did you splurge on yourself?
My husband put me first. Everything just fell into place: Whatever I needed – I got – whenever I needed it.
Were you able to get help from friends and family members while you were going through treatment?
Yes- I have an amazing group of friends
You know the statement-it takes a village. I have a village.
Was it difficult to ask for help? Do you have any suggestions around the topic of asking for help?
Very difficult. It is very humbling. Especially when you are used to doing and not needing.
Did cancer/treatment impact your relationship with your spouse/partner?
Yes, Not in a negative way. I fully understand how much my husband loves me. As I said- I am a very lucky person
Do you have any relationship advice for young moms dealing with cancer?
Be honest.
What is something you wish your friends and family members understood about your cancer and its impact on your life? What would you tell the friends and family members of other mom’s diagnosed with cancer? What would you want them to know about what she’s about to go through, and how best they can support her?
Just because you look ok on the outside- it doesn’t mean you are ok on the inside.
Cancer is not like strep. You are not better in 5 days. It can take awhile (even years) until you are ok.
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