While I undergo breast cancer treatment, my husband, Bob offered to be my “guest blogger.” He shares how he has expanded his cooking skills.
In case you haven’t figured it out, I married the sweetest, kindest, most genuine woman I have ever met. Thus, it should come as no surprise that when I got married, several of Marcia’s friends called to congratulate me and simultaneously subtly threaten my life should I do anything adverse to their dear friend. I found this endearing, and hoped my friends would feel the same about me.
They didn’t. Instead, after meeting Marcia, it was the unanimous opinion that I had easily “out-kicked my coverage.” They then subtly threatened my life should I do anything to cause my wife discomfort. Fortunately, for approximately the last twenty years, I seem to have passing grades from both groups of friends.
Alas, life contains some obstacles. Marcia is in the midst of receiving treatment for breast cancer. While we remain positive, there are adjustments that are required. Specifically, it was time for me, to become the “chief cook and bottle-washer.”
As word got out, I was contacted by Marcia’s friends, who immediately demonstrated their faith in my domestic abilities. Virtually all of the phone calls went something like this:
“Hi Bob, do you want me to come down to take care of Marcia?”
“Thank you (insert name of any number of Marcia’s friends), but I think I’ve got it. I’ll call you if I need you.”
“Really, I can be there in no time.”
“You live in Virginia and take care of (insert (1) 4 grandchildren; (2) three dogs and a sick husband; (3) two businesses…you get the picture). Really, I’ll call you if I need you.”
My friends were more direct:
“Are you up to this? You can’t just feed her pop-tarts and peanut butter you know.”
Of course, each call to me was followed by an immediate call to Marcia, who patiently told them that my cooking and cleaning were not putting her life in danger.
Having reassured friends and family, I now had to actually produce. Under the usual day to day operations of our marriage, my wife took care of the vacuuming while I dusted the furniture.
When I grew up, we had a Kirby vacuum. It had an on/off switch. Now, we have about as many buttons on our vacuum as there is on this keyboard. For the record, you should never check to see if the sweeper cylinder is rotating while wearing a tie… We also have one of those “automatic vacuums” which we named “Rodney.” Rodney is significantly less disciplined than our English setter. I plan to buy Marcia nice new socks once her treatment is complete.
Obviously, my main responsibility is cooking. As you may know from my previous columns, I have dipped my big toe into this forum, but now I had to actually step up. I resigned myself to…gasp…actually follow a recipe.
In this regard, I want to extend my eternal gratitude to the late Holly Clegg, RDN, LDN. Ms. Clegg, a noted dietitian and chef, wrote a cookbook Eating Well Through Cancer, matching foods and meals best paired with the side effects of cancer treatment. It’s designed to be easy (for those patients who have to cook for themselves…and apparently for culinary challenged spouses), fast, and delicious. Frankly, I plan to use this cookbook long after Marcia completes her treatment.
As you may have guessed, there have been challenges. One of the first recipes called for using the food processor. I knew this device existed, because I washed it many times after dinners. But I didn’t know where it lived, or how it worked. When Marcia pointed me in the correct direction, I found out we had all kinds of magical devices!
Another note, immersion blenders tend to immerse the user if you don’t have the blade positioned properly. (It doesn’t have quite the blast radius of a food processor without the lid, but it’s still impressive).
Anyway, I have managed to keep my lovely wife reasonably well nourished throughout her ordeal. I should also mention that a variety of friends and (especially) neighbors have provided several delicious meals which have been gratefully consumed. We love them.
Cancer, like any health problem, is not fun. However, Marcia and I believe that a positive attitude, sound medical advice and treatment, humor, and, most of all, love, are the keys to a happy life. While some days are better than others, every day is a good day.
Oh, in case you’re wondering, Marcia won’t let me touch the laundry anymore (who knew you could turn so many things pink). Have a great day (I think I hear Rodney eating a lamp cord).
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