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Showing posts from October, 2024

Mamounia (Syrian Semolina Pudding)... A Hug in a Bowl

Some foods just have a way of wrapping you in comfort, and for me, Mamounia is one of them. Think of it as the Arabic version of porridge; warm, creamy, and so soothing. Growing up, my mum would make it for breakfast on chilly mornings, and that first spoonful always felt like a cosy hug. It’s a simple, traditional recipe from Aleppo, perfect for those moments when you need something warm and familiar. And if you love cheese, you’re in for a real treat! Mamounia pairs beautifully with creamy, melted cheese, making every bite rich, indulgent, and totally irresistible. These days, this dish has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. After my Zoladex injections, when I need something gentle and comforting, this is my go-to. It’s warm, nourishing, and exactly what I need to reset and recharge. The best part, it's made with just a handful of simple ingredients that are already in your kitchen.... such as semolina, sugar, and cheese, but it delivers so much comfort. And if you have left...

Life After Active Treatment: Navigating the Next Chapter

When I finished chemo and radiation, I imagined this huge moment of relief, like I’d finally be able to exhale and say, “I made it.” But instead of reaching the finish line, I found myself at the start of another chapter, one I hadn’t prepared for. Sitting in my oncologist’s office, nodding as he explained what came next, I felt like I was being pulled right back into the uncertainty I thought I’d left behind. Because my cancer thrived on oestrogen, stopping it meant keeping my body in a medically induced menopause initially triggered by chemotherapy and then maintained with Zoladex. Unlike hormone replacement therapy, which wasn’t an option for me, Zoladex required an injection in my stomach every 28 days for the next three years to keep me in menopause. The side effects hit fast and furious; aching bones that made me feel decades older and sleepless nights that left me drained before the day even began. The hot flashes were mostly at night. Sometimes, I’d get so unbearably warm that ...