Update from SoCalGirl - Page 6 - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

**NOX** · 02-21-2013, 08:13 AM

Wegmans is a supermarket.

Any updates today Amanda

I want to see your pink wig

smudgeid · 02-21-2013, 08:51 AM

I highly recommend surgical scrub caps. You can get them in all kinds of fun designs & your family won't make pirate jokes. (I tried scarves first, but got very tired of the 'arghs' and offers of a parrot for my shoulder.)

Surgical Scrub Hats Scrub Caps Chemo Hats Skull by ScrubHatStore

Chemo irony is when all the hair on your head (and everywhere else btw) falls out - but the annoying hairs on your chin do not.
Kate

SoCalGirl · 02-21-2013, 10:34 AM

Well, no pink wig yet but I have not started wig shopping yet. I'll definitely show you when I do!

As requested, here's how I make my world famous brussels sprouts. I actually got the initial idea from a Suzanne Somers cookbook 10 years ago or so because she juliennes them so they cook faster and more evenly (less gas producing!).

1/2 onion (white or brown, as you prefer), minced or diced
1/2 to 3/4 tsp minced garlic to your taste
15-20 brussels sprouts (I like large ones for this recipe)
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin is what I use)
garlic salt
1 tsp red chile seeds

Put about 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat and brown the onions. Add minced garlic and stir. Meanwhile, wash brussels sprouts and julienne them - chop off the base, cut in half vertically, then cut each half in 3 or 4 pieces (kind of like you would an apple). Add brussels sprouts to pan and stir occasionally for about 10 or 15 minutes until they are wilted. You can play with the timing to get them to the degree of doneness you like - I like them anywhere from slightly browned to medium browned. Add red chile seeds and stir for a couple more minutes to let the flavors blend. Serve hot!

I like the red chile in there because it cuts the sweetness of the brussels sprouts. I usually season with garlic salt while cooking or at the table (my dad is on a low sodium diet so we didn't use any in the pan but put it on when they were on our plates). If anyone makes them, tell me how you like them! The red chile seeds can be anywhere from mild to hot and you can use as much as you like to get the flavor you prefer.

Today it's off to my gyn and my mom's doctor, plus radiation so we will be running around all day. I'll have to look at the scrub cap site tonight. Also the support group info. Those sites don't sound like what I've found so far so I'll be interested to see what they have to offer.

We had a really good support group discussion yesterday and it was a small group so we shared our stories. 2 other current patients at about my same timing were there so we got a chance to talk about what we were going through. One of them was really depressed so we tried to give her some positives to focus on. She was with her mom and they both seemed to be pessimistic; I know a lot of people have very emotional reactions like that. I tried to show her how I am looking on the bright side of things and trying to learn from the experience - I hope it helps her. Another woman was more positive in her attitude but in a much worse place medically. It really made me appreciate what I have and the care and resources I am receiving.

Have a great day everybody!

Lady Kate · 02-21-2013, 10:40 AM

Hey Amanda, I don't post often, but I am following your progress and send good healing vibes your way.. Thanks for sharing your World Famous BP recipe. I just bought some at the Farmers' Market yesterday and aside from sprinkling rice vinegar on them.. no clue what to do with the little guys..
Also thank you for sharing your journey with us.. You KNOW there's someone lurking who is getting support and love from you.
P.S. Wegmans is like Bristol Farms on steroids.. Had a Mother Daughter reunion in Virginia last summer. National Mall? Smithsonian? Capitol Building? we opted for Wegmans!!

SoCalGirl · 02-21-2013, 10:46 AM

Thanks Lady Kate! I hope seeing my story helps someone out too.

Let me know how you like the brussels sprouts recipe if you try it - I think anything sauteed in olive oil with onions and garlic is delish! I have even convinced some people who did not like brussels sprouts "before" that they can be very tasty.

lolonurse · 02-21-2013, 11:02 AM

we LOVE brussels sprouts... in a bunch of different ways. one of my favorites is to lightly drizzle them with olive oil, or sesame or sunflower oil, toss or sprinkle with various herbs and spices (I play with these a lot - could be garlic and onion and cayenne, or curry powder and fennel, or even just plain salt and pepper...) and then roast them in a pan at about 375 - 400 for 15-30 minutes, depending on how done you like them, how small you cut them, and your oven... they get kind of brown, and bit wilty-looking, and the flavor is just yummy! 3 cheers for bs's!!

CalamitysHuckleberry · 02-21-2013, 01:46 PM

Yeah for the BS recipe, who doesn't like a little BS with garlic?

I hope the online support work, lemme know and we have to we will round some others up and hold them in our attic [<•><~>]!

Thanks for the recipe!

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gatehouse · 02-21-2013, 01:58 PM

Positive vibes coming your way :-)

SoCalGirl · 02-21-2013, 07:43 PM

I had fun trying on wigs today - it was a little weird at first but why not get the hairstyle I have always wanted (longer & thicker)? It was helpful to look at colors too. The color closest to my natural dyed color (the color I've been wearing for about 20 years now) did not look good with my skin tone; one a little darker was a good color though. We are going to do more wig shopping tomorrow hopefully. Will have to cut my hair off soon, it is just coming out in bunches now

Anyway, hoping to check out some of those sites tonight and see what they're all about.

RedFawnRising · 02-21-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

Thanks Lady Kate! I hope seeing my story helps someone out too.

Let me know how you like the brussels sprouts recipe if you try it - I think anything sauteed in olive oil with onions and garlic is delish! I have even convinced some people who did not like brussels sprouts "before" that they can be very tasty.

I'm not usually a fan, but am planning on trying your recipe.

Often, with things I think I do not like, if they are prepared a certain way, I end up loving them.

Like peas, for instance.

I despise mushy, cooked to death peas, but if they are early peas and you just steam them...mmmmm!

Can't wait to see what you come up with, in a wig.

eegreen · 02-21-2013, 08:48 PM

Thanks for the recipe Amanda!

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SoCalGirl · 02-22-2013, 08:51 AM

You know I'll be expecting to hear how you liked the brussels sprouts so cook 'em up ladies!

In all my looking around to try to find a good online brain tumor support group, the ones I've come across sure don't seem to be that active. I posted on one several days ago and nobody has responded yet. I have actually gotten the most support and ideas from this group, so big hugs and thanks! I always knew dog people were the best!

Side note: I'm taking Elke for a vet checkup on Tuesday (she needs a vacc the kennel requires so my dad and I are going to brave the psycho crazy carsick dog). When I made the appointment this week, I spoke with a gal who works both at the vet and at the kennel (she totally loves Elke too and has been a real help). She said my dog is being spoiled! Normally you have to pay extra for walks to the park but they are taking Elke with them whenever another dog gets a walk. They are also letting her out to play with them while they clean up the play areas, etc. and I know they are giving her treats. I also bet that Cary, her trainer who lives there, is giving her extra attention and possibly working with her on her manners too. He told me after he'd been working with us for awhile that now he wants a Doberman but his wife won't let him (he has a Mal he does ring sport with and his wife has a young Rottie girl). So I know she is being well cared for, which makes me feel good. I am a little anxious about seeing her since I haven't been visiting - that visit where she wouldn't look at me felt weird. But I do want to be there with the vet to see how he thinks she is doing and I miss my girlie so much it will be nice to see her. I will definitely report back how the visit goes.

SoCalGirl · 02-22-2013, 07:19 PM

I got a purple wig (pink did not look good with my skin tone)! I look like Velma from Scooby Doo; it is too hilarious. I am special ordering a regular wig that is more something I would wear to work (long red hair - will probably go a little below the shoulder with long bangs) but this one is the fun one.

Using my dad's computer and I can't get my photo to save on it so I can upload (it is an Apple and I'm so not good with that operating system) to my Photobucket account. I'll do it on my own computer this weekend so I can share my photo. Just think bright dark purple, shoulder length, and straight across bangs! With my glasses I am totally Velma

dobermansrule · 02-22-2013, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

I got a purple wig (pink did not look good with my skin tone)! I look like Velma from Scooby Doo; it is too hilarious. I am special ordering a regular wig that is more something I would wear to work (long red hair - will probably go a little below the shoulder with long bangs) but this one is the fun one.

Using my dad's computer and I can't get my photo to save on it so I can upload (it is an Apple and I'm so not good with that operating system) to my Photobucket account. I'll do it on my own computer this weekend so I can share my photo. Just think bright dark purple, shoulder length, and straight across bangs! With my glasses I am totally Velma

stop by Portland while you're at it... you'd fit right in.

**Patches Mom** · 02-23-2013, 01:10 AM

Rays & Hugs feel better soon.

LindaH · 02-23-2013, 03:08 AM

I don't know what your sense of humor is like, but I love "Your Highness" with James Franco, Danny McBride and Natalie Portman...hysterical and one of the funniest movies ever. My best way of describing it is that it's a dirty "Princess Bride" I suggest watching it with your Mother as it might be embarrassing to watch with Dad. Depends on your relationship.

"A Fish Called Wanda" with Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline is old but oh so funny. I can usually rattle off good movies, but its so late. Try those, hope you can find the last one.

Ima garlic & onion girl, so will have to try your recipe as it sounds delicious...also throw red pepper into things.

You should try some stir fry. Its easy and good for you. I fix it a lot. Got most of my recipes off the internet.

Great to hear you're doing so well. This is kind of like your journal.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

CalamitysHuckleberry · 02-23-2013, 03:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaH

I don't know what your sense of humor is like, but I love "Your Highness" with James Franco, Danny McBride and Natalie Portman...hysterical and one of the funniest movies ever. My best way of describing it is that it's a dirty "Princess Bride" I suggest watching it with your Mother as it might be embarrassing to watch with Dad. Depends on your relationship.

"A Fish Called Wanda" with Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline is old but oh so funny. I can usually rattle off good movies, but its so late. Try those, hope you can find the last one.

Ima garlic & onion girl, so will have to try your recipe as it sounds delicious...also throw red pepper into things.

You should try some stir fry. Its easy and good for you. I fix it a lot. Got most of my recipes off the internet.

Great to hear you're doing so well. This is kind of like your journal.

Thanks for keeping us updated.

If you like stir fry Linda you should try marinating your chicken in this. Use both boneless and skinless thighs and breast. This sauce is amazing!

.

Good luck!

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SoCalGirl · 02-23-2013, 08:56 AM

I love A Fish Called Wanda! "K-k-k-k-ken is trying to k-k-k-k-kill me!" I used to have it on VHS but haven't seen it on DVD. It's been a few years since I watched that. I like action films and comedies but I don't like what I call "dumb guy humor" with lots of risque jokes. Mom is leaving in the morning for a week so dad and I will probably just watch nature and car stuff to be safe. I am hoping to spend more time on the computer this week if we can get the wireless connection working (then I can use my own computer as much as I want!). I have a lot of stuff to check out.

I wore my wig all evening and it stayed comfortable. Every time my dad walked into the room he said "wow, I keep forgetting you have purple hair" - he actually really liked it. I thought he would say something like "ummm... Are you planning on wearing that to work???" because he is so conservative. He and my mom kept complimenting me on how nice it looked. Gotta get that photo up here for you guys to see

And DR - I may just have to stop in Portland and see how I fit in!

**dax0402** · 02-23-2013, 04:42 PM

Thanks for the update and hope your visit with Elke goes well. Looking forward to the photos of your new hairdoos!

SoCalGirl · 02-24-2013, 09:47 AM

I guess it will take awhile to get the wireless working. If anyone is a computer whiz and willing to help me, I can email you the photo to post in this thread.

Today is my day out with my best friend. I am going to wear my purple wig and see what kinds of reactions I get from people - should be fun! My hair is still coming out in large amounts so will probably need to cut it this week. Who wants a scraggly little bit of shoulder length hair in the back and baldness in the front?!? I am about emotionally ready to do it; as the little bit of remaining hair gets more annoying.

lolonurse · 02-24-2013, 01:29 PM

I think people are becoming more accustomed to seeing the various presentations of women cancer patients, as treatments and survival and not hiding from life have become the norm in the last couple of decades. And folks like Robin Roberts of Good Morning America are great role models and ambassadors, because they are unafraid to be on camera and talk about their experiences. Let your freak flag fly!!!

SoCalGirl · 02-24-2013, 09:21 PM

So this morning I was out Michael Bolton-ing Michael Bolton and I had enough

. I chopped the back of my hair to about chin length so I have enough still to wear with a hat and still look normal, or at least not attract too much attention.

Then this afternoon I wore my purple wig to go out with my friend. We had parked in a narrow spot in front of the coffee shop we go to and were chatting a minute before getting out of the car. A 50-ish woman came out of one of the shops and stood on the edge of the curb staring at me like "I need to get in my Mercedes and you are blocking my way" so we got out of the car to give her access. When I got out, she smiled really big and said "I love your purple hair! Is that for Easter?" She was really nice

so I was more comfortable.

My new wig should be in this week so I am hoping to take my friend Diane with me next week when she comes to visit and help me try it on. Hopefully my mom will be back by then (she left this morning for a few days to clear out her rental in Reno) so we can all go together.

RedFawnRising · 02-24-2013, 09:34 PM

Just...don't go out karoake-ing as Michael Bolton, please

Can't wait to see the purple hair, and I see no problem with you wearing it to work, either.

PorschaLei · 02-24-2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalGirl

I love A Fish Called Wanda! "K-k-k-k-ken is trying to k-k-k-k-kill me!" I used to have it on VHS but haven't seen it on DVD. It's been a few years since I watched that. I like action films and comedies but I don't like what I call "dumb guy humor" with lots of risque jokes. Mom is leaving in the morning for a week so dad and I will probably just watch nature and car stuff to be safe. I am hoping to spend more time on the computer this week if we can get the wireless connection working (then I can use my own computer as much as I want!). I have a lot of stuff to check out.

I wore my wig all evening and it stayed comfortable. Every time my dad walked into the room he said "wow, I keep forgetting you have purple hair" - he actually really liked it. I thought he would say something like "ummm... Are you planning on wearing that to work???" because he is so conservative. He and my mom kept complimenting me on how nice it looked. Gotta get that photo up here for you guys to see

And DR - I may just have to stop in Portland and see how I fit in!

My name came from a Fish Called Wanda, my parents fell in love with the name (Porscha) due to the movie. I however have never seen the movie. Im glad your getting nice compliments on your new wig it must look super rad. Glad your doing well keep the updates coming

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SoCalGirl · 02-25-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedFawnRising

Just...don't go out karoake-ing as Michael Bolton, please

Can't wait to see the purple hair, and I see no problem with you wearing it to work, either.

Trust me, I will not be out karaoke-ing! Although I love to sing, people do not love to hear me sing

unless I have practiced a song a lot so I get the right notes. I took a voice class with my mom several years ago and I got rave reviews for my rendition of "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors. I had the pianist play the melody for me as I recorded it on my cassette player and I practiced with my Walkman (yes it was awhile ago) until I got the notes right. I like humorous songs to liven things up and at our recital, one of my classmates' 2 children came up to me afterward to say they loved my song and I was the only non-boring part of the show

!

I will probably wear the purple hair on a casual Friday when I don't have meetings. Can't really wear it on a normal day with the job I have but if I'm just in the office all day, I think everybody will get a kick out of it!