My intestines and I have never been on good terms. Stress sets off a round of cramping and unpleasantness. I suspect that this last round of chemo did a number on my gut biome, because many foods I used to like don't appeal to me at all. You'd think that would make me lose weight, but instead I eat too much of what does appeal, which is mostly carbs. I wish they made people chow: something crunchy and filling made with wholesome ingredients.

Like Futurama's Bachelor Chow.

I've been expanding my food choices to try and improve things for Kaylee. One thing I did was pick up some kimchee. Every time I open the jar it bubbles ominously. Somehow bubbling is a lot worse coming from what looks like a jar of red-tinted 'slaw than from, say, a can of soda. It's tasty, but disturbing.

Ginger, I think I just bought people chow. Seriously, I just bought it half an hour ago and I'm cheerfully munching it at my desk. [link]

It's not nutritionally perfect and it has plenty of salt, but its filling and crunchy and not complete garbage. If it appeals to you I'll stick some in the mail on Monday.

Laura, I just requested a copy of that diet book from my library. I'll try anything that might help my energy levels.

Trudy, so pleased about your stepmother's recovery. Continued vibes for the docs figuring out what's up and helping to correct it.

Hugs all around, especially for sj and smonster and WS, and amazement at this community - and, bonny, I was just reading along through this and thinking about your first delurking and how there were stumbles and guac and you disappeared for a while, and I am so very glad you came back. You bring such incredible perspective and experience to every discussion.

Also, cosign with the don't-hate-my-body-but-miss-being-stronger contingent, and the miss-my-pretty-clothes-can't-afford-more-and-could-never-find-them-again-anyway contingent. Also the people chow contingent. I'm eating purely for fuel about half the time anyway, and it feels unfair to Hec, who does most of the cooking and often makes really lovely dishes that I just shovel in mechanically. If I ate chow when all I cared about was fuel, his kitchen time would be cut practically in half and I'd probably be more attentive to and appreciative of the exquisite meals when I did get them.

And extra hugs for sj, because rough therapy sessions are, well, rough. They can leave you feeling hammered at and bruised for hours afterward. You deserve a nice long evening of all the good and comforting stuff you can get.

And extra hugs for sj, because rough therapy sessions are, well, rough. They can leave you feeling hammered at and bruised for hours afterward. You deserve a nice long evening of all the good and comforting stuff you can get.

Thanks, JZ. I guess it's a good thing I went to Wegman's and bought a ready to cook dinner and a bottle of wine.

Yes, Trudy, glad to hear the good news about your stepmom, and continuing good vibes her way!

JZ, you humble me. I would say the very same about _you_. I wish I could hug you.

It amazes me that the rough start was 9, count them, 9 years ago. At any other point in my life, I'd have said that I am absolutely NOT a joiner. I'm so grateful that I _did_ join this community and even more grateful for the wonderful things that have come of it.