Our lives have completely been turned upside down in the last 48 hours. Our 16-year-old son was admitted to the hospital late Wednesday night, diagnosed with cancer Thursday morning, had surgery Thursday afternoon to remove a tumor, and will be starting chemotherapy on Tuesday. It has completely blindsided us. We are taking solace in the fact that his cancer is the more easier to treat than the 2 types of cancer the oncologist initially thought he might have. He has testicular cancer and while we still don’t know the complete pathology, the oncologist feels that chemotherapy will be very effective in wiping out the few spots of cancer that have spread to other parts of his body.
We have been overwhelmed by the amount of love and concern his friends, coaches, and teachers have shown him. His friends have done so much to keep his spirits up, three of them missing school Friday to be with him at the hospital. And words cannot express how grateful I am to his tennis coach who has loved my son as one of his own children as he does all the kids he coaches. Not to mention how wonderful my mother has been and my dear, dear brother who I know would do anything in the world for my son.
The doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Children’s Hospital in Charlotte have been truly, truly amazing. They have made such a horrible situation so much easier to bare. This is such uncharted territory for us and obviously all of my time and energy will be focused on my son and my daughter these next few months. How much time I will dedicate to my blog, I’m not sure. I may be spending much less time on it, or I may need it as an outlet more than ever. I just don’t know.
One thing I do know is that homemade foods can play such an important role during difficult life times. They have an amazing ability to comfort and are a way for people to express their love and concern. These cookies are the last sweet treat my son enjoyed before his diagnosis. He has always been a huge food lover and one of my favorite people to cook for. I am hoping he is still able to enjoy food while he goes through his chemo.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup butter,, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups uncooked old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (11.5-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans,, toasted
Instructions
- Beat peanut butter, butter, and sugars at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended and scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Combine oats, baking soda, and salt and add to butter mixture, beating until blended.
- Stir in chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, and pecans.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfulls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press to 3/4-inch thickness.
- Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Source: slightly adapted from Coastal Living Cookbook
More Peanut Butter Treats
Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Chips
I have found that this recipe is something that people going through cancer treatments actually find they like to eat. It’s not overly sweet or salty. I have made it for two friends who have been battling and they love them — and I so appreciate that I am able to contribute something toward their recovery. Thanks for the fabulous recipe. I throw in some vanilla protein powder for good measure!
I just found your wonderful recipe through foodgawker, and I was shocked to read your about your son’s diagnosis. I am so sorry to hear that, and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck, stay positive, and take care.
Thank you so much Andie! He is doing very well after one round of chemo and we are only thinking positive thoughts. The well wishes from everyone have been a huge help so thank you so much.
Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, Christin. I hope that surgery goes smoothly, that recovery is speedy and chemotherapy isn’t too hard on him. How did you find out he had cancer? I’m so glad that it’s not as bad as the doctor had thought. Thank goodness you have a strong support network- including us blogger friends! My thoughts are with your family…
I just found your blog on Pinterest and your recipes are completely amazing. As a new blogger who wants to expand my cooking and baking skills just being on your site today has already been inspirational in making me take more risks in the kitchen. I am saddened to hear the news about your son’s unexpected diagnosis, and I am praying for you and your family for a recovery. Take care!
Thank you Charmaine for the kind words! We will get through this!
Oh Christin, I am so so sorry to hear about your son. I wish there was something I could do to help your family. I’ll be sending tons of positive energy your way, and please keep us updated, and if you need anything let me know! You are so strong, and you guys WILL get through this!! xoxoxo
God bless your son and your family! Be well.
Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry to hear this news. I will be thinking and praying for your son and family, and wishing for a speedy recovery.