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’m so sorry, Christin! I’m going to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know this has to be such a hard time with so much uncertainty, but just know I wish you all the best. I wish I could do something more for you!
Christin, I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through right now. Please know that you and your son and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots and lots of positive thoughts your way. I’m so glad you have such a great support system of family and friends – so important to get through tough times like this. And a big virtual hug going your way!
I cannot begin to imagine how frightening this must have been for you and your family. Truly wishing you all the best and will trust you will keep us all posted on his progress. Stay strong! Lot’s of hugs xxx
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about your son – he’s so young! I hope that the treatments go well and he is back to himself very soon! Take care!
Oh Christin, I am so sorry and sad to hear about everything you and your family are going through. Please know that I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I am wishing for a full and speedy recovery for your son. Stay strong and sending warm thoughts and big hugs your way.
#drool
Christin, please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through.
Thank you so much Ashley!
I’m so sorry for you, Christin. You and all your family are in my prayers and I’m sending big higs your way.
Stay strong! x
Thank you Consuelo! That means so much!
Christin I am so sorry… I am going to pray for you and your family please be well and I hope he gets better.. It is nice to have friends and family by your side and good comfort food. Stay strong..
Thank you Shundara. Friends and family make all the difference at times like these.
I’m at a lost for words….I am totally shocked and sad to hear about what your son and your family are going through right now. You’re in my thoughts and I’m sending your son prayers for a speedy, full recovery. Thank goodness for friends and family. Stay strong and please take care.
Thank you Monica. That means a lot!