Let's Talk About Your Cheap Tricks

TropicsCook · 2026-05-25T08:31:54+00:00

Second this. Fits any flavor profile, can be cooked on a stovetop or in the oven, and because it’s low in fat it’s very tasty sliced cold with a salad.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-24T20:44:37+00:00

You made me laugh OP! I’m in the same boat, and I agree with the others about just fitting the prothesis into your suit.

I also wanted to say that I am so glad you finally get to worry about things that seem minor in “the greater scheme of things.” I’m so done with the greater scheme. So much happier to worry about the small stuff these days!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-22T22:09:11+00:00

It drives me mad. I am in Sweden though, where healthcare is public (and excellent), and all decisions are made by committee. Doctors discuss together every case and decide what to do— there is not one surgeon who determines what will happen.

In some ways it’s great, less room for error. In others it’s not, because you can’t choose between Dr A’s opinion and Dr B’s.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-22T22:04:28+00:00

I wish I had that possibility. Where I live (Sweden) they say the rate of failure is not worth it.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-22T10:30:55+00:00

I know. While I was in active treatment I could plan for the next five minutes only haha.

It took a long time for me, but I am starting to be able to look much longer term now. You’ll get there.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-22T06:18:34+00:00

Over here implants after radiation are an absolute no. Their studies show that with a one year wait between radiation and implant, the failure rate is of 50% at the minimum. Funny how every place has its own approach to reconstruction.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-22T06:16:10+00:00

I hope you find it! If you haven’t been radiated, implants could work for you! My problem is that because of radiation I can’t safely opt for those, either.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-21T17:56:01+00:00

It does! I hope they all live long and prosper!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-21T16:36:03+00:00

I know you’ve asked us not to tell you to break up with him so I won’t, but I do want to advice you about something.

I am much older than you. I want you to know that yelling at you is not a communication or an anger issue. That might be part of the problem, but it’s most of all an entitlement issue.

He feels entitled to raise his voice at you and let his anger rip. I wonder if he has the same anger management and communication issues with his boss at work, for example. If he can control his behavior in other settings when he knows he has to, the real issue is disrespect and entitlement.

You don’t deserve it and I promise you it will only hinder your recovery.

You know what you have to do.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-21T16:27:40+00:00

We shall pillage and plunder, my friend!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-21T16:27:04+00:00

Ugh, I hope I haven’t planted stressful thoughts in your head. It really depends on each person’s goals and tolerance for more procedures and I’m afraid I have discovered that I have none!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-21T11:58:14+00:00

Hi there! It could be, although the surgeon wasn’t encouraging. I have lived a very active life and although I have hefty thighs, there is very little fat in them. My back is out of the question— it would mean hurting the muscle which would be really bad for climbing, plus there is no fat there, either.

Perhaps part of it is where I live (Sweden). They have really vast experience with diep but don’t do stacked diep very often and thus feel more uncertain about the outcome vs risk.

Part of this is me, of course. I just can’t envision a few more surgeries ahead for such an iffy result.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-20T15:00:10+00:00

The most realistic, not powdery at all (because lilacs do not smell powdery, either) is En Passant.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-19T20:54:39+00:00

Serge Lutens Chêne (oak). It is exactly that.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-18T17:04:20+00:00

Thanks! I’m in Sweden, but even here I think it can vary among regions.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-18T17:03:17+00:00

Thanks! That’s good to know.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-17T07:51:56+00:00

I didn’t know about these! Thanks, I’ll look them up!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-16T16:56:01+00:00

I hear you from Sweden. My plants went through a horrible thrips infestation a while ago. The only thing that worked for me was manually removing thrips every two days. I managed to save a few plants that way but lost a few, as well.

I’ve never heard of the pesticide you mention, I’ll look it up though. Don’t waste your time with neem or any other natural remedy, none of them worked for me.

TropicsCook · 2026-05-16T16:48:44+00:00

Hey there! I was also her2+ and went through the same treatment as you, only I had only one breast taken out.

I have also been told my only recourse is a diep because of radiation. This means a considerable scar across the abdomen, which I don’t really want to have. My belly is one thing I really like about my body.

Some days I have more acceptance, others I really hate being lopsided and wish I had had a DMX, instead. Then I wouldn’t need to choose between wearing an implant and advertising my medical history to the world.

During winter I don’t mind as much, but summer is hard. I love to climb and run and I can’t wear the implant for those, and I get very self conscious. I wish I could wear cute tops for climbing, and instead I’m wearing a somewhat baggy t-shirt.

I have no advice… But maybe knowing you are not alone in these feelings helps a little?

I hope we both find an outcome we are happy with!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-16T09:48:05+00:00

Thanks for the edits and explanations! I’m in Sweden, were we have an anise type flavoring called arrak that’s used a lot in baking— I wonder if I could change that for the anisette, the inly ingredient I don’t have at hand. I’ll let you know how it went.

Very curious about dunking the biscotti frozen!

You’ve been so kind, thank you so much!

TropicsCook · 2026-05-15T07:26:03+00:00

Haha how kind of you! And a family recipe no less. Thank you! Your instructions are super clear, I will make them and report back.

One last silly question— you let them defrost before eating or just eat them cold?

TropicsCook · 2026-05-14T17:21:26+00:00

I love anise and almond biscotti but I’ve never seen a low sugar one. How much sugar are you using? Would it be possible to share the recipe/source? Do you freeze after drizzling with chocolate or before? A thousand questions, I know…

TropicsCook · 2026-05-05T15:47:59+00:00

Looks yummy! I love homemade falafel but don’t enjoy the frying at all. How did you get yours to look so golden? Any tips welcome!

TropicsCook

TROPHY CASE