To ask for a hug and ready meal suggestions!

[solitarywalker]

NCed for this thread, but regular.

I just need to wail at the world for a second. Apologies in advance - this is going to be a pity party, but I have to get it out somewhere!

I just found out my grandmother has cancer. I cannot believe it. I have always denied to myself that she's getting on because she's full of mischief and energy.

My cat, who has been with me through thick and thin is dying of cancer too.

I am unable to work because of ill health. I am a writer but I can't even think straight enough to read a simple book. I am on hormonal drugs that act as a depressant and I feel truly low. Emotionally, I am no longer coping. All my joints ache.

I have a dental abscess, and despite 3 days of antibiotics It. Still. Hurts.

I found out in the last couple of months that I probably can't have children, and I don't feel like I've even started to process this yet. I just feel... bereft.

Here comes the practical bit: I am due in for surgery later this week. It's the second time I've had the op, because it didn't work first time around.

I have no support from family - they are hundreds of miles away. I've been ill for some time and friends have stopped seeing me or calling. I understand they are busy - most have children and full time work and that is more than enough for anyone. I also think they struggle to know what to say with the illness, or how to deal with someone who has become quite unable to do the active things I used to do. I (selfishly) feel very lonely. I don't even seem to get noticed on Facebook any more.

DH is wonderful, but already working long hours and trying to hold things together.

Here comes the practical issue: I need to stock up on ready meals that DH and I can cook quickly and easily for the post-surgery period. I will not be able to stand for longer than 10 minutes or to walk very far, and I will need my five a day to recover! I don't have a clue what to get or how easy they are to do. I went to M&S at the weekend, but they seemed to have very little that was veggie (I don't eat meat or fish). Please recommend me some nice things to eat for the next fortnight!

Hi solitary walker - hugs to you, and hope that you continue to make it through the days when they seem very dark. Treasure yourself, and give yourself time and peace to heal from the illnesses that are weighing you down at this point in your life.
Xx

I recommend this recipe. Sorry you're having a tough time

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/236609/black-bean-chilli

Not really a meal but worth having some nice fresh custard and something like apple crumble or rice pudding in. Just so if you don't feel up to a meal and you might fancy something sweet

I like Tesco vegetable moussaka!

I am so sorry you are having all this sadness in your life I hope some good things are around the corner for you - I feel sure they must be!

"Cook" ready meals are not cheap but good portions and properly fresh and organic. www.cookfood.net/

You poor thing. Hope things improve for you soon.
I know what you mean about M&S veggie ready meals. However one of their better ones is the Vegetarian Moussaka.

It's really tasy and filling, and uses brown lentils instead of meat.
Waitrose do a very similar one, although I haven't seen it around for a while.
Are you able to do any cooking for the freezer before your surgery?

I made a huge chick pea, spinach and sweet potato curry today. It' one of our staple meals, simple cheap and really tasty, and freezes really well.

DH and I like M&S veggie bake. It takes about 50 mins from frozen. I try to always keep one or two in the freezer.

Charlie Bingham does an amazing spinach cannelloni. Waitrose stock them. Bit pricy but sounds like you deserve all the treats you can get. Hope it goes well.

Sorry charlie bigham not Bingham.

Sliced mushrooms cooked in butter and garlic with some frozen spinach (thawed, naturally) and green pesto. Serve with some pasta and lots of parmesan.

Best ready meal when I was younger was Vesta Chow Mein . . . especially the crispy noodles!