Hi gang- it's been pretty rough around here. After 7 Darzalex infusions, they had to stop so that he could get radiation on his hip and both rib cages.
We LOVE his Radiology Oncologist, Dr. M. This guy actually called Dom personally the other day and talked for about 15 minutes. We've only had 2 other doctors do that.
The last time that we spoke to him, I said "Doc! When he was diagnosed 10 years ago, it was a breeze. Thalidomide, total body radiation and a stem cell transplant. He was in complete remission for 8 years!"
Dr. M. said, "Dom- you beat the odds, man. You're 10 years older. The cancer and the treatment are kicking your ass."
Sure enough. Saturday morning he couldn't lift his left arm. Horrible pain. He stayed in bed the entire weekend. We called Dr. M on Monday. He ordered a CT Scan for Tuesday.
He called Tuesday afternoon to say that the Darzalex wasn't working and the cancer caused a BROKEN Collar Bone!
Dom was measured for radiation yesterday and had his first of 5 radiation treatments today. He'll finish up on Wed.
Then they have to figure out what to do for him. He had originally told them "NO MORE CHEMO". Thus the Immunotherapy Darzalex. We were SO hopeful.
I guess that they'll try chemo again. Dom doesn't want to end up back in a wheelchair, as it is, he's walking with 2 canes.
So, gang- If you can find it in your heart, please say a prayer.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Friday, July 12, 2019
THE SECRET TO MAKING THE PERFECT ICED COFFEE? IT’S IN THE BAG
Hi gang!
I just returned home from a trip to Panama City Beach, and was surprised to find samples waiting for me.
As it's pushing 100 degrees here, the timing couldn't have been any better.
I'm HOOKED on this stuff!
Insanely Delicious And 100% Foolproof, The Classic Summer Beverage Starts With Steeped Coffee’s Innovative Single-Serve Coffee Packs
[Santa Cruz, CA JULY 8, 2019] – When the summer heats up, coffee lovers crave something a little less steamy and a little more refreshing. Iced coffee fits the bill perfectly. For some, that means driving to the nearest chain, dropping a bundle, and leaving quality to chance.
But you can save time and money – and the planet – on a superior brew by making it at home, exactly the way you like it.
The award-winning coffee experts at Steeped Coffee have some tips on preparing the perfect iced coffee. Their simple method requires no gadgets, no expensive equipment, no mystery instant powders, and no wasteful pods. With a pack of single-serve Steeped Coffee, a great-tasting and sustainable glass of cold summer happiness is just a few minutes away.
Steeped, Inc. is all about coffee without compromise. Their proprietary single-serve brewing method features Steeped Coffee Bags (think tea bags engineered for coffee) to deliver the best ethically-sourced and locally roasted specialty coffee, one delicious cup at a time. Nitro-sealed to preserve freshness, Steeped Packs are made with renewable and compostable materials.
According to the team at Steeped, the secret to a classic iced coffee is a well-crafted ‘coffee concentrate’. A good concentrate is also the basis for many other refreshing coffee drinks we associate with summer sipping.
First, we’ll cover the recipe for Steeped Coffee Concentrate, and then we’ll dive into all the different variations of iced coffee you can create using that concentrate.
How to make Steeped Coffee Concentrate
For each serving, you’ll need
1 Steeped Coffee Pack
10 oz. mug
Filtered water
Directions:
Heat filtered water to 205 degrees, or just below boiling
Place a Steeped Bag at the bottom of a standard 10oz mug
Pour hot water over the Steeped Bag until the mug is half full
Dip and dunk Steeped Bag 20 to 30 times over 1 minute
Leave the Steeped Bag in, and let steep for 5 to 7 minutes or more to taste
Remove Steeped Bag. Your Steeped Coffee Concentrate is now ready for one of our 7 recipes below.
Pro Tips
To serve guests, make several batches of Steeped Concentrate in multiple cups. You can always store Steeped Concentrate in the fridge for later.
Freeze Steeped Coffee Concentrate in ice cube trays. Use coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes to avoid diluting your beverage.
Everyone knows the best way to enjoy iced coffee is through a straw. Be kind to the environment – buy reusable, dishwasher-safe metal straws!
STEEPED ICED COFFEE
For each serving, you’ll need
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
A tall glass
Ice
Optional: sugar and creamer or dairy substitute such as oat milk
Directions:
Fill the glass to the top with ice
Slowly pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Optional: top off with your favorite sweetener, creamer or dairy substitute to taste. Stir and enjoy.
STEEPED ICED MOCHA
You’ll need
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
A tall glass
Good quality chocolate syrup
Ice
Cream or preferred dairy substitute
Whipped cream
Directions
Pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Stir in chocolate syrup and milk or dairy substitute, leaving space for ice
Add ice to the glass until full and stir
Top with whipped cream to taste
STEEPED SPIKED ICED COFFEE
You’ll need
A tall glass
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
Liqueur of your choice: hazelnut, orange, Irish cream, amaretto, etc.
Ice
Sweetener or creamer (optional)
Directions
Fill the glass to the top with ice
Slowly pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Stir in 1 shot of liqueur
Sweeten and top with creamer to taste.
Stir and enjoy
About Steeped Coffee
Steeped, Inc., based in Santa Cruz, California, is a B-Corp (Benefit Corporation) focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped Coffee provides a single-serve method that combines convenience and quality all within Guilt-Free Packaging. The proprietary Steeped Brewing Method delivers 100% freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee, with no machine needed, just add water. Steeped, Inc. offers its brewing method to Licensed Partners around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.steepedcoffee.com. For business inquiries, contact sales@steepedcoffee.com.
I just returned home from a trip to Panama City Beach, and was surprised to find samples waiting for me.
As it's pushing 100 degrees here, the timing couldn't have been any better.
I'm HOOKED on this stuff!
Insanely Delicious And 100% Foolproof, The Classic Summer Beverage Starts With Steeped Coffee’s Innovative Single-Serve Coffee Packs
[Santa Cruz, CA JULY 8, 2019] – When the summer heats up, coffee lovers crave something a little less steamy and a little more refreshing. Iced coffee fits the bill perfectly. For some, that means driving to the nearest chain, dropping a bundle, and leaving quality to chance.
But you can save time and money – and the planet – on a superior brew by making it at home, exactly the way you like it.
The award-winning coffee experts at Steeped Coffee have some tips on preparing the perfect iced coffee. Their simple method requires no gadgets, no expensive equipment, no mystery instant powders, and no wasteful pods. With a pack of single-serve Steeped Coffee, a great-tasting and sustainable glass of cold summer happiness is just a few minutes away.
Steeped, Inc. is all about coffee without compromise. Their proprietary single-serve brewing method features Steeped Coffee Bags (think tea bags engineered for coffee) to deliver the best ethically-sourced and locally roasted specialty coffee, one delicious cup at a time. Nitro-sealed to preserve freshness, Steeped Packs are made with renewable and compostable materials.
According to the team at Steeped, the secret to a classic iced coffee is a well-crafted ‘coffee concentrate’. A good concentrate is also the basis for many other refreshing coffee drinks we associate with summer sipping.
First, we’ll cover the recipe for Steeped Coffee Concentrate, and then we’ll dive into all the different variations of iced coffee you can create using that concentrate.
For each serving, you’ll need
1 Steeped Coffee Pack
10 oz. mug
Filtered water
Directions:
Heat filtered water to 205 degrees, or just below boiling
Place a Steeped Bag at the bottom of a standard 10oz mug
Pour hot water over the Steeped Bag until the mug is half full
Dip and dunk Steeped Bag 20 to 30 times over 1 minute
Leave the Steeped Bag in, and let steep for 5 to 7 minutes or more to taste
Remove Steeped Bag. Your Steeped Coffee Concentrate is now ready for one of our 7 recipes below.
Pro Tips
To serve guests, make several batches of Steeped Concentrate in multiple cups. You can always store Steeped Concentrate in the fridge for later.
Freeze Steeped Coffee Concentrate in ice cube trays. Use coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes to avoid diluting your beverage.
Everyone knows the best way to enjoy iced coffee is through a straw. Be kind to the environment – buy reusable, dishwasher-safe metal straws!
STEEPED ICED COFFEE
For each serving, you’ll need
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
A tall glass
Ice
Optional: sugar and creamer or dairy substitute such as oat milk
Directions:
Fill the glass to the top with ice
Slowly pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Optional: top off with your favorite sweetener, creamer or dairy substitute to taste. Stir and enjoy.
STEEPED ICED MOCHA
You’ll need
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
A tall glass
Good quality chocolate syrup
Ice
Cream or preferred dairy substitute
Whipped cream
Directions
Pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Stir in chocolate syrup and milk or dairy substitute, leaving space for ice
Add ice to the glass until full and stir
Top with whipped cream to taste
STEEPED SPIKED ICED COFFEE
You’ll need
A tall glass
1 serving of Steeped Coffee Concentrate (see above)
Liqueur of your choice: hazelnut, orange, Irish cream, amaretto, etc.
Ice
Sweetener or creamer (optional)
Directions
Fill the glass to the top with ice
Slowly pour the Steeped Coffee Concentrate into the glass
Stir in 1 shot of liqueur
Sweeten and top with creamer to taste.
Stir and enjoy
About Steeped Coffee
Steeped, Inc., based in Santa Cruz, California, is a B-Corp (Benefit Corporation) focused on every detail from farm-to-cup and beyond, to bring people the most convenient, quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably packaged products available. Steeped Coffee provides a single-serve method that combines convenience and quality all within Guilt-Free Packaging. The proprietary Steeped Brewing Method delivers 100% freshly roasted, precision ground, and nitro sealed specialty coffee pre-portioned within Steeped Full Immersion Filters. Steeped Coffee is the simplest way to make a perfect cup of coffee, with no machine needed, just add water. Steeped, Inc. offers its brewing method to Licensed Partners around the globe. For more information, visit http://www.steepedcoffee.com. For business inquiries, contact sales@steepedcoffee.com.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
We Had Quite the Morning
Hi there, gang.
We had quite the morning. We saw Dr. Mannina the Radiology Oncologist at 8:30.
He informed us that Dom had broken ribs on the right, new lesions on the left, and a large lesion on his right hip.
A year or so ago was when Dom had a Plasmacytoma on his right hip. That's when he fell out of an 8-year complete remission.
So, here's the plan:
We go in Tuesday afternoon to get measured for a contraption that will hold Dom's arms over his head.
He'll get about 30-minute sessions when they're ready to get started. Dr. Mannina is going to blast the hip, and "graze" both sides of his ribcage so as not to affect any internal organs.
He sent us downstairs for Dom's 8th Darzalex infusion.
When we arrived at the infusion center, the gang had Dom all set up in his favorite "corner office". A lot of room and not sitting on top of anybody.
The volunteer already had our Diet Cokes, candy bar, pillow and blanket waiting for him. This guy, Richard is a DOLL. His wife is currently getting treatment for Breast Cancer, so he knows all too much about the ups and downs of treatment.
Our nurse cleaned his port and started the steroid infusion.
Brian, our favorite nurse from Dr. Calabresi office next door came running in... "STOP STOP!".
After consulting each other, the 2 doctors didn't want any Darzalex in his system for next week.
Sooooo... Fitting on Tuesday, then 10 Radiation Treatments, THEN back on the Darzalex.
As you guys all know, the Radiation works wonders for pain, so we're happy to get started.
ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. *groaning*
We had quite the morning. We saw Dr. Mannina the Radiology Oncologist at 8:30.
He informed us that Dom had broken ribs on the right, new lesions on the left, and a large lesion on his right hip.
A year or so ago was when Dom had a Plasmacytoma on his right hip. That's when he fell out of an 8-year complete remission.
So, here's the plan:
We go in Tuesday afternoon to get measured for a contraption that will hold Dom's arms over his head.
He'll get about 30-minute sessions when they're ready to get started. Dr. Mannina is going to blast the hip, and "graze" both sides of his ribcage so as not to affect any internal organs.
He sent us downstairs for Dom's 8th Darzalex infusion.
When we arrived at the infusion center, the gang had Dom all set up in his favorite "corner office". A lot of room and not sitting on top of anybody.
The volunteer already had our Diet Cokes, candy bar, pillow and blanket waiting for him. This guy, Richard is a DOLL. His wife is currently getting treatment for Breast Cancer, so he knows all too much about the ups and downs of treatment.
Our nurse cleaned his port and started the steroid infusion.
Brian, our favorite nurse from Dr. Calabresi office next door came running in... "STOP STOP!".
After consulting each other, the 2 doctors didn't want any Darzalex in his system for next week.
Sooooo... Fitting on Tuesday, then 10 Radiation Treatments, THEN back on the Darzalex.
As you guys all know, the Radiation works wonders for pain, so we're happy to get started.
ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. *groaning*
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Dom's in a LOT of Pain
He had a full body bone-scan done a couple of weeks ago. Images below are showing his "hot-spots". Breaks, cracks or lesions. It's showing the bones attempting to regenerate.
The first image below is untouched:
On this image I circled his "hot-spots":
We think that all of these broken ribs are a result of the 10 radiation blasts on his C-3 Disc. They caused his throat to close up. THEN the coughing began.
His ribs were already weak from lesions, and the coughing snapped them.
They did an MRI on his right hip after consulting an Orthopedic Surgeon. The guy wasn't concerned that this would cause Dom to fall, as the hot-spot isn't in the socket of his hip.
We're guessing that it's a new lesion.
This goes on and on and on! My guy is a "Hurtin' Little Cowboy", I'm afraid!
The first image below is untouched:
On this image I circled his "hot-spots":
We think that all of these broken ribs are a result of the 10 radiation blasts on his C-3 Disc. They caused his throat to close up. THEN the coughing began.
His ribs were already weak from lesions, and the coughing snapped them.
They did an MRI on his right hip after consulting an Orthopedic Surgeon. The guy wasn't concerned that this would cause Dom to fall, as the hot-spot isn't in the socket of his hip.
We're guessing that it's a new lesion.
This goes on and on and on! My guy is a "Hurtin' Little Cowboy", I'm afraid!
Friday, May 24, 2019
RUB IT IN: MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER FLAVORS WITH MEAT RUBS
BBQ Season is upon us! We're really looking forward to breaking out these meat rubs this weekend.
We LOVE Pereg products!
Exotic Spice Blends Give An Irresistible Middle Eastern Accent To Chops, Ribs, Chicken, Fish, Even Veggies
Koobah
Shawarma
Kabab
Ras el Hanout
Clifton, NJ, MAY 21, 2019 – What is it about Middle Eastern cuisine that’s so flavorfully satisfying? From Turkish kabobs and Iraqui kibbeh to Israeli shawarma and Moroccan tagines, something magical happens when fresh ingredients and hearty seasonings meet over an open flame.
Enter the meat rub, the essential secret of every Middle Eastern pantry.
Closer to home, it’s well-known that a good rub is a grill chef’s best friend. Rubs seal in flavor, form a tasty crust, add color, and have a long shelf life. They’re also easy to use. No need for marinades because rubs do all the work. Best of all, they impart an addictive flavor to everything they touch.
But the term “meat rub” is a bit of a misnomer, say the spice experts at Pereg Natural Foods. Classic blends like ras el hanout and koobah partner as beautifully with fish and vegetables as they do with steaks and briskets.
In the Middle East, families hand down their secret spice blends from generation to generation. That’s why there are as many variations of rubs as there are households!
But you don’t have to be an heir to access the traditional ingredients and proportions behind these exotic mixtures. Pereg scours the world for fresh, natural, 100% pure spices, bringing more than 100 years of expertise and quality to the table.
Get to know some of these Middle Eastern-style secrets when the grill heats up.
Koobah
Pereg’s Koobah starts with baharat, a ubiquitous Israeli and Mediterranean staple, and then adds warm layers of cinnamon, allspice, rose, nutmeg, and cardamom for a complex finish. It makes an excellent dry rub for grilled or roast lamb, salmon, and chicken. It’s also delicious when sprinkled into burgers, mixed with hummus, or tossed onto vegetables (particularly corn on the cob and eggplant) before roasting.
Kabab
It wouldn’t be shish kabab without kabab seasoning. Douse cubes of chicken, beef, or lamb liberally with Pereg’s hearty mash-up (paprika, black pepper, coriander, garlic, and cumin) and thread on skewers with vegetables of your choice. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked. Serve on warm pita bread – also prepared on the grill – with tahini and a side of cucumber salad for an authentic version of Israeli street food.
Shawarma
Another food truck favorite, shawarma is easy to make with Pereg’s perfect mixture of cumin, coriander, allspice, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Simply rub Shawarma spice blend onto thin slices of chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. Toss meat into a zipper top bag with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and red onion. Marinate overnight and grill. Serve on warm pita and plenty of garnishes: tahini, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cilantro...
Ras el Hanout
Traditional recipes for this Moroccan seasoning call for up to100 ingredients! You could make your own, or turn to Pereg’s intriguing blend of cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and more. Ras el hanout brings aromatic warmth, a hint of sweetness, and complexity to anything from burgers to brisket. A key component of soups, stews, and tagines, it can also be used a table-top condiment. Sprinkle it on vegetable dishes or even over popcorn for a punch of flavor.
ABOUT PEREG - Pereg was established in 1906, and is based in Clifton, NJ. They first became known for their vast variety of pure and natural spices and spice blends, more than 60 in all, from traditional favorites to exotics from around the culinary world.
Today Pereg produces an array of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. Pereg Natural Foods products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and on their website, www.pereg-gourmet.com.
Pereg manufactures all its products from start to finish, controlling the quality from the sourcing until the product is packed and ready for the consumer. All Pereg products are kosher certified by both the Orthodox Union (OU) and CRC, are dairy and lactose-free as well as all natural, with no additives or preservatives. Many products are also certified gluten-free and non-GMO. Follow Pereg Natural Foods on Facebook.com/pereggourmet, Twitter @pereggourmet and Instagram @peregnatural.
We LOVE Pereg products!
Exotic Spice Blends Give An Irresistible Middle Eastern Accent To Chops, Ribs, Chicken, Fish, Even Veggies
Koobah
Shawarma
Kabab
Ras el Hanout
Clifton, NJ, MAY 21, 2019 – What is it about Middle Eastern cuisine that’s so flavorfully satisfying? From Turkish kabobs and Iraqui kibbeh to Israeli shawarma and Moroccan tagines, something magical happens when fresh ingredients and hearty seasonings meet over an open flame.
Enter the meat rub, the essential secret of every Middle Eastern pantry.
Closer to home, it’s well-known that a good rub is a grill chef’s best friend. Rubs seal in flavor, form a tasty crust, add color, and have a long shelf life. They’re also easy to use. No need for marinades because rubs do all the work. Best of all, they impart an addictive flavor to everything they touch.
But the term “meat rub” is a bit of a misnomer, say the spice experts at Pereg Natural Foods. Classic blends like ras el hanout and koobah partner as beautifully with fish and vegetables as they do with steaks and briskets.
In the Middle East, families hand down their secret spice blends from generation to generation. That’s why there are as many variations of rubs as there are households!
But you don’t have to be an heir to access the traditional ingredients and proportions behind these exotic mixtures. Pereg scours the world for fresh, natural, 100% pure spices, bringing more than 100 years of expertise and quality to the table.
Get to know some of these Middle Eastern-style secrets when the grill heats up.
Pereg’s Koobah starts with baharat, a ubiquitous Israeli and Mediterranean staple, and then adds warm layers of cinnamon, allspice, rose, nutmeg, and cardamom for a complex finish. It makes an excellent dry rub for grilled or roast lamb, salmon, and chicken. It’s also delicious when sprinkled into burgers, mixed with hummus, or tossed onto vegetables (particularly corn on the cob and eggplant) before roasting.
Kabab
It wouldn’t be shish kabab without kabab seasoning. Douse cubes of chicken, beef, or lamb liberally with Pereg’s hearty mash-up (paprika, black pepper, coriander, garlic, and cumin) and thread on skewers with vegetables of your choice. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked. Serve on warm pita bread – also prepared on the grill – with tahini and a side of cucumber salad for an authentic version of Israeli street food.
Shawarma
Another food truck favorite, shawarma is easy to make with Pereg’s perfect mixture of cumin, coriander, allspice, garlic, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Simply rub Shawarma spice blend onto thin slices of chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey. Toss meat into a zipper top bag with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and red onion. Marinate overnight and grill. Serve on warm pita and plenty of garnishes: tahini, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cilantro...
Ras el Hanout
Traditional recipes for this Moroccan seasoning call for up to100 ingredients! You could make your own, or turn to Pereg’s intriguing blend of cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, allspice, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and more. Ras el hanout brings aromatic warmth, a hint of sweetness, and complexity to anything from burgers to brisket. A key component of soups, stews, and tagines, it can also be used a table-top condiment. Sprinkle it on vegetable dishes or even over popcorn for a punch of flavor.
ABOUT PEREG - Pereg was established in 1906, and is based in Clifton, NJ. They first became known for their vast variety of pure and natural spices and spice blends, more than 60 in all, from traditional favorites to exotics from around the culinary world.
Today Pereg produces an array of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. Pereg Natural Foods products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and on their website, www.pereg-gourmet.com.
Pereg manufactures all its products from start to finish, controlling the quality from the sourcing until the product is packed and ready for the consumer. All Pereg products are kosher certified by both the Orthodox Union (OU) and CRC, are dairy and lactose-free as well as all natural, with no additives or preservatives. Many products are also certified gluten-free and non-GMO. Follow Pereg Natural Foods on Facebook.com/pereggourmet, Twitter @pereggourmet and Instagram @peregnatural.
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