Today’s Easy Lunch: For my mother who has breast cancer

Some of you may already know about my mom’s diagnosis if you’ve read my dishwashing article. Personally, knowing my mom is going to have some kind of breast cancer treatment or surgery, the world suddenly feels like it’s spinning in a direction I didn’t choose. As a daughter who has never dealt with a cancer diagnosis before, I found myself paralyzed by the "what-ifs."

What food should she eat? When should she eat? How much? How am I supposed to be a caregiver when I’m still figuring out how to be an adult? How can I keep her healthy when we have to be frugal between household payments and the never-ending medical bills?

I spent nights buried in medical articles and nutrition blogs, feeling overwhelmed by clinical advice that required a culinary degree to implement. But then I realized: nutrition doesn't have to be complicated to be effective. Sometimes, the best care is just getting something warm, high-protein, and comforting onto the table.

Today, I’m sharing the “lazy lunch” I made for my mom. It’s not gourmet, but it’s real—and it’s a lifesaver on the days when we don’t have many groceries on hand.

Here’s the big reveal: frozen meatballs and powdered mashed potatoes. 😲

*Gasp! I know, I know! Mashed potatoes from a box and frozen meat? How could I? As I said before, it’s not realistic to have the healthiest and best groceries on hand every single day. I just remembered we had the meatballs from Aldi, and the box of potatoes had already been opened. I just followed the directions on each package. The potatoes were super easy, even on a stovetop. I had no complaints; it does well in a pinch.

Meatballs are a great source of protein; just be sure to eat red meat in moderation. We didn’t have any veggies in the house, so it wasn’t a ‘whole’ meal, but the fact that she ate something other than peanut butter crackers is a win in my book. Now, because we were very hungry, I didn’t bother letting the meatballs simmer in a pan with broth or gravy for ten minutes. I just microwaved them for a minute or two for time’s sake, and because we don’t have any broth in the pantry. I would definitely recommend heating them on the stove with a nice sauce! Let me know in the comments if you tried this!

Tip: Don’t be afraid of the sauces, condiments, and/or seasonings! Unless the person you care for isn’t allowed to have something, or is too sensitive to it, etc., add in some flavor! I set out A1 steak sauce and ketchup as dipping options for the meatballs.

It’s still early in the process, so we’re waiting for a treatment plan/scheduled surgery. My mom is my best friend, and I intend to keep her around for a lot longer. Cooking for her is just a little thing I know I can do to help, especially since she works full-time. Blessedly, she works from home, and I’m home for the summer.

A Note for the Caregiver

If you’re reading this and feeling like you aren’t "doing enough," please take a deep breath.

I’ve learned that my mom doesn’t need me to be a Michelin-star chef. She needs me to be present. She needs to know that she doesn't have to worry about the next meal in the midst of all her appointments, fatigue, and daily work. By handling the kitchen, you are giving her the most valuable gift of all: the energy to rest, to let someone else take care of it.

A Gentle Reminder

Disclaimer: I am just a daughter navigating this for the first time. I always recommend checking with your mom’s oncology dietitian before making major diet changes, as some treatments have specific dietary restrictions (like avoiding certain raw foods or managing specific sodium levels).

To all the daughters out there doing their best: You are doing a great job. Keep it simple, keep it high-protein, and keep showing up.

Have you found any "go-to" meals that your loved ones can tolerate during treatment? Let me know in the comments—I’m still learning, and I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

Xoxo,

Red

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

—1 Tim. 5:8 (KJV)