In recent weeks, I’ve had some unexpected serious health news with a bit of a cancer scare. It’s all happened quite swiftly and following numerous tests, I’ve had abdominal surgery, been in hospital and am now back at home in what I’m told will be a six-week recovery. I’m extremely relieved and grateful to say that it was caught in time, I am in the clear and recovering well so far.
It’s been a week now since I’ve been home and I got a strong feeling that some of Granny Maddalena’s, brodo di gallina or minestrone was needed – those magical, healing soups of many nonnas! I’m not yet able to cook as I’m still shuffling about and can’t lift anything very heavy so Roger was up to the task. He even went to the shop with the list of ingredients I gave him that included things like… ‘the best, freshest-looking greens in season that you find’ (which happened to be some lovely, tender cavolo nero – perfect).
What started as a brodo di gallina became a pot of minestrone with about a dozen ingredients. Roger was a very good kitchenhand 😘 and chopped them all up but then I couldn’t help myself and oversaw the cooking. It was the first time I’ve been back near the stove in quite a while and it felt so wonderful to have a quick stir of the pot again 😉 (and eating minestrone did feel very restorative too)!
While it’s been a bit of a frightening and tricky time of late, I’m feeling so thankful it wasn’t worse and that I had such a wonderful surgeon and oncologist. By chance, her mother is from a mountain village in Lazio that just happens to border with Abruzzo. Must’ve been a good omen! 💛 Zoë xx
Zoë Boccabella 
Sorry to hear that the dreaded c has hit you. I miss my mothers minestrone and visit New Farm deli to get my fix during these winter months. Hope recovery goes well for you. Modern chemo and immuno therapies are life saving
Regards Wally Vicig
Thank you, Wally, I was very lucky it was caught early and also that it didn’t become cancer. The initial diagnosis was much more dire. And good to hear you can still get your minestrone fix. I’m now the fourth generation of my family that I know of who’ve made it (and I think the recipe differs just a little each time though the bones of it remain the same!) Best wishes, Zoe
I’m so happy that you are on the mend. That big C can be very frightening. Are you strong enough to use your fingers on the word processor. All the bet to you from Hallam in Melbourne.
Thanks so much, Rod, yes, it’s been a bit of a harrowing time but very grateful to be getting to the other side of it. I’ve only been able to be back at my desk for short stints just recently but believe me, I can’t wait until I can get back to writing again! Warm wishes, Zoe
Dear Zoe, I am glad to hear that you are recovering well & that the surgery was done in time to catch the cancer. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I will keep you in my prayers. Blessings from Lauree Brown, Tasmania.
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Thank you, Lauree, I appreciate that very much (especially from lovely Tasmania). 💙 Feeling very relieved and grateful and doing all I can for a good recovery. Warmest wishes, Zoe x
Hello Zoe, I’m so sorry to read that you’ve been unwell and very pleased that you’re through the surgery. May there be much soup and a speedy recovery. Best wishes, Betty xxx
Thank you, Betty, it’s certainly all happened quite swiftly and unexpectedly but thankful to be recovering well so far. 🤞 Definitely more soup will be on the cards.🫕😘 Warm wishes, Zoe x
Dear Zoe, sorry to hear that you have had such a serious health issue.
I wish you a speedy recovery and my thoughts and prayers are with you and Roger xxx
Thank you very much, Christine, I really appreciate that. Taking each day one at a time and gradually getting there. Kind wishes, Zoe 💕
Sending much love and healing prayers to you, Zoë! So glad that you are past your scare and on the mend. Hugs (gentle ones!) from Portland, Oregon…Debbie Rehn
Much appreciated, Debra, thank you so much – and all the way from Portland, Oregon! I’m touched. Very relieved and pleased to be on the mend. 🤞 (And happy to receive your gentle hugs!) 😘 Warm wishes, Zoë xx
Sorry to hear about your health issues and glad you are on the mend. You will be cooking and writing in no time! Ciao, Cristina
Thank you, Cristina, much appreciated, and yes, I’m so looking forward to getting back to cooking and writing again as soon as I’m able to! Best wishes, Zoe x