MyWorldMyLife

Sitting in that cold, sterile room when the doctor said the words "you have cancer," I felt like the floor had dropped beneath me. In that instant, fear gripped me tightly, and all I could think about was fighting this thing growing inside me. My mind switched to survival mode, and I felt like a deer caught in headlights. That feeling of shock and terror lingered for what seemed like an eternity. The process to get to a treatment plan felt painfully slow, pushing my anxiety to new heights. Prepare yourselves, those waiting periods are the worst. First, there was the wait for the initial consultation, followed by what seemed like endless weeks waiting for tests and their results. Knowing there was cancer inside me and not being able to do anything immediately was excruciating. Two months post-diagnosis, my treatment path was laid out; I was scheduled for a therapeutic mammoplasty; a combination of a lumpectomy and breast reduction surgery, to remove the cancer from my left bre...

Fatteh is one of those dishes that’s pure comfort — and it has a special memory I want you to know. The name comes from the Arabic word fatt , meaning “to break into pieces,” which is exactly what happens to the crispy pita in this dish. Hummus, as you know, means chickpeas in Arabic. Put them together, and you get fattet hummus.... creamy, textured, and full of warmth. In the Middle East, especially Syria and Lebanon, fatteh is a must-have for a lazy brunch, our version of a relaxed Saturday morning meal. For me, it’s personal. I’ll never forget the first weekend after my breast cancer surgery, when Uncle Kinan made it for us. The toasted pita, creamy yoghurt, and that final sizzle of butter and nuts… it wasn’t just food. It was love, strength, and comfort all in one bowl, helping me feel cared for and at home. Now, whenever I make fatteh, it brings me that same warmth and nostalgia. It’s quick, comes together in about 30 minutes, and always feels like a hug from the inside. I hope o...