Gift basket (cancer)

[ptmmg]

a good friend of my DH wife is going through chemo for breast cancer I would love to send her a Gift Basket I am not really sure of her interests. My dh said an edible arrangement but if she is going through chemo not sure if she can eat the fresh fruit or if she would even want it. I also heard of a company called Grandmother's chicken soup . com but dont know anything about them. any other suggestions I want to keep it about $60

 

[crisi]

If you do a search for "gift baskets cancer" there are several companies in this market.

 

[disprincessatheart]

One of my good friends unfortunately lost her six year battle with breast cancer this fall. One thing she really enjoyed was going to the spa for massages and facials since the chemo was so hard on her skin and body. She also was always cold at her appointments, so her dh got her a special chemo blanket she brought with her every time.

 

[reelmom]

I have a friend going through chemo and I agree with the PP about a blanket. My friend always gets cold and it is such a long time to sit while they administer the chemo. So maybe a pillow and some books and magazines. Some type of head wrap would be nice if she is losing or lost her hair. Also, ginger type candy for the nausea. They sell Preggo Pops at Babies-R-Us, that are lollipops made with ginger. They seem to work really well with the nausea. I am so sorry that your wife is going through this. Cancer stinks!

 

[Shagley]

You could put together a nice basket yourself. I would put in things like a throw blanket, slipper socks, find-a-word puzzle books & click pencils, lemon drops or other hard candy because chemo can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth, moisturizing lotion because if she is going through radiation, it can be very drying, etc. A homemade basket is more personal, plus it would probably be much cheaper.

 

[mom2rose&john]

Chemo often causes skin dryness. Lotion without scent or dye would be nice. I think a blanket or an afgan (sp ?) is a wonderful idea. A matching hat scarf and gloves or a shawl would also be thoughtful. My thoughts and prayers are with her during this challenging time.

 

[crisi]

You could put together a nice basket yourself. I would put in things like a throw blanket, slipper socks, find-a-word puzzle books & click pencils, lemon drops or other hard candy because chemo can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth, moisturizing lotion because if she is going through radiation, it can be very drying, etc. A homemade basket is more personal, plus it would probably be much cheaper.

Oh, I completely agree - but no reason not to shop what sells for ideas.

 

[Pigeon]

One of my good friends unfortunately lost her six year battle with breast cancer this fall. One thing she really enjoyed was going to the spa for massages and facials since the chemo was so hard on her skin and body. She also was always cold at her appointments, so her dh got her a special chemo blanket she brought with her every time.

I'd be careful about this. I'm a breast cancer survivor and somebody gave me a big $$$ gift certificate to a spa. While I appreciated the thought, that was the last thing I wanted. When you are in treatment, you get touched all over all the time by strangers. I had zero interest in having more strangers touching me, and I certainly didn't want to share my bald head and hairless bod with anybody. I felt extremely vulnerable and it would have been unbearable to go to a spa.

The gift certificate went unused. I should have given it to somebody else, but I just felt guilty every time I thought about it, and avoided the whole thing.

 

[Pigeon]

I'd have liked getting a few light hearted, funny videos. My vision was wonky. Normally, I'm a voracious reader, but couldn't during chemo, which drove me nuts. Some audio books would have been nice, too.

Personally, I'd also steer clear of scented stuff. My sense of smell was very off. My SIL gave me a very lovely set of lotions and body sprays, and now if I smell anything like those scents, it upsets me.

A bunch of fancy teas would have been nice.

 

[mrsklamc]

I know there was a thread about this on the community board awhile ago with lots of great suggestions. You might try a search.

 

[Priorityonecb]

Been there. You are sweet to think of her! Non scented or very, very lightly scented lotions and Burts Bee's honey chapstick are good choices. Both are soothing, with no extra scents which can be troublesome during chemo. A nice, cozy blanket and magazines are great choices. Sometimes you just can't focus on an entire book, but magazines are the perfect choice.

 

[scbelleatheart]

One of my good friends unfortunately lost her six year battle with breast cancer this fall. One thing she really enjoyed was going to the spa for massages and facials since the chemo was so hard on her skin and body. She also was always cold at her appointments, so her dh got her a special chemo blanket she brought with her every time.

+1! I got 3 1/2 hour massage cards and lots of things to keep her warm. Also a few new frivolous magazines I drop off weekly. This is my third freind in our group to go through this. Food was definately out unless it's for the DH and kids. Also got her some stuff for her "hair party". She dyed it all kinds of crazy colors , got a manicure and pedicure and then shaved her head! The chemo nurses suggested this. She got rid of her hair on her own terms last week!

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

I couldn't do the massage thing while I was undergoing chemo. My body was so tired and my skin hurt. My body couldn't handle the extra fatigue from a massage anyways. Not to mention I had so many fresh incisions that the thought of anyone getting near them still makes me cringe.

The best gifts I got were homemade dinners (I had a newborn while undergoing chemo so meals were definitely a blessing). Even if I couldn't eat them at least my caretakers had food. I pretty much ate whatever I was in the mood for. I've never ate so much take out in my whole life. I did get horrible mouth sores and hard candy to suck on really helped. I really enjoyed the Crazy Sexy Cancer books also. It made me feel less alone.

 

[Ember]

One of the nicest gifts we received when my mom was suffering with cancer was a memories book. We went through it together and it prompted a lot of conversations as she told me her memories of her life. I wrote everything down and even recorded a few of the conversations. I haven't been able to bring myself to listen to those conversations, but I really like knowing they are there when I'm ready.

She also really appreciated the really soft towel she was given. The ordinary ones hurt her skin. The towel and washcloth were made of incredibly soft mico cotton.

 

[mousestruck]

When I was going through chemo, I enjoyed receiving magazines (fun ones), fuzzy socks and pjs, and food, espcecially chocolate. I was lucky enough not to experience any nausea. In fact, I was hungrier than ever! I did not use spa certificates because I felt uncomfortable going.

Also, a perfect stranger (from one of the Disney Boards) sent me a care package with a wonderful book called "Beauty Pearls for Chemo Girls." It was filled with beauty tips and inspirational stories, and I truly loved it. It came with a wooden angel, symbolizing strength and courage, that still stands proudly on my mantel. I was so touched that someone I'd never met could be so thoughtful.

I'm sure your friend will appreciate your gift!

 

[BoogasMom]

You could put together a nice basket yourself. I would put in things like a throw blanket, slipper socks, find-a-word puzzle books & click pencils, lemon drops or other hard candy because chemo can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth, moisturizing lotion because if she is going through radiation, it can be very drying, etc. A homemade basket is more personal, plus it would probably be much cheaper.

I went through chemo treatments back in 2005 and this is the best advice! Also, chemo can make your mouth extremely dry but there is a mouthwash out there called Biotene that is really good at relieving it. Taking good care of your teeth is of upmost importance too because the chemo will kill all WBCs in the body, leaving it unable to fight off infection. Dirty teeth will just heighten the chance of infection and a hospital stay for IV antibiotics. I LOVED my stocking caps for wearing around the house and my hospital room after I lost all of my hair. Chemo leaves you feeling terribly cold all the time too.

Fresh fruits and veggies are a big no-no again because of the heightened chance of infection from uncooked foods. A hand-held electronic game such as a "solitaire" type of game is also a great way to pass time while in the clinic receiving the chemo infusion.

 

[kkandaj]

I sent a co-worker in a different state some pajamas from Pajama Gram. They have pretty jammies and wrap them nicely. She said she loved this because she could use them at the hospital/treatment center and wear them when friends stopped by.

 

[Mammaz]

The best thing I received when I had cancer was a jar of hard candy and I always give this to friends. I'm not a big candy eater but at that time in my life it was what I wanted and needed.

 

[cinderella73]

OP - Nice of you to put so much thought into your gift basket. I have a similar situation.

One of my best friends was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma a few months ago. They have only given her a few months to go now. On top of all shes been through they just recently dropped her on her back at the hospital causing it to break ! Needless to say she will be in the hospital a while. It makes me giggle how she still has her appetite though ! I always tease her about that.

I am sending her a stocking filled with mini hand sanitizer , hard candy ( life savers bank tin thng) , lip gloss , body wash ( cant walk but it makes the bed baths better) , magazines , soft socks , and other assorted little things.

The best thing I could thing of to get her was something that might take her mind off things and maybe laugh a bit. She loves the Reba shows , so I am getting her the box set.

Still working on her box but I also thought of a little pink christmas tree and maybe a pillow pet ? Shes about 10 years younger than me (in her 20's ). So I will keep watching here for ideas.

Sorry to hijack but if anyone has any ideas for a mid 20's something woman who is hospital bound and unable to walk , that would be great. Pjs wont be any good because they have to keep her in a gown. Aside from DVD's and a stocking I am at a loss.