Gift package for friend diagnosed with Cancer

[happybratpack]

I'm trying to put together a box for a long-distance friend who was diagnosed with Lung Cancer last week. She starts treatment next week and I just feel horrible for her. I was hoping maybe someone had some suggestions of maybe inspirational books that I could include. She has a rough road ahead.

Thanks!

 

[pezheadmeg]

Fluffy socks, you can get them all over the place now that's it's the holiday season. I would look into a throw blanket also. It's the little comfort things that count sometimes.

 

[scooby9932]

Firstly, to you for being such a caring friend!

I have been battling cancer for a few years now - Stage 4 metastatic - just finished another 10 rounds of chemo. The nicest things anyone's given me have been prayers & cards with heartfelt wishes, but I have received some very nice items that have been a help. Here are some suggestions:

Comfort items are much appreciated: chemo & radiation cause dry skin, so body butters, lip balm will be appreciated. Head wraps, soft robe, aromatherapy wraps, cozy socks, slippers, etc. A journal to write down feelings. Hard candy to help with dry mouth & sores. A funny mug with a variety of teas (be careful of herbal teas - herbs can react with meds) or hot cocoa.

NOTE: Just be sure to check to see if there are any allergies/reactions to medications. Also, some cancer patients experience a change in tastes & smells so some scents/flavors, while nice normally, can be difficult for the patient.

Also, anything that takes the mind off the cancer for awhile is welcome indeed. Laughter is great medicine - I have loved getting funny movies, cards, books, etc. Sometimes the patient just gets tired of talking/thinking about their disease.


As for inspirational books, a couple I can recommend are:

• There's No Place Like Hope: A Guide to Beating Cancer in Mind-sized Bites
• Stronger Than Cancer Book by Connie Payton

I hope this helps. I'll pray that your friend recovers fully.

 

[tinkerfan1]

A pretty journal is another idea. We gave a really soft throw (blanket) and a journal to a friend who had cancer. She loved them. I believe she used the journal to write notes to her children.

 

[Sal]

My daughter was the recipient of this gift and we have passed the same on to another young woman facing a cancer diagnosis.

A dear friend made up a "chemo bag". It was a fun designed bag filled with things to make the trip to the chemo lab and the hours spent there easier. I can not remember everything that was in there, but here is a partial list:

Change for a vending machine, gum, candy, journal, note cards, stamps, puzzle books, small notebook to take notes, pens, a dice game, and other similar items. It was a wonderful gift that can be taylored to suit an individual's interests and needs.

It made our day when she received it. You are a caring friend to want to do something for your friend. I pray she recovers.

 

[mrsklamc]

I just have two suggestions to add; My hips and butt got sore from spending so much time in bed so a memory foam pillow helped with that.

I don't know if you or your friend are religious but the most meaningful thing that I got was from the wife of a career soldier (he's now retired) She gave me a several page, handwritten collection of her favorite passages on fear and worry from the Bible after I shared that I was scared about my surgery. I thought, wow, who else has more expertise on handling fear and worry than that!?!?

 

[happybratpack]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I really do appreciate it!!

I wish I could do more for her.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

When my cousin was going for outpatient chemo treatments, her brother and sisters chipped in and bought her a portable DVD player. Then the rest of the family bought her movies (particularly funny ones) for her to watch and pass the time.

 

[missypie]

A copy of Frankl's book "Man's Search for Meaning."

 

[Pakey]

I was too sick through chemo to read. I enjoyed dvd's, preferably TV shows (comedies) that were not as long as a 2 hour movie (could rarely sit through an entire movie).

I also agree with unscented lip balms and lotions, comfy socks, pillow, pj's, etc.

 

[mom2boys77]

My mom has stage 4 lung cancer. She was diagnosed this summer. I would say stay away from scented lotions..things my mom used to love now make her sick. Blankets for chemo are good, chapstick, and Biotene for mouth sores. My mom spends a lot of time watching tv now so maybe a netflix subscription or something like that. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. This is a horrible disease. I will keep her in my prayers.