Lung cancer, radiation,chemo, gift basket questions

[texasthree]

My aunt was recently diagnosed with Lung Cancer and begins radiation on Monday. The cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and is inoperable. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on what I could send in a care package? Can she do a cross word or something during radiation and chemo? What could help someone during these terrible times? Any ideas or experiences would be great. Thanks

 

[EthansMom]

My brother had Hodgekin's Lymphoma a couple years ago (thankfully, cancer-free now). He said he had a difficult time concentrating after chemo and was quite ill. Instead of crossword puzzles, your Aunt might appreciate magazines, especially a subscription to one or two of her favorites.

Another idea, if you live close, would be to offer to make dinner or run errands/drive your Aunt to appointments.

My Mom had a good friend who lived far away and was recovering from an illness. Mom asked the friend's DH if there were any area restaurants they liked and then called and arranged a gift certificate for take-out dinners.

Your Aunt will be in my prayers!

 

[christineann]

When a friend of mine was in the hospital and in day-treatment for chemo, we took her magazines and Readers Digest - good short articles were easier for her.

The best part was just being with her, even while she slept. She did not make it, but I will always remember our "Camp Annie" days.

Prayers for you and your family.

 

[Feralpeg]

Perhaps an audio book or some music would help take her mind off things. I'll say a prayer for her.

 

[texasthree]

Thanks for the suggestions and well wishes. Unfortunatley I live very far away and cant be with her while she endures this. I will get some audio books and cd player with head phones. I am also thinking about ordering some meals from a supper shop in our area. You go in and make all the meals then freeze them.

 

[texasthree]

I should have added to my last post that all the rest of my family lives within a few minutes of my aunt. Its just me that is so far away and cant help with the day to day life of it all. Thats why I though a care package was best from me. My sister is going to do the my dinner shop and make and freeze, I will just send the money.

 

[Rootskate]

I am really sorry that your Aunt is going through this.
I am sure that she will really appreciate whatever you decide to send.

 

[Feralpeg]

I should have added to my last post that all the rest of my family lives within a few minutes of my aunt. Its just me that is so far away and cant help with the day to day life of it all. Thats why I though a care package was best from me. My sister is going to do the my dinner shop and make and freeze, I will just send the money.

You may not be there in person, but I'm sure she will know that you are there in spirit. Knowing others care can be the strongest medicine of all.

 

[ckret01]

My Fiances Aunt is going thru the same thing. I hope I can post this website on here...if not I apologize and please remove it.

http://www.cancergifts.com/index.php?page=baskets_women.php

I made my own gift basket when we went to see his Aunt but pretty much got what was in these baskets. The Goat Milk lotion I found on Amazon and at the Crackel Barrel (the little store they have inside the restaurant) it's great for the skin for people that go thru treatments b/c it burns their skin and may leave sores or dried out. Just make sure you get unscented. His Aunt also drinks a lot of Chi tea....it's supposed to be very good for you.

I was going t o get her cd's and book to read but she told us before hand that she could not concentrate on reading and such so we didn't get anything like that but I still think that is a great idea.

I got her campbells soup packets that you just pur water and microwave....no one wants to cook when y our not feeling well so I got her a pretty soup bowl to go along with the soup.

Hope this help. and I hope she gets better soon!

 

[texasthree]

Thanks so much! Those cancer baskets are very nice. I will definatley get some lotion. We dont have a cracker barrel here but I am thinking some melaleuca ones would work great. I am also setting up a website that everyone she knows can post well wishes, stories, pictures,etc. I am going to add some high protien recipes too it as well as a calendar/schedule of meals and who will be providing them. I cant be there but I can organize the family members that are there! Thanks again, you prayers and well wishes are wonderful.