OT Again! B-day ideas for sil going thru chemo?

[Keara'sMom]

Hi all, thanks for listening!
I posted this on the community board also, but I've gotten a lot of help from all of you on the family board that I thought I'd try here as well.

Background: My DSIL is turning 50 next Tuesday. She's had it really rough over the past four months (diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan, mastectomy in Feb., and now chemo, which is emotionally and physically draining), and I want to send her something fun to let her know that we're thinking of her on her b-day (her dh says she's not up for a celebration at this point--he also said no gifts, but.....). My dh is actually thinking of going down to PA to surprise her, but we want to send something, too. ANY IDEAS?

Thanks!
Leslie

 

[monorailsilver]

Edible Arrangements-YUMMY!

http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

Gift Certificates for take out.

Does she scrapbook? GC for that.

Puzzles?

I hope your dh goes & it perks her up a bit.

 

[Heluvsme]

My best friend is going through treatment right now too.

What about a Relaxation themed box of presents? A table top water fountain, cozy slippers, a robe, a neck pillow, a CD of her favorite music, maybe a candle or two, a box of tea and a pretty tea cup....


It's a very draining thing....both physically and emotionally. Personally, I'd love the distraction and the calming items.

Good luck with this though, you're a very thoughtful SIL!!!

 

[DonaldsDaisy]

I think having her DB there would a very special gift. When my DM was going through her first round of Chemo she celebrate her 60th. She really didn't want to celerate either. I made her a scrapbook that started with her parents wedding picutre and went up to my nephew. I had just gotten married so I left a page at the end and wrote a poem about more grandchildren. Everyone thought it was going to upset her but it brightened her day. I have since added a page for my DD. 4 years later she still shows it to anyone who will look. (she's a pround DM)

Watch any gifts of food that you send. My mother was not allowed to any fruit that was not peeled or cut by her. She was also restricted with other certain foods.

 

[CastleCreations]

I've been in healthcare for many years. When I don't know what to give, I give them a journal. Especially with cancer patients, there is a lot of idle time, during chemo, hospitalizations, that sort of thing. With a journal, she may be able to write down some thoughts, feelings that she isn't ready to share. I also write in the inside cover, to remind them how I feel about them. Having their journey documented will mean something to them later, even if they don't think so now. I've had many patients who've recovered, and they bring in their journal for me to see. The get such strength seeing what they've gone through and how far they've come.
Just a thought...Lisa

 

[Steph9072]

But best wishes and tons of prayer going out to you dsil & everyone else. My Mom is almost 5 years cancer free after having stage 3 breast cancer.

Hows about calling their favorite restaurant and arranging dinner to be delivered or having her dh pick it up. Also hows about a 3 or 6 month subscription to NETFLiX. Give her something to do why she is in her blah time after treatments.

HTH

 

[pl'smama]

Stuffed animals may be cliche, but I love them. How about a Build A Bear ( or monkey, cat, rabbit, whatever appeals to you)? You could record a message to put inside the bear with your family saying we love you, nothing over the top. Even a cute outfit or two to make her smile. Your DH could bring it along to give her, telling her that those of you who did not make the trip have hugged the bear to pass on to her.

My prayers are with your family.

 

[Keara'sMom]

Thanks so much for the great ideas! My dd10 is on "April Break" this week, and we're going to put some things together today to send. I'll be using MANY of the ideas you all suggested. Thanks again to such a caring and helpful group!
Leslie

 

[meandtheguys2]

My best friend is going through treatment right now too.

What about a Relaxation themed box of presents? A table top water fountain, cozy slippers, a robe, a neck pillow, a CD of her favorite music, maybe a candle or two, a box of tea and a pretty tea cup....


It's a very draining thing....both physically and emotionally. Personally, I'd love the distraction and the calming items.

Good luck with this though, you're a very thoughtful SIL!!!

I like this a lot! We also made sure my mom had a massage every month or so during chemo.

 

[Darcy03231]

Although its not really fun how about a gift certificate for house cleaning? We did this for my sister-in-law when she was ill several years ago and she really appreciated it (actually, we made arrangements for a cleaning service to come every other week until she was on her feet).

 

[Keara'sMom]

Darcy,
That's a great idea! Actually, when my sister-in-law was first diagnosed, I asked a co-worker who is a breast cancer survivor what support she appreciated most, and she mentioned that our office mates had pooled money and hired a cleaning person for her. So...a bunch of our friends got together and did the same thing for my sil! It has been of great help to her and her family, and I would also recommend this to anyone who is looking for a way to help out.