Suggestions for a cancer patient.

[Disney_Dreaming]

My Dad is currently receiving treatment for cancer. He's home now and has been watching t.v. to pass the time. He's starting to get bored and asked me to think of other things that he can do throughout the day. I thought of word search, puzzles and books but would like some suggestions.

Thank you!

 

[Mrs.Reese]

When my mother had cancer, she would often read. She also said that making scrapbooks was a great way to pass the time.

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

I just finished radiation yesterday and chemo in February. I don't know what your dad is going through but I was told to be as active as possible without tiring myself out. (I had to work some as well as I couldn't take all that time off). So I exercised - walked either on the treadmill or outside when it's nice. It helps lessen some of the side effects of both treatments.

I also read, did crossword puzzles, was here on the DIS alot , when I needed some rest.

I wish your dad well.

 

[tiggerlover]

Audio books, DVD, jigsaw puzzles, soduko books or music.

 

[Pakey]

I did a lot of jigsaw puzzles. I had a lot of nausea so reading and word puzzles were harder for me.

 

[Ohiodislover]

Many of the patients where I work like the hand held battery operated blackjack, poker, yatzee type games.

 

[Hillbeans]

My MIL really enjoyed playing the Wii with my kids when she was going through treatments - maybe because it was a good distraction.

I also bought a lot of magazines and reading material.

Good thoughts to you and your family.

 

[DisneyMim]

I don't know exactly how your Dad feels or what he's up for doing, but when my hubby went through cancer he watched a lot of tv, he's very into sports. Also I bought him (you could rent) favorite old tv series. When he was able to we went to the mall and walked. A mall is a good place because there are benches and chairs to rest and places to buy a drink, etc. It would be good for him to get out if he can if only to people watch. Reading, puzzles, mgazines, etc. are all good ideas too.

Best of Luck to your Dad. Cancer is very hard to go through, but when he can plan something special.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

How about coloring? I know there are lots of adult coloring books (around here our schoolhouse store sells them). If that dont float his boat he could also volenteer to help out with a local daycares projects. We have a very grandpa (with lung cancer) who builds us stuff and does all our coloring for us (we save a ton by printing in black and white).

 

[wld]

For an active guy like my dad the fatigue was tough. He just wasn't used to sitting around. He and mom enjoyed the wii very much. Bowling and a shooting game involving ducks were 2 of his favorites.

 

[Gigi22]

If your Dad likes to read, I would suggest magazines or collections of short stories. Both are good to read when you aren't feeling well because they can both be read in short spurts--not like getting to the middle of a mystery novel, putting it down, and then trying to remember the plot up to the place you stopped reading.
Would he be interested in listening to podcasts? If not the DIS, then something in a subject area that appeals to him.

 

[dizneygurl007]

I would suggest all the previous things. If your dad likes being outside, maybe try preparing some pots for him to plant flowers in. Even create a small garden inside where he can start plants from seeds. These things don't require a whole lot of energy and can be done sitting down. Bird watching might be a good activity as well. Sitting outside in a comfy chair would probably feel wonderful. I hope your dad feels better soon. My prayers are with you and your family.

 

[Pastamom]

What about some hand held games like poker or Yahtzee?

Does he like to put things together? Maybe some construction kits or crafts from Jo Ann fabrics or Michaels. Perhaps he could make something that could be donated for charity (ie knitting hats for babies...) depending on what he likes to do.

Hope he's feeling better soon.

 

[Ceila]

Does he like to do woodworking? Whittling might be a good thing to try, since it can be done while sitting. Cooking - maybe get him one of those "guys" cook books (along with a promise to go to the store and get the ingredients if he doesn't feel up to going there himself).

 

[starann]

I would suggest all the previous things. If your dad likes being outside, maybe try preparing some pots for him to plant flowers in. Even create a small garden inside where he can start plants from seeds. These things don't require a whole lot of energy and can be done sitting down. Bird watching might be a good activity as well. Sitting outside in a comfy chair would probably feel wonderful. I hope your dad feels better soon. My prayers are with you and your family.

Depending on his treatment, this could be dangerous....if a patient is immuno suppressed that usually are instructed to NOT garden due to animal feces being in the gardens.

Bird watching is good though! You could get him a book on local birds and havehim cross out the ones he sees!


I second the Wii and hand held game suggestion. The Wii would get him up and moving, while it may make him tired at 1st, it would also be a form of physcial therapy and build endurance for him.


How about a Netflix subscription? This way the moveis would just keep coming.