What can I get? Cancer related

[wgwtgb]

My friend just found out that she has cervical cancer. She has had one procedure to remove some if it, but she will be seeing a surgeon next week. What is something I can get for her, besides a card, that says I'm thinking of her at this time of her life?

 

[Liberty Belle]

Maybe restaurant gift cards? Or, if she's in the right location you could have some sandwich making groceries delivered to her home.

 

[katesorad]

Do you have a Build a Bear nearby? Go there and put together a nice teddy bear for her. They have different sounds that you can put inside the bear, so when you squeeze it, the sounds come out.. you can do one with your voice, or a dog barking, etc. I did this for my aunt after she had a stroke and she really liked it.

Or what about some nice body products to keep her feeling good? You can go to Bath & Body Works or one of the counters at Nordstrom, and they can help you put together a nice little basket for her.

Do you like to make soup? You can make her a TON of soup and put it in glass containers, freeze it, and stock up her fridge with easy meals for her to just microwave and serve when she's not feeling so good.

 

[hercamore]

I would send a card with some sort of fight cancer themed jewelry.

I saw some yesterday at our local hallmark store (inexpensive).

 

[mistyt]

I would send a card with some sort of fight cancer themed jewelry.

I saw some yesterday at our local hallmark store (inexpensive).

I was thinking along the same lines! Check out this website below, they have lots of great Teal Ribbon (cervical cancer awareness ribbon) jewelry and such!

http://breastcancerawareness.theshoppe.com/teal_ribbons_ovarian_cervical_cancer_awareness.html

 

[maelstrom]

I agree with a previous poster... a Build-A-Bear or a Vermont Teddy Bear. I had a cervical cancer scare myself last year, and I know that getting something like this from a friend would've put a smile on my face.

 

[powellrj]

If she is a mom, instead of things I would give her help. Organize meals and transportation for her kids. When I have been laid up those things have been the greatest things I needed.

I would have had zero interest in a teddy bear or any kind of stuffed animal.

 

[DWCricket]

she will likely have some sort of chemo and that tends to make food taste bad (and the nausea associated with it as well). Blanket for hospital while she gets chemo. Audio books, helping clean the house/doing laundry.

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

While I would appreciate the sentiment of a teddy bear, I wouldn't personally enjoy having one.

I totally agree with the posters who suggested organizing meals/sending over a freezer dinner/helping with chores and childcare. The practical matters are sometimes what are the biggest struggle and often the most truly appreciated.

I also really love the idea of audiobooks. You could purchase an inexpensive ($30ish) MP3 player and load it up with free podcasts--NPR/Cooking/meditation/whatever interests your friend--for her.

My other suggestion would be to get her a beautiful, but low maintainence plant or terrarium. I like giving things that suggest life and persistence in situations like that.

 

[ugadog99]

Do you have a Build a Bear nearby? Go there and put together a nice teddy bear for her. They have different sounds that you can put inside the bear, so when you squeeze it, the sounds come out.. you can do one with your voice, or a dog barking, etc. I did this for my aunt after she had a stroke and she really liked it.

I love this idea and have used it for a friend many years ago when she was diagnosed with a glioblastoma. There will be plenty of time for organizing help, getting meals, gift cards, etc., but right now, I think something just for her would be nice. On those days when she's feeling really crummy, that bear might just help.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My mom makes prayer shawls and recently sent one to my SIL who had breast cancer. They caught it early thank goodness. Is she religious? I would go that route.

Otherwise, I would have to go for the jewelry.
http://www.sparkleandsupport.com/servlet/the-81/Cervical-Cancer-Awareness-Bracelet/Detail

 

[lovebuzz]

she will likely have some sort of chemo and that tends to make food taste bad (and the nausea associated with it as well). Blanket for hospital while she gets chemo. Audio books, helping clean the house/doing laundry.

This!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[scrdofbugs]

I has surgery back in Sept for uterine cancer. I am 36 so it is fairly rare for my age. It was a TOTAL shock. The best thing for me after surgery was the Honey Baked Ham gift package my work sent us. My DD(14) and DH could fix them something and I knew they had plenty of food. The second was just visting. There was a lot of tears shed and sleepless nights in the beginning. She will need a good friend. Just be there for her. I am cancer free and I go back in march for another check up.

 

[mistyt]

I think another great idea would be a nice pair of PJs for her to wear on the days she is feeling miserable. Nothing like a comfy pair of girlie PJs to cheer me up, they were a lifesavor after I had surgery last week and I have been in them for days!