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Need gift/cheer ideas for friend with cancer

posted 6 months ago in The Lounge
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    1.
    Member
    1,108 posts
    Bumble bee
    78h2o    October 8, 2011   MD (wedding was in OR)

    One of my very good friends (recently a BM in my wedding) has had 10 cancer reoccurances in the past 17 years. In the past 3 years, she has had at least 5 MAJOR surgeries, boatloads of chemo, etc. She had a clean scan 3 months ago but now has at least 3 tumors in scary places... She is gearing up for more rounds of chemo, hopefully on an outpatient basis, then radiation.

    Anyway, she lives across the country from me, so it's hard for me to find ways to support her. I call, text, email, send flowers/balloons, packages, etc. I've pretty much exhausted all the creative ideas I ever had for things to put in care packages (cookies, jewelry, candles, books, magazines, beauty supplies, banners to decorate her room, cards, etc.).

    I thought about sending her a package with an individually wrapped present for each day of chemo... kinda like the 12 days of Christmas song, but for chemo??? But if I do that I need to think of presents for each day!

    I know friends have sent her maid service in the past - if I can figure out how to arrange that, that would be an idea...

    Any other ideas???  Anyone been through chemo or been really sick and know of things that would be nice to receive?  Thanks in advance for ANY suggestions!

    Here are photos of some of the stuff I've sent in the past...

    Need gift/cheer ideas for friend with cancer :  wedding Picture 593Need gift/cheer ideas for friend with cancer :  wedding Picture 618e

     
    2.
    Member
    603 posts
    Busy bee
    Julesb81    June 11, 2011   Olympia Washington

    my brother loved reading during it-so what if you got some funny books. Laurie Notaro has some funny books that anyone can relate too- Idiot girls is my favorite!

    he also would bring his portable DVD player and watch movies.

    what about cute blanket she can take with her. i know the hosptal ones arent nice and fluffy. Or what about a cute little travel pillow so she can be comfy. or some of those super sock socks.

     

     
    3.
    Member
    1,813 posts
    Buzzing bee
    mrskesslertobe    September 18, 2010  

    I would stay away from too many treats. Something to do while there is great. Books, soduko, travel size games, knitting supplies. Anything to make the time pass more quickly. I had a patient (I gave chemo for 4 years) and they would skype/video chat during each appointment, maybe set something like that up for her.

     
    4.
    Member
    4,068 posts
    Honey bee
    hisgoosiegirl    June 18, 2011  

    Would you be able to organize some kind of meal service for her when she gets home? Or maybe some good movies/books she would like to see/read.

     
    5.
    Member
    403 posts
    Helper bee
    MissMusic    December 30, 2011   CT

    When my mom was sick I made her  playlists and put it on my old ipod to listen to for different reasons: "Cheer Up Songs"  "Relaxing Songs" "Fun Songs" "Lonely Songs" etc.   Or if you have money a Kindle...on amazon the regular ones are only $80

     
    6.
    Member
    4,261 posts
    Honey bee
    Treejewel19    May 18, 2012   Sonoma County, CA

    I would invest in a oober soft blanket (as mentioned by the PP) and some great fuzzy socks (a pair or two). As I have experienced people under going chemo tend to be on the cold-ish side so anything soft, comfortable and warm is great. They also tend to lose their appetites so I would avoid snacks as well.

     

     
    7.
    Member
    6,032 posts
    Bee Keeper
    PrncssDva    October 16, 2010   Memphis, TN

    My mom is going through it, so I totally understand. What about a gift card to an organic foods store? That is what I am getting my mom for Christmas this year.

     
    8.
    Member
    1,108 posts
    Bumble bee
    78h2o    October 8, 2011   MD (wedding was in OR)

    @Julesb81: I have been meaning to read that book for a long time! I bet she would like that - thanks! I might do the blanket and socks too.

    @mrskesslertobe: That's a good idea re: skype/video chat - I will see if I can set up some chemo dates like that. Her friends that live near her are really good and almost always go with her, but I'll talk to them and make sure all the days are covered. I don't think she knits but I will look into other portable craft projects. At one point in a previous treatment I'd considered sending origami supplies and an instruction book, but feared it might be too tedious - do you think so?

    I will stay away from treats unless i can get them there before this round of chemo... she usually feels pretty sick since she's allergic to a lot of the anti-nausea meds.  she needs to gain weight though.

    ETA: Wow, I missed a lot of posts when I was responding. You all have good ideas - thanks so much. I will ask her boyfriend whether or not she has a Kindle and maybe I will get that - I don't know much about how they work.

    @PrncssDva: A gift certificate to Whole Foods would also be good - thanks! I'm sorry your mom is going through something similar.

    @MissMusic: I like the playlist idea but I'd have to send it to her as a cd, I think. Do you remember what songs you put on the playlists - I'm not great with music. My friend is - that's the kind of thing she would do for me!

    @hisgoosiegirl: - We use the Lotsa Helping Hands website to schedule meals/help at home. It's a great site for anyone else who is looking for ideas. I will try to think of some movies she would like...

     

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