H&N Kit?

adventurebob
adventurebob Member Posts: 691
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hey Guys,

I'd like to create a kit for the newly diagnosed H&N brothers and sisters in my area. Like a "You're not alone in this, here are some things that you will probably need soon" basket. Knowing that almost all will receive chemo, chemo/radiation or radiation and will experience some combination of side effects soon. I was hoping you all could help me with suggestions. I was thinking of putting in a little bottle of good lotion for radiated skin, maybe a little box of green tea. What would you have liked to receive shortly after diagnosis that would have been helpful? Or maybe there was something you did receive that was just perfect. Caregivers too. What could I put in there that would really help a new caregiver? I've already thought of puppies and kittens so no need to suggest that; there will be one of each in each kit. Thanks guys,

Bob
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Comments

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #2
    Kit
    Biotene and Aquaphor, Bob, and a small notebook for the diary/log. Thing is- such as a kit was given to me by the Onco people when I started, with a thermometer and biotene, and bandages. The Aquaphor was given away in Free Sample size at the Rad place. They had two woven baskets on counter tops, there, and was told to take as many as I wanted. For places that don't have such, a kit like this is a very good idea.

    kcass
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    A few items...
    A few from the top of my head.... (that just sounds funny)....

    Biotene - spray, mouthwash and gum
    Baking Soda
    Hydrogen Peroxide (mixing a little of both in water for a mouth/throat rinse)
    Imodium - for those certain days
    Thermometer - temperature should be monitored closely (we all know the 100.5 speech)
    Ensure Plus - sample bottle
    Bottled Water
    Journal

    Those ae a few just thinking at the moment

    John
  • DJG1
    DJG1 Member Posts: 121
    #4
    Kent Cass said:

    Kit
    Biotene and Aquaphor, Bob, and a small notebook for the diary/log. Thing is- such as a kit was given to me by the Onco people when I started, with a thermometer and biotene, and bandages. The Aquaphor was given away in Free Sample size at the Rad place. They had two woven baskets on counter tops, there, and was told to take as many as I wanted. For places that don't have such, a kit like this is a very good idea.

    kcass

    Maybe some baking soda, salt
    Maybe some baking soda, salt and peroxide for the mouth sores.
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
    #5
    Great Idea. Definitely
    Great Idea. Definitely Aquaphor. Cotton hankie, I couldn't stand the creases in my neck touching. Hard candy, sometimes kept the saliva during times that you couldn't keep the water bottle handy, and a note with this website listed.
  • KTeacher
    KTeacher Member Posts: 1,103
    #6
    Kit
    There was an article in my newspaper about a woman making fleece hats for cancer patients.
    That same day there were new hats at my treatment center made by this same lady. I contacted the paper and gave them my number, it was passed on the the lovely lady. She is in her 80's, never had cancer but wanted to do something. I have sent her a gift certificate from the local fabric store, she was very greatful. Many cancer patients have contacted her thanking her. I didn't loose any hair until after treatment and it was at the nape of my neck. I was so cold this past winter, always had a fleece scarf around my neck. So many people with different talents. My mother made more than 750 afgans for a hospital in S.F. She said that she could never visit but every time there was a news article on the local TV channel, her friends would call and let her know that they saw her afgans.
    Any gift will be appreciated.
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #7
    L GLUTAMINE POWDER
    matbe some packets of Juven. I know it did help me with healing along the way as I was radiated on both sides of my neck.

    Greta idea you have here.

    Best!!

    Mike
  • CajunEagle
    CajunEagle Member Posts: 408
    #8
    A few needed items.
    One of those home Blood Pressure monitors.
    Pair of good house shoes.
    A Caloric in-take monitor.
    Multiple coupons for Frosty's at Wendys. (1st thing I could ever get down easily).
    Stock portfolio with many certificates of Kimberly-Clark Corp. (maker of Kleenex).
    And....and good garden hose to practice for bi-monthly nose scopes. :)
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #9
    CajunEagle said:

    A few needed items.
    One of those home Blood Pressure monitors.
    Pair of good house shoes.
    A Caloric in-take monitor.
    Multiple coupons for Frosty's at Wendys. (1st thing I could ever get down easily).
    Stock portfolio with many certificates of Kimberly-Clark Corp. (maker of Kleenex).
    And....and good garden hose to practice for bi-monthly nose scopes. :)

    a wide Ace bandage and a
    potatoe chip bag keep fresh spring clamp.
  • DrMary
    DrMary Member Posts: 531 Member
    #10
    ratface said:

    a wide Ace bandage and a
    potatoe chip bag keep fresh spring clamp.

    16 oz Solo cups
    Useful as spit cups when you're at the "thick mucus" stage and handy to scatter around the house as emesis cups when you are at the "throwing up every 30 minutes or when I cough/sneeze/breathe wrong" stage.
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #11
    Great suggestions!
    Thanks guys. The kit is getting bigger. I'll let you all know when I have it finished. Maybe we can add it to the HNC Superthread so newbies can go out and get it. Not sure how to fit the garden hose in though.

    Bob
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #12
    SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER
    My oncologist referred me to this site to get this free book, it had everything you can imagine it it. Recipes, how to deal with side effects, a side effect log that you can show your doctor, a log to track you medicine, mouth and sinus rinses... etc.

    I kept it with me every where I went. It was my "how to" during treatments. I recommend it to everyone that needs it. They have other free information as well, along with volunteers who have been where we all have been.

    http://www.spohnc.org/guide.php
    (Book is called "We Have Walked In Your Shoes - A Guide to Oral, Head and Neck Cancer")



    http://www.spohnc.org/index.php (Main webpage)

    Sirena
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #13
    SIRENAF42 said:

    SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER
    My oncologist referred me to this site to get this free book, it had everything you can imagine it it. Recipes, how to deal with side effects, a side effect log that you can show your doctor, a log to track you medicine, mouth and sinus rinses... etc.

    I kept it with me every where I went. It was my "how to" during treatments. I recommend it to everyone that needs it. They have other free information as well, along with volunteers who have been where we all have been.

    http://www.spohnc.org/guide.php
    (Book is called "We Have Walked In Your Shoes - A Guide to Oral, Head and Neck Cancer")



    http://www.spohnc.org/index.php (Main webpage)

    Sirena

    HNC Kit is a great idea!
    I will put this on the superthread next time I update. :)

    Also, the American Cancer Society will send a package of useful things for free. They will even reimburse you for mileage.

    Trying to think of more stuff.
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #14
    sweetblood22 said:

    HNC Kit is a great idea!
    I will put this on the superthread next time I update. :)

    Also, the American Cancer Society will send a package of useful things for free. They will even reimburse you for mileage.

    Trying to think of more stuff.

    Great Idea!
    Lip gloss! Our cancer dental dept provided it here when needed & could not manage without it! I love your thoughtfull idea!
  • rozaroo
    rozaroo Member Posts: 665
    #15
    rozaroo said:

    Great Idea!
    Lip gloss! Our cancer dental dept provided it here when needed & could not manage without it! I love your thoughtfull idea!

    Sorry!
    I meant the medicated lip gloss! I am such a twit!
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #16
    rozaroo said:

    Sorry!
    I meant the medicated lip gloss! I am such a twit!

    Kit
    I would also have a bottle of Stoppers4 as I can't sleep with out it.

    Great Idea
    Hondo
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #17
    A "Go To" List
    List of local resources like American Cancer Society, Support groups, Gilda's club or Wellness Community, drugstores with specialty items (like wraps and accessories for feeding tubes), organic food sources, supplement stores, some restaurants with "treatment friendly" foods, etc.

    List of websites to peruse (like this one!!)

    Encouraging bit of prose.

    It's great of you to think of this, Bob
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #18
    ratface said:

    a wide Ace bandage and a
    potatoe chip bag keep fresh spring clamp.

    Ratfaceo
    Thanks for the suggestions. What would these items be for? I can think of uses but not sure exactly.

    Bob
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #19
    sweetblood22 said:

    HNC Kit is a great idea!
    I will put this on the superthread next time I update. :)

    Also, the American Cancer Society will send a package of useful things for free. They will even reimburse you for mileage.

    Trying to think of more stuff.

    Sweet
    Thanks Sweet. What mileage would they reimburse for?

    Bob
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #20
    rozaroo said:

    Sorry!
    I meant the medicated lip gloss! I am such a twit!

    Roz
    Thanks Roz. Is there a brand that you found to work better than others?

    Bob
  • adventurebob
    adventurebob Member Posts: 691
    #21
    Pam M said:

    A "Go To" List
    List of local resources like American Cancer Society, Support groups, Gilda's club or Wellness Community, drugstores with specialty items (like wraps and accessories for feeding tubes), organic food sources, supplement stores, some restaurants with "treatment friendly" foods, etc.

    List of websites to peruse (like this one!!)

    Encouraging bit of prose.

    It's great of you to think of this, Bob

    Pam
    Thanks Pam. The list of restaurants is a fantastic idea. I remember having difficulty deciding early on.

    Bob

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