Cancer Care Package

You are a lovely friend! I
You are a lovely friend! I had both chemo and radiation. I was hyper sensitive to smells, and while I appreciated the warm thoughts and intent of scented anything (candles,lotions) I really couldn't tolerate them. Also, during radiation I was told to use only specific lotions and no powder (and how I LOVE my powder after a shower lol).

I was sent such thoughful gifts from my out of town SIL's. A little package would arrive each month before my treatment. One month was a DVD, another month an envelope with a variety of magazines, another month a pretty notepad with a pen. Each little package had a wonderful note reminding me I was loved, prayed for and constantly thought about.

The notes meant so much to me and gave me a little boost of strength for my upcoming treatment!

-Kat

How thoughtful of you Big_Als_Mom
My daughter made me a care package after I was diagnosed with UPSC and brought it to my first chemo treatment. I am sure sure felt helpless and wanted to do something. In the package she had unscented lotions (as smells bother some people, and my skin did get very dry); alcohol free mouthwash (to prevent dryness in mouth); biotene toothpaste (for dry mouths); peppermint tea and peppermint extract (to drink tea for nausea and inhale extract for nausea); ensure (for days I could not eat much); Hand sanitizing wipes, and small bottles of hand sanitizer, chlorox disinfecting wipes, magazines, and note cards with a pen. I think she looked up to see what kinds of side effects I could have and then went shopping. It was very thoughtful of her.
Like the others have said just sending a card, or making a phone call means so much. I had a "chemo angel" who had completed treatment, and she would write every week and tell me about her family and life. It is nice to hear what is going on with others and that there is "life after treatments". Good luck in offering your support to your friend. In peace and caring.

Gifts while on Chemo
I had so many dear friends send me care packages; sometimes I would open them and cry.
My daughter sent me a subscription to netflicks and I love the documentaries and we would sit in the evening and relax and learn something. I loved books and cards. I never had problems with smell and lotions were nice for the dry skin. My mother sent me V neck shirts that hid my port and I wore them to chemo or blood draws. Magazines were fun. My sister sent me funny cards. I loved people who emailed me everyday too. Comfortable cotton nighties are nice. Every little thing you do will light up her life during this difficult time.

Diane

Al's Mom,

What a fantastic idea! To be pampered at such a vulnerable time is super therapeutic.

I enjoyed receiving cards but I am a magazine junkie and all the Women's magazine were such fun and retention of the material wasn't necessary.

I, too, love hot tea and my friends found some of the most unusual flavors. Peppermint tea can ease the tummy.

Chemo put a metallic taste in my mouth and radiation put a metallic smell in my nose so I agree with nix on strong scents. There are plenty of mild fresh scents. I enjoyed those melt in your mouth puffy peppermints.

I received a great third wheel cart to help with shopping or laundry or just around the house clutter transfer.

Sleeping pants are always nice.

Light hand weights

flowers

hair wash spray

Amazon novelty gifts

My friend sent me a "make lemonade" basket with lemon cookies, lemonade, and cute little mason jar glasses

mani pedi coupon at a place near your friend

lovely stationery, so she can write thank you notes. Get some stamps too.

licorice tea, mmmm. love the blue tea bags!