hospital hamper help !

flowerscotland

Hey everyone.

I was hoping to get a few nice ideas from you all.

My friend has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, she has just went into hospital for a mastectomy and re constructive surgery.

I wanted to make her a nice hamper to give her when she's home, her recovery will be six months to a year and she will need chemo etc. I've got her a few bits from the dove range, and I was going to pick up some bio oil for her, but I was looking to see if anyone could suggest anything else that they think might be useful?

Thanks in advance x

rainmac

I am so sorry to hear about your friend, what a lovely idea to make a hamper of goodies.

Some ideas:
A journal/notebook.
A big mug with tea/ coffee/ hot chocolate whatever she likes to drink.
Chocolate.
Cuddly socks.
Candles, something soothing/relaxing maybe.
Something to read - magazine, book, puzzle book...
Homemade cakes, biscuits, sweets...

Any good?

yummy-mummy-amy

hi,

my mum had breast cancer and whilst she was having chemo she WASNT allowed to use any soaps/deodrants/bubble baths etc that had fragrance as they could cause reactions as the chemo changes the skin sensitivity etc. i'm only saying this as i dont want you spending loads of money on things your friend may not be able to use etc.


some things i thought of -

*x-stitch or tapestry kit
*books to read
*puzzle books
*eye mask (fabric sort) to block out light for daytime naps
*ear plugs (see above)
*dvds
*"vouchers" for you to go round for coffee/chat/to do her washing etc
*flower seeds/bulbs/pots and mini tools for indoor use
*warm hat (suitable for time of year) as chemo makes hair fall out
*knitting pattern/needles/wool

hope these help. x

fresian_cow

Totally agree with the last poster, when my mum had breast cancer treatment she had to be very careful about what she used cosmetic wise. I would agree with what everyone else has said -

hat or hats/scarves etc
books
favourite foods - if she likes things with strong flavours all the better as my mum's tastebuds were really affected by the treatment
things to read

Most of all your company and support to be honest will be gift enough - I was unfortunate enough to lose my mum but when she was undergoing treatment and unable to go into work she got very bored so any time you can give will be very much appreciated.

We also took up a jewellery making short course which my mum loved so is there any hobbies you could do together or help her to take up to pass the time?

flowerscotland

Thanks everyone, there are some great ideas here.

Thanks for confirming the toiletry use, I was unsure.

Fresian, sorry about your Mum, I really appreciate your post.

wendall

All the above are good ideas the most important one for my friend when she had breast cancer was spending time with her and when she started the chemo nipping round and doing the washing up, spending an hour with her so the voucher idea is fantastic. One thing i did buy her when she started chemo was cranberry juice the hospital recommended it, sorry your friend is going throught this and so sorry fresian_cow that you lost your mum.

mummyfleming

A friend of mine said the best thing she got was some very soft loo roll and 'Gift vouchers', though she felt bad using the gift vouchers (felt rude 'demanding' we spent time with her). They were for things such as; board game afternoons, magazine and coffee mornings. We even did one for a girly sleepover

fresian_cow

Thanks for your thoughts, very kind!

I really hope your friend has a very short and successful treatment time!