Gift for Chemo Patient

mr_knight

Hello

A friend of mine starts chemo this week and I wanted to get her something.

Do I go with the bog standard gift of flowers or a plant or go with something like a hamper. I've looked through other threads and have a few things people have suggested such as:

Unperfumed bubble bath/toiletries
Ginger biscuits
Boiled sweets
Audio Book
lip salve
manuka honey
handcream
Eyebrow pencil
Hat

I wouldn't want to spend the money on things she doesn't need/won't use which is why I think flowers might be better. I don't want to spend a fortune either.
What do you think? Any better ideas?

Auntie-Dolly

Does she read? Chemo can take a few hours & you could get her something to read while she is having her treatment.

PixieDust

lip balm and lovely moisturiser will be very much appreciated, I think My Mum in Law has incredibly sensitive skin at the best of times, so chemo made her extremely uncomfortable...one of the family found something called Udder Cream (I know, I know!!!) which was fabulous for her

I bought her......a very soft baby's toothbrush. Hubby thought it was a !!!! present, but she was so grateful because her gums had been sore and she hadn't told anyone (silly moo )

THE-WIFE_3

Definitely a pretty and warm hat or a nice scarf that she can wind around her head, sorry, not sure where her treatment is needed, in case of hair loss. Anything audio for an ipod as sometimes the wait for treatment can be long, Same as Pixie dust, I did those for my son.

PixieDust

and, if you're any good at knitting or crochet, my Mum in Law's using a constant supply of lap blankets as she is permanently cold at the moment

Hezzawithkids

OP I think your original list is fab you have all the right ideas there. A friend of mine went through chemo a couple of years and I made up a goodie bag for her of all the little treats I knew she liked - handcream, jazzy socks, a nail file, handkerchiefs, breath freshener, hairbrush & comb, small mirror, lip salve, jelly sweets - etc. You are obviously very thoughtful and your heart is obviously in exactly the right place. I hope your friend comes though it all okay,

tanith

I second something to read, as waiting around can be sooooooo tiring and boring..

yabajaz

I bought a sleep hat and a ready to wear bandanna for my mum from here
http://www.hats4heads.co.uk/sleep-hats.html
she said they were very soft, so nice to wear at home (Always in her wig in company)
eye make-up too as she may lose her eyebrows

hamperwise - icepops - they can get very sore mouths
soup recipes
thick socks for hospital appointments

auntieyorkie

Think the ideas everyone has come up with are great. The skin cream idea is a good one. DoubleBass cream is fantastic for hydrating the skin and is available in most chemists. An i-pod or portable CD player is ideal for passing the time too. Also, have you thought about something to make her laugh? You could make a little book and write down some funny memories you have shared. Ask her friends or relatives too. Take photos holding silly messages or write some positive quotes down. Laughter is the best medicine and she may appreciate her mind being taken off cancer even if only for a short time. Thinking of her x

mr_knight

Thank you everyone. I will try and put something nice together for her. Some super ideas.

serious_saver

Something to listen too. Chemo will make your friend feel awful and they may not feel up to reading so some nice music or an audio book would be great. My dad was very uncomfortable when he went through chemo so a nice travel pillow could be a good buy.