Gifts for someone having chemotherapy?

themull1

Spendless wrote: »

I read a mag article recently that had suggestion for people to make up a hamper for someone going through chemo. Can't remember everything but some of the ideas were mags for reading, something to strengthen nails, humerous rubber gloves- for anyone still needing to do housework and pineapple due to taste being affected.

that sounds horrible, you don't want to be reminded of your illness.

kez_s

themull1 wrote: »

Why does having radio/chemotherapy change what you buy for someone? My dad had both, lost all his hair, but still drank beer/wine, still ate sweets, still read books and still wore aftershave, so the year he had cancer we bought him exactly what we have always bought him.

Totally agree with you! I think if we had bought my MIL a hat or anything that reminded her that she has cancer or the fact she was going to lose her hair, she would have been extremely upset, yes, family went with her to help her choose wigs etc., but that was it.

Whilst I know not everyone tolerates chemo as well as my MIL nothing changed or has changed when it comes to presents, she has a fab appetite, even drinks the odd alcoholic drink at home or at ours which she never, ever would have done, so I'd def go for something to help pass the time or they might appreciate the presents that you've already bought!

miss_independent

My friend is about halfway through a possible 30 week cycle of chemo for an agressive form of cancer but she is doing great. From the very first chemotherapy, a bunch of friends have got together and bought little bits and pieces to make up a big hamper for her every time she goes into hospital (specialist cancer hospital an hour and a half away from home) for her chemo.

She is only in her mid twenties and they put really fun stuff in. She is still her, never moans and is still just as silly. Putting a hat in or a scarf for her head would have absolutely gutted her, no matter how well meant, she would have smiled and said thankyou then probably broke her heart crying when no one was watching because she always had the most beautiful super long hair. She never lets anyone outside her immediate family see her without her wigs. The nail varnish is a great idea. My friend has taken to painting her nails all different and wild colours and is having loads of fun with that.

Each hamper they make up usually has a theme based on something she loves. So one was Twilight. Another one Fifty Shades of Grey (they put things like a ventian mask, silly pictures, fifty sheds of grey and things that loosely fitted in to the idea like something grey) lol. Letters are included for her to read and pictures of happier times or her friends goofing around. Sometimes its even kiddie things she loved that go in, like a My Little Pony Colouring book (which she used!), Matey Bubble Bath (she doesn't have the skin sensitivities), Jigsaw Puzzles and stickers - it might sound immature but she loved it and the main point is to make her smile and to pass the time. Inspirational quotes are made into collages and put in the hamper. She has become quite arts and craftsy in this time so stuff for her to make and do is put in.

As someone who has been ill and housebound myself, continue to see her and not her illness. She will still like the same things she did before. Ask yourself what would you get her if she didnt have cancer and there is every chance that would be the best thing to go with.

SugarSpun

themull1 wrote: »

Why does having radio/chemotherapy change what you buy for someone? My dad had both, lost all his hair, but still drank beer/wine, still ate sweets, still read books and still wore aftershave, so the year he had cancer we bought him exactly what we have always bought him.

The main gift I had already got is related to an active, strenuous hobby and a bottle of whisky - the doctor has banned both. If I'd bought books and aftershave I wouldn't be stressing about it, he's absolutely the same person but if he can't use the gifts then there's no point in giving them.

nancmat

My dad is just recovering from chemo for throat cancer we can't give the normal gifts, food/drink etc or things he likes or even a day out because his taste buds have all but gone, he has barely any energy to go and sleeps a lot, so yes in some cases it does change what you buy for people. I guess they just want to spend time with family, relax depends on the person & cancer. Good luck.

PRINCESSX87

Im not sure of your budget but how about a portable dvd player - some dvds and herbal tea set. All the best for the future for your loved one! x