What is the appropriate card or gift for someone starting Chemo?

Question

I would like to send my words of encouragement or assistance to a neighbor who is going through chemo. Without placing pity on them. Any comfort, object, words that could help. Anyone working with cancer patients that hears their needs.

Answer 1

For a card, I'd recommend the "Thinking of You" type.

As to a gift, I'd recommend something cheery that will make them think of you when they look at it...like a pretty suncatcher for their window.

Of course, plants are always nice, but go for a living plant that will last a long time versus flowers. You can ask a nursery to add cut flowers to a green plant for the best of both worlds.

If it's a woman and you are CERTAIN she is going to lose her hair from the chemo, another option would be to get her some pretty bonnets or scarves...but again only if you have been told that she is certain to lose her hair and she already knows this to be true.

Answer 2

You just said it... words of encouragement is what they need. Anything that will keep their spirits up. You didn't say if they were male or female, but a small plant would be nice or offer to do something around the house that you know might be difficult for them now. My best friend is battling breast cancer right now. Humor truly is the best medicine. We blame everything on her chemo......if her shoes don't match her outfit it's the chemo's fault. (Never mind that it was a problem before chemo)
Just remind the individual that their life is not over that attitude plays a huge role in recovery.
Because my friend is on a new form of chemo she has not lost her hair, none of it, and I keep telling her we need to shave her head anyway and she needs a Dolly Parton wig.

Answer 3

Let her know you are thinking about her, maybe visit, that would be better. Or cook something to take to her. On Chemo cooking is really difficult, the smell alone can make you sick. Ask if she needs any help. Stay humorous, nothing beats a good laugh.
I am going though Chemo right now and people at work do their best to keep me laughing. One also bought pink ribbon pins and a lot of them are wearing them for support. I think that is great.

Answer 4

If you neighbor has a sense of humor, it will help cheer her/him to send them something that will make them laugh. My sister sent the most hilarous card. "Since you have been such a good patient, I asked the doctor to throw in a couple of implants". Inside the card were two balloons! She also sent me a t-shirt "With a Body Like This, Who Needs Hair" I wore it to work when my hair came out from chemo.

Other suggestions would be to offer to pick up grocerys for your neighbor or do a couple of loads of laundry or mop a floor for them. Anything that would make their days a little easier. It will get a little more difficult as chemo progresses so if you are able to help with anything, don't wait to be asked.

Answer 5

A few years ago, my friend's daughter had cancer and went through chemotherapy to follow up her operation. (My friend and her family live 1,400 miles from me.)

When her daughter cut off her thinning hair, I buzzed my head and sent a picture of it to my friend.

You could give a get well card, you could shave your head, you could drop over with a favorite dish and share it with your neighbor, and talk about fun things over dinner. You could just drop over and ask how your neighbor is holding up.

You already know some of these things about being a good neighbor. Just pick something and go for it.

No matter what you choose, your neighbor will likely at least think that it's nice that you were thoughtful.

Good luck.

Answer 6

it incredibly is totally nice to provide a present card. the toddler has no idea and could no longer care.... i love getting present playing cards for my toddler because we may be able to apply it to purchase something she incredibly needs like diapers or nutrients or a particular toy or maybe with. on the different hand i could supply it in a better birthday card and placed it in a present bag with a small crammed animal or something little and perchance tie a balloon on the take care of and only make it look actual incredibly. Have an outstanding time!

Answer 7

Beware of live plants and flowers. Some chemotherapy drugs cause the person's immune system to weaken so they cannot have live plants or fresh fruits because of the danger of infection. Strange I know. Cheery/funny cards, stuffed animals, puzzle books - like Sudoku or crosswords - in large print, might be appropriate. If this is a person with family out of state and they are in the hospital/clinic for treatment a long distance phone card might be greatly appreciated.

Answer 8

First, don't treat them like they are ill and fragile. Let them know that you are thinking and praying for them. Tell them that you are available, if needed. Just being there is beyond words. When my mother was fighting cancer the most important thing to her was not being a burden on the family. Friends will feel the same way. And, if you are not sure what to say or do, talk to them. They will most likely appreciate your honesty. Try your hardest to make them feel "normal".

Answer 9

Thinking of you with a sweet blue nosed bear or forever friends on the front and write your own words of encouragement or trying looking through some of the blue mountain cards as they contain nice verses but i feel a thinking of you card is most appropriate.Clinton cards is where i buy all mine.

Answer 10

i think a funny get well card. i use to work on the cancer floor at the hospital and i would have to read their cards sometimes to them. they would always fill better after a funny card. it but a smile on their face. as far as gifts small stuffed animals they can take with them to the treatment and hold afterwards is common after chemo i have noticed they get much relief from holding and caring for small stuffed animals it helps them take their mind off things. and no matter how old they are i have seen them with small stuffed animals.