One of my best friends has been diagnosed with breast cancer and I wanted to put together a basket of stuff that would be helpful to her during her chemotherapy (her cancer is aggressive & incurable, so chemo will be harsh). Can you please make some recommendations based on your experience? I know there are many side-effects, both physically & emotionally, so if you could give me some insight on what would help, I would really appreciate it. i.e. inspirational books, products for skin, etc...Thanks for your help!!
2006-10-19 04:23:57 · 11 answers · asked by julesl68 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Please keep in mind that the basket is not ALL I'm doing. Ofcourse I am there for her physically. I just wanted to do something extra special, on top of being there for her in any way that I can.
2006-10-22 14:05:16 · update #1
I am sorry to say that chemotherapy has a very low success rate, and is very distressing.
If there is any way you can pursuade her to try ALL alterntives first, then that is the best thing you could possibly do for her.
Read this page, and also look at the links given there, so that you can gain a full understanding. Then pass that understanding on to her.
This is an article worth reading for anyone who needs to be disabused of the belief that the orthodox cancer treatments with toxic chemo-"therapy" actually work. Since when is the destruction of one's immune system with toxic chemo and radiation therapeutic? And how does cutting out a part of the body solve a 'whole-body' problem? Something to ponder while reading the article.
Take a look at the site below which explains many misunderstood things about the cancer industry, and has some natural cures too.
Cancer
http://dgwa1.fortunecity.com/body/cancer.html
2006-10-19 18:42:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
So sorry to hear about your friend. When my mother was dying of pancreatic cancer and going through chemo, the things that seemed to help the most were things to make her comfortable. Some of those lovely soft pairs of socks for when her feet get cold would be nice. A pretty robe or nightgown will make her feel special. A cooling lip balm like blistex for dry lips. OH, and most importantly NOTHING SCENTED! The cancer and chemo make cancer patients very sensitive to smells, and I think the perfumes and colognes the hospital staff wore bothered her as much as the pain.
There are plenty of inspirational books in book stores, but I don't know any titles off-hand. My mother enjoyed being read to. If your friend is weak but still needs to keep her mind busy, you can ask her for words as you work a crossword puzzle.
As far as lotions, just make sure they are unscented. You might want to ask her first if smells bother her. Everyone's different. In that case...scented items would probably be welcomed if they don't bother her. My mother was always sensitive to perfumes and such, and it only got worse with the cancer.
2006-10-19 19:50:06 · answer #2 · answered by Evil Wordmonger, LTD LOL 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One of the best things that my friends have done for is email and call to talk. They have taken me out to eat occasionally as well.
You are a good friend and you need to there when she needs you. Doing dishes, cleaning house, making meals was always and still good because they will be weak and tired. Find out what her favorite food is and put the ingredients in the basket, a soft hat that would look on her. Talking with her about what she is going through is always a good thing as well. My friend also gave me some audio tapes to listen to because I was tired I couldn't read. Maybe some of her favorite songs/artist that make her feel better. My friends also got some gift certificate for a grocery store so my husband could buy groceries because your taste buds will change and you may desire different food than what you have been eating. So do and some don't - I hope this helps.
2006-10-22 05:33:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Is she going to be inpatient getting treatment--or going in during the day to get her chemo? If inpatient, the basket would be great. And inspirational book is good, but also give her something just fun to read, too. Herbal tea bags, lotions. Also, bring her a quilt or blanket from home. Pictures, too.
If she is still at home and she is able, you could schedule a spa-day. For both of you. Go get facials, pedicures, manicures. That will make her feel special, too. And besides--you get to spend some quality time with her.
Tell her not to give up. I was told mine was terminal and here it is 7+ years later and I'm cancer free.
2006-10-19 04:35:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your friend.
It is hard to say being everyone is an individual and again you know her best.
For skin best is Bag Balm you can get it at the animal feed store (cheap) or grocery/ drug store.
It is used on cow utters it is great. My doctor even uses it. If she is going thur some heavy chemo it will most likely effect her skin this works well.
If they are still treating her then there is hope. At present chemo is the only real ticket for cure. There is some real good chemo. Keep the faith. Best to her
2006-10-22 21:42:46 · answer #5 · answered by wild4gypsy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a cancer patient nor a survivor, but I just had a few ideas.
Lotions, her skin is bound to get dried out.
This is not a inspirational book, but coloring always makes me feel happy, why not get her some coloring books to color when she's feeling yucky.
I guess that's the only two ideas I have. But more importantly then a goodie basket your friend will just need you to be a friend and hold her hand and be strong for her.
2006-10-19 04:34:23 · answer #6 · answered by Kitikat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But together a basket of goodies like: hard candies and sweet things, hand lotions, a very soft cap (for when she loses her hair), Nioxin shampoo-it stimulates the scalp and feels great.
Any reading reading materials she likes, not too heavy. Easy to put on and wear clothing-a cape is easy to put on and stylish. One of those squishy soft small pillows.
Be patient with her. Emotions go all over the place and memory is affected greatly. Make sure she knows she's loved and not a burden.
2006-10-19 04:33:47 · answer #7 · answered by dinan s 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have experienced a year of chemo. and am still on it.I have stage iv cancer and the chemo has weakened me in the past to that of a small child.I am much improved.now,but not cured yet.I use alternative treatments also.Please get your friend the book OUTSMART YOUR CANCER,by Tanya Harter Pierce.It is a god send.Look up PROTOCEL on the internet. I am a man with stage iv cancer. It started in my esophagus,moved to my liver and lymph gland under the liver.The tumor is getting smaller.
2006-10-19 07:31:04 · answer #8 · answered by vince 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a WONDERFUL friend you truly are. As far as lotions look at the Body Shop, they have wonderful lotions oils and aromatherapy products, if you don't have one in your local mall you can check out their web site, www.thebodyshop.com. I'm sure your friend will love whatever you put in the basket. All my best to you and your friend. KG
2006-10-19 05:57:29 · answer #9 · answered by kgreives 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This site has a wonderful gift shop for patients and caregivers. If you don't have time to order from there, maybe you could at least get some ideas.
http://www.choosehope.com
Best wishes!
2006-10-20 01:14:03 · answer #10 · answered by Char 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋