I’m almost six months into my treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma now. People have come out of the woodwork wanting to send me care packages. If you know someone with cancer and want to put a little something together for them, here are five ideas for things that are sure to get put to good use.
Lotions and Lipbalms
Skin is one of the major things affected by chemotherapy and radiation. My skin has been so dry at times it’s actually split open. If you’re a regular couponer you probably already have a stash of freebies you can pass on. (You probably also have a huge stash of free shampoo and conditioner but unless the person has expressed interest in these avoid them as hair can be a very, very sensitive issue.)
Food
It may be hard for your friend to get out and grocery shop or they might not have any interest in cooking or even eating. Consider easy to prepare and eat non-perishables like granola bars, cereal, pasta and sauce, and soup. Fiber rich foods and yogurt help with digestive tract issues. Minty gum, candy, and tea help settle upset stomachs. And chocolate is always great for a mood boost.
Tissues and Wipes
Full size or travel packs will be appreciated. My nose has now been running for almost 6 months straight and my face would be raw were it not for several boxes of Kleenex and Puffs with lotion. I’ll be the first to admit that wet wipes are not very green at all and before the cancer I never understood why anyone would use them, but when your entire digestive tract is raw from entry to exit and toilet paper feels like steel wool, an aloe wipe can be extremely soothing.
Comfortable Clothes
Pajamas, work out wear, t-shirts, and sweats are almost all I wear these days and having plenty of extras is really helpful on those days I’m too dizzy to even walk to the washing machine in the garage. Look especially for items without any metal whatsoever: xrays, CT, and PET scans are a lot less stressful when you don’t have to change into those breezy hospital gowns.
Entertainment
While it may seem awesome to have unlimited free time, it actually really sucks to be on disability leave. You’ve got 8 more hours every day for weeks or months and no idea what to do with all that time. Books, magazines, movies, music, and video games are a life saver when it comes to filling time. Even if you just pass on a pile of magazine back issues or lend a book or DVD you think the person would like it’ll be appreciated.
And of course don’t forget personal contact. Emails, texts, and phone calls to check on how things are going or catch up with an old friend are awesome. I even appreciate Facebook messages from those people I barely knew back in high school.
If you’re particularly close, let your friend or family member know what your availability is and go to an appointment or treatment with them. With as many as seven appointments a week (and I’m sure there are some people who have even more than me), the doctor’s office can get pretty dreadful.
Related posts:
Free Trident Xtra Care Gum at Longs Drugs
The Cost of Cancer: December 2009
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{ 4 comments }
My mom loves crosswords (except when she has chemo brain) because it’s easier for her to do them than to follow the plot of her book when she’s stuck in a waiting room or somesuch. And there’s a lot of being in waiting rooms.
How much longer are they saying the chemo will have to continue? I thot you said earlier that it would be about six months. Are you anywhere near completing this course of meds? Hope so…and hope you’re feeling well soon.
next week is my last chemo! then 3 weeks break. then 6 weeks radiation.
Thanks so much for posting this. I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and wanted to do something for her. This is an awesome guide. Hope your treatment is going smoothly as planned.
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