It’s gift giving time and someone you know has been given a cancer diagnosis. You don’t want to ignore their diagnosis and you want to treat them as normally as possible, but you want to show your care and concern by giving them things they can really use…and that they need during this time. Here are some gift ideas that cancer patients will get lots of use from.
Okay, let’s just talk about the elephant in the room for a minute, shall we? When someone you care for gets a cancer diagnosis it’s a serious gut punch to them and everyone around them. There’s something unbelievably scary about hearing a doctor say “you’ve got cancer” that’s hard to describe. But it happens every day and there are way too many of us living with a cancer diagnosis and we want life to go on as normally as possible for as long as possible.
Having said that, things are different now whether we want to admit it or not. Our needs may change along with our health. But we still need things that will help us feel comfortable, get around easily if our mobility has been affected, and we still enjoy the things that have always made life worth living.
So with that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of items that your family member or friend with cancer can use and enjoy…and may truly need during this time.
Gifts to keep cancer patients warm or cool
Sometimes the effects of chemotherapy can mess with your body temperature. In my case, I’ve become much more sensitive to cold and sometimes traveling in the car with hubby (who is much hotter natured) can feel pretty chilly. This heated blanket plugs into the car outlet to help keep you warm without making other passengers uncomfortable.
This pretty cashmere shawl comes in a variety of colors to keep you warm and looking good at the same time.
Extremities are the worst when it comes to feeling cold! These finger less gloves allow someone to still type or operate their electronic devices without having to suffer from cold hands.
Cold feet are also miserable. These heated slippers work for both men and women to keep those tootsies warm and comfy.
Some folks have the opposite problem and find that they’re hot all the time…especially when they’re trying to sleep. Moisture wicking pajamas can help prevent that uncomfortable feeling from waking up soaked in sweat.
This personal fan can be hung around your neck. You can even add a drop of any essential oil that helps control nausea or other symptoms if you wish.
Gifts to keep cancer patients comfortable
This is going to sound really strange, but depending on where their cancer is located, sometimes sleeping horizontally in the bed just doesn’t work. When that’s the case your cancer patient is likely sleeping in a recliner or in some other upright position. A neck pillow will help them get – and remain – comfortable for hours with out that “head bobbing” that normally wakes people up.
Sometimes when you can be in the bed, it still takes some propping to get comfortable. If you’re a side sleeper then arms and shoulders can become uncomfortable when they’re pressed on for too long. My sister-in-law introduced me to this Shoulder Relief Wedge & Body Pillow and it really does help keep you in a steady position while eliminating pressure on the arm and shoulders.
Cancer that’s spread to bones can make for a pretty achy body. Heat can make some of those aches feel better. I personally feel like I’ve been attached to a heating pad for months now.
Items to make chemo easier
A large tote bag is really helpful when someone is going through chemotherapy. Instead of being bored silly just sitting for however long the chemo drip takes, take along some things to do. My chemo bag always contained a lightweight blanket (those places are cold!), my Kindle, a spiral notebook and pen, a puzzle book, and some snacks. Having things to do makes the time go faster and makes for a much more pleasant experience (considering the circumstances, of course). This one comes in a variety of colors
Chemotherapy drugs can cause severe nausea. While a anti-nausea drip may be given, nausea can still happen later when you’re at home. When that happens these nausea relief lollipops can help get it under control.
One of the side effects of chemo may be dry mouth. This 4-pack of biotine moisturizing mouth spray lets you stick one in the chemo bag, one in the car, and have a couple for the night stand or end table.
Clothing for changing needs
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but often when we’re ill we struggle with water retention. New meds and less movement may cause feet and leg swelling. This set of 8 colorful compression socks don’t scream “I’m sick!” to anyone who sees them but they help keep fluid from pooling in the lower extremities.
Okay, you don’t actually wear this, but a long shoe horn can make it easier to get shoes on if feet are swollen or if movement has been impaired.
Sometimes you just cannot get your shoes on because of swollen feet. When that happens, a pair of slippers can be looser fitting but still look presentable enough for you to be seen in public. No one really has to know that they’re meant for house use.
A pair of folding flat shoes in a larger size than normally worn is great to keep in the chemo bag or in the car. Perfect for times when feet swell after you’ve left home.
Gifts of reflection
A journal with lined pages can be a great place to record thoughts, concerns, and anything else on your mind.
A set of gel pens is the perfect companion for their new journal or to use with their favorite adult coloring book.
Coloring books aren’t just for kids. You’ll find a vast array of coloring books for adults and coloring is a great way to reduce stress.
This set of 100 blank note cards is perfect for writing letters and quick notes to others.
These are just some ideas that someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer may enjoy. The most important gift, however, is personal interaction. Making it a point to visit, call, or text your friend or family member will help them feel less alone which will make it easier to keep spirits up while undergoing treatment. Friendship and companionship are the most powerful medicine there is.
Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie