Gifts for Chemo Patients
It’s only natural to want to help out when someone you know is undergoing chemotherapy. But deciding what to give can be more difficult than picking gifts for the holidays – and this is one gift you don’t want to get wrong. Here is some gift-giving advice from survivors, who know great gifts from white elephants.
- Relaxed fit clothing, like yoga pants from LL Bean and v-neck t-shirts (for easy access to port) to wear to treatment and for the days following
- Miralax -- in powdered form, for constipation
- Pepcid for heartburn
- Tea tree oil (full strength) for fingernails/toenails/cuticles to prevent cracking
- Fruit-flavored throat lozenges to soothe dry mouth and sore throat
- Vitamin water (or gatorade)
- Soft bristle toothbrush, mild toothpaste, and Biotene mouthwash
- Soft cotton caps for nighttime (hair loss)
- A satin pillowcase to reduce abrasion when hair is shedding and scalp is sensitive
- An eyebrow pencil
- A soft cuddly blanket for short naps
- Large, brightly colored scarves for head-wrapping – they make you feel attractive and vibrant
- Big, bold earrings
- A luxury treatment at a day spa – manicure, pedicure, facial, massage
- Meditation classes
- Yoga classes – some women find them too strenuous during chemo or radiation but yoga in advance of treatment can help relieve radiation fatigue
- Dinners for the family – delivered by friends and neighbors – keep the family going and relieve guilt and anxiety
