Hey,
My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and starts chemo in the next couple of weeks, poss as early as next week or the week after. I would like to send her something (and continue to send little things from time to time). What would be the best thing to send now? And then is it wise to send something now ahead of chemo to help her or best to hold off to find out exactly what would really help her as I’m aware everyone responds differently to it? Thank you
Hi
When my sister in-law was diagnosed I wrapped a gift for her to open after each chemo session. The first was a fleecy blanket and the last was a small 250ml) bottle of prosecco. The rest were just little things (some hand cream, chocolate, mints, travel coffee mug etc) and apart from first and last she could open in any order. I was worried it might seem overwhelming if bad days and she could see that still a lot of treatments but when I asked her about it afterwards, she really liked it. She said was nice to get a treat after each session.
Go with your gut feel, having been diagnosed last year, I know would rather have someone care and try with best of intentions, than not do something in case they got it wrong xx
How lovely are you!! One friend bought me this (for 2024) which I thought was just the loveliest most thoughtful gift - it’s like a diary / planner with a space for notes, monthly diary for appts, checklists where you can write down your moods, side effects etc - and ADULT COLOURING!
Look up Little Lifts, a charity that provides chemo and radiation specific support boxes to thoughtfully help ease the most common side effects of each treatment. The boxes are gifted for free in hospitals in Norfolk and Suffolk, but can also be purchased for shipping. I received three over my long treatment and really appreciated them.
Wonderful thing to do
Little gifts but especially notes or texts with some simple words like ’ you’ve got this’ ‘stay focused’ ‘thinking of you’ etc are hugely uplifting
You might consider a pamper session at the end of the treatment allowing for a few weeks of continued recovery before booking or a gift voucher to have a facial or pedicure
Anything will be gratefully received I’m sure
Hugs x
One of the nicest things I received during treatment was a cross stitch kit (I hesitate to add it still isn’t finished after 3 years) as it isn’t something I’d normally do but it was a lovely activity “just sit and do”
The other thing I really appreciated was my sister in law sending us some frozen meals via an online service: it made the “what shall we eat tonight?” question a bit easier to answer a few times
Sending you and your sister lots of love
AM xxx
If you are local to your sister the things I would have / did appreciate were the gift of someone’s company to appointments , the gift of some nice easy cook homemade meals / soups for the freezer , the gift of practical help in the house/ children when recovering from treatment .
The gifts I sent my partner after every chemo session, were mostly focussed on helping with the symptoms or side effects, along with a bouquet of flowers every week. The gifts over the months included things like a weighted blanket, warm fleece hoodies, warm socks, cooling socks, hand creams, moogoo skincare products, clothing specifically designed for people undergoing chemo to make port access etc easier, cool bandanas and turbans, fluffy cushions, heating pads, cooling pads , handwritten notes, aromatherapy candles etc. Just send what feels right for them at that moment, and the most important is the gift of support, checking in on them everyday and being super patient and calm. As it is , cancer is the shittiest thing that can happen to anyone and at this time, people need more love, support, care and patience than ever. Sending healing and healthy vibes to your sibling !
