Chemo Buddies help
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive May 2008:
Chemo Buddies help
I am not a chemo buddy, however one of my friends is starting her treatment tomorrow and I konw several of you are/have been chemo buddies. We are hiking our favorite trail and burying a time capsule of good jou jou for her, but I'd like to give her a little basket to. I've got some books, and a bike jersey (we also ride together) and a note to take some slow rides together.
I'm looking for a couple of more ideas, she is NOT the candle/bath product type of gal. Just want her to have a little comfort tomorrow. TIA
So many things can be uplifting.
A few ideas:
A special jewelry item, some people use butterflies as an encouraging theme, a special PJ set or robe, fuzzy socks, ginger lollypops (for nausea), a heartfelt letter, etc.
What a great friend you are! Please tell her about Chemo Angels so she can join.
I was going to suggest ginger lollypops for nausea too! LOL
Does she use an ipod? How about an Itunes giftcard?
Something she might appreciate is offers to do things for her at home, i.e. laundry, dinner, babysitting, etc. Make a *coupon book* from you to her.
Or a gift card to a restaurant.
What about one of those travel pillows like people use on planes? To use when she's sitting there getting her treatments. Or a lightweight blanket/throw in case she gets cold.
And DO tell her about Chemo Angels and encourage her to join.
Kym! I have been wondering about you! I just looked up your e-mail addy to send you a note to check on you!
I think the comfy socks are a wonderful suggestion. I was also going to suggest one of those pillows that are all cushy, with the foam beads or whatever in them. Also a very soft blanket that just feels good to touch. Something that is easy to take along places.
Adena, I have one of those travel pillows with the foam beads to use when we fly, and I love it. I even brought it with me when I went to the hospital to have my hand surgery in Feb. since I wasn't sure if I was going to be given a room or not for the same day surgery. I WAS given a room but without a pillow - so I was really happy to have my travel pillow. They are so comfortable!
Kym, do you mountain bike or road bike? I don't know if your state parks charge for parking, but ours have just started. I was going to suggest a state park parking pass. Something for her to look forward to when she is feeling better. Also, how about a flaxseed and lavender silk eye pillow. Even if she isn't the candle type, she may enjoy that.
Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions, and Hi Adena, nice to hear from you, I didn't get an email if you sent one. I need to post an update, but suffice it to say I have been very busy this year
Her first treatment went great, she is chosing an older method of chemo, so it's gentler however longer than the newer methods. Her husband is a Dr. so it's nice they were able to get "privledge" appts with top specialist in the state and this is what he suggested.
I ended up with a bookmark "Follow your path", a silk eye bag (unscented Collette, I didnt' want anyting "offensive" through her treatments) and a relaxing CD. We are also getting a calendar of meals together for her family! I may have to pick up a travel pillow, I never thought of that although I have one and love it, Great idea.
We ride both mtn/road together and don't have to pay for trails, thank goodness She loves the mountains, but I think we'll stick to road as we can find some flat roads, no flat mountain bike trails around here!
In two weeks (third treatment) we are going with her for a scrabble tournement, she's looking forward to that
This is such a journey for a big group of us, our families are all close, the women hike/bike together and we were all training for a triathlon in May, to be her first. We are all learning how to "do this". We had a great time last week at the Susan G. Komen race for the Cure in our area, a team of 125 "Kathy's Krewe" all did the 5k in her honor.
Thanks again.
How is your friend doing?
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