Once a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may choose to shower the patient in gifts to help keep spirits high. When fighting breast cancer, every person's needs are different. Consider carefully what may be needed most, as well as which items may soothe. Gift ideas for breast cancer patients should take into consideration the patient's needs, as well as their course of treatment.
Ideas for basic breast cancer needs
Breast cancer patients will be undergoing a lot of physical changes during treatment. Those who need mastectomies will have surgery and be coping with loss. Chemotherapy and radiation both wrack the body. The American Cancer Society has detailed information on the aftereffects of treatment, as well as suggestions on help a patient cope.Breast cancer survivor Sylvie Fortin created a checklist of gift ideas during her fight. It includes the obvious, such as mastectomy bras and swimsuits, wigs and wig care kits and lotions, to the not-so-obvious, such as novels, parking money for hospital trips and lip balm.
Pamper the patient
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation take a toll on the body. However, each patient may react differently to the treatment. Sensitivity and nausea are a common complain among chemotherapy and radiation patients. Consider simple gifts, such as anti-nausea bands, aromatherapy products and books. Sensitive skin from chemotherapy causes many breast cancer patients to complain about the slightest touch. Rashes, dry skin and itching may be side effects. The American Cancer Society recommends fragrance-free lotions and baby washes to soothe the patient's skin.
Buy gift certificates to the breast-cancer patient's favorite spa. Pamper her with a pedicure, massage or facial.
Listen and assist
The site JustBreastCancer.com suggests the best gift to a breast cancer patient is your time. During treatment and recovery, your friend or family member will be fatigued, stressed and worried.
Visit as your friend fights breast cancer. Follow the friend's lead on what they would like to talk about. Do a day out, if your friend is up to it.
Make food for the patient and his or her family so no one has to cook.
Clean the house.
Offer to drive for doctor's visits.
Offer to organize information from doctors and insurance companies.
Simple gift ideas
Breast cancer gifts do not have to be expensive. Consider what your friend or family member will face as a part of treatment. Long hours in doctor's office waiting rooms mean time to do crossword puzzles, read magazines or books or knit.
A simple notebook or binder can be used by the patient to keep all notes, instructions and information from her or his various doctors.
Inspirational gifts also may help the breast cancer patient keep up spirits. books written by survivors, posters and pictures to decorate a hospital room or movies to encourage laughter can all help a patient through the difficult days.
Tags: breast cancer, your friend, breast cancer, cancer patients, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, breast cancer patient
