Aunt going thru chemo. Something to make her feel a little better...

[Pink_Converse]

My aunt is only like 36 and she is going thru chemo right now. She moved in with her sister and she's spending a lot of time in bed I think and just around the house. Can anyone think of a little gift bag I can maker her for Christmas? We don't usually exchange gifts with each other but I do w/ the other people in the house she's staying in so I want to get her something. I was thinking maybe some kind of cute tote with magazines, crosswords, pens, paper, hard candies, slippers or something, lotions, clear nail polish, what else??? Does that sound like a good idea?

[Lolly]

I think your idea is very thoughtful. :) And I love the idea you posted. Does she do any cross-stiching? Maybe you can buy her just a little kit to have something else to do besides reading. You can find those kits at craft stores. They usually have one small project with all the floss and the needle included.

[craftyT]

I think the ideas you have are perfect & very thoughtful... my suggestion would be anything warm and soft - maybe a nice cuddly throw blanket, pashmina wrap, or scarf.

[Avalon]

I like your ideas and I second the warm and soft idea.

This past weekend, my Mom and I went up to visit my Mom's best friend in NH who's undergoing chemo treatments. She's lost all of her hair and gets pretty cold. She loved the collection of hats my Mom brought up for her. This was the second time my Mom's been up since Z started her chemo treatments. The first visit, my Mom brought up a collection of Origins products and the two of them had "girly spa time", which was much needed and relaxing for both of them.

[MandyMaloo]

Hi there!

I just want to give you a big hug! We just found out on thursday that my mother's cancer is back- so we're right back to the chemo (possibly radiation) treatments again.

I know what my mom enjoyed most were soft, cozy things. My aunt brought her this warm fuzzy blanket, and my mom would crash on that thing every time she had chemo. She also enjoyed DVD's.

I would be very weary of lotions, oils, etc. If you want to purchase them, ask a professional first. Many people undergoing treatment break out in horrible rashes if certain lotions, perfumes, oils are applied. My mom even had a reaction to her shampoo.

I think what you're doing is an amazing idea. It's extremly thoughtful, and may help your aunt see that she's not alone. Thinking of your family...

[maplekitty]

When my mom went through chemo and radiation, one thing she loved was having her nails painted. It was something that still made her feel feminine and pretty when she was bloated and puffy and had no hair, and was generally feeling quite down on herself.

Maybe include some nail polishes and nice hand cream.

[Phen]

My favorite things during chemo were cards and letters from friends, silly pointless magazines and books ("chemo brain" is quite common), a little handheld Tetris game, my iPod with lots of music (but I also loved a mix CD some friends burned for me), snuggly blankets, and sleep caps. Your aunt might not have the kind of chemo that makes your hair fall out, but if she does, she probably won't want to wear wigs around the house, and sleep caps (little soft cotton skullcaps) keep a hairless head nice and cozy.

I also loved it when my husband or friends would bring me lunch while I was at chemo. But it's tough to predict what (if any) food aversions she'll have.

Good luck to your aunt and thanks for your thoughtfulness!

~ Phen

[Chimichanga]

I got my uncle a nice fleece throw for his treatments. We also got him a wide assortment of hats and head wraps since he lost his hair.

After his chemo, he was told by the doctor to eat anything he wanted in order to put back on some weight. I made him a bunch of cookies (he loves my cookies). When I gave them to him he ate 4 right away. My uncle was never a big eater.

My uncle was always the thinker of the family. He loved math and numbers, and he just wasn't able to. My sister got him a book of puzzles; they are popular in the Chicago Tribune and elsewhere. Once he started feeling better he hit that book hard to resharpen his mental skills. he loves the book! He said it makes him feel normal again.

[claribella]

All those sound great! Did you get that for her? How did she like it? :o

When my best friend was going thru chemo at 24 years old, she just LOVED the fuzzy slippers and soft comfy pj's I gave her. Anything to make her feel more comfortable.

[Pink_Converse]

I ended up getting her a cute pair of fuzzy slippers. She liked them :) .