Thoughtful gifts for cancer patients
Discussion
Hi all,
Quick question for you. Please be sensitive and play nicely on this one.
Someone I work in the same building with, but not in the same company is leaving at the end of the week to start some very agressive chemotherapy treatment followed by a bone marrow transplant. She will be off until at least Christmas, but as survival rates are so low, it may be a more final goodbye that au reviour. She is very aware of this and is preparing herself and those around her for the worst.
Some of us in the office feel we would like to do something for her, but we don't really know her all that well. She is someone to exchange pleasanties with in the corridor and since her diagnosis we have been asking after her and offering support where we can.
All the things we thought of doing seem so innappropriate - flowers can be seen as morbid, she may not be well enough for chocolates, perfumes etc aren't good for chemo patients, she probably wouldn't want any facial/beauty treatments as she may get a reaction etc. We thought a book voucher might be good but then, it just seems so insignificant in the situation. Going out for a meal/drink is no good as she is struggling with work and couldn't cope. We don't know her well enough to get a dressing gown or anything too personal, but we do want her to know we are thinking of her. Maybe a card would be enough but it's so hard to know what to do for the best.
Do any of you have any suggestions? Either things that were done for relatives of yours that they appreciated or any good ideas that you may have done for someone?
Really appreciated guys. Thanks
Quick question for you. Please be sensitive and play nicely on this one.
Someone I work in the same building with, but not in the same company is leaving at the end of the week to start some very agressive chemotherapy treatment followed by a bone marrow transplant. She will be off until at least Christmas, but as survival rates are so low, it may be a more final goodbye that au reviour. She is very aware of this and is preparing herself and those around her for the worst.
Some of us in the office feel we would like to do something for her, but we don't really know her all that well. She is someone to exchange pleasanties with in the corridor and since her diagnosis we have been asking after her and offering support where we can.
All the things we thought of doing seem so innappropriate - flowers can be seen as morbid, she may not be well enough for chocolates, perfumes etc aren't good for chemo patients, she probably wouldn't want any facial/beauty treatments as she may get a reaction etc. We thought a book voucher might be good but then, it just seems so insignificant in the situation. Going out for a meal/drink is no good as she is struggling with work and couldn't cope. We don't know her well enough to get a dressing gown or anything too personal, but we do want her to know we are thinking of her. Maybe a card would be enough but it's so hard to know what to do for the best.
Do any of you have any suggestions? Either things that were done for relatives of yours that they appreciated or any good ideas that you may have done for someone?
Really appreciated guys. Thanks
I'm trying to imagine how i would feel and what i would want but really i cant. Poor woman. I don't know what you'd call those like giant slippers. You put both of your feet in it and they keep you warm. As a few other people have said with chemo you do tend to feel the cold a lot more. Maybe that would be nice.
Edited by Bonnie and Clyde on Wednesday 1st October 16:11
LukeBird said:
space1999 said:
Why are the posts being deleted?????
+1There were some excellent ideas posted (in a non-sarcastic way!) that have been deleted...
Mods or PH problems?
Have a whip round and get her an adventure weekend sailing climbing etc or a spa weekend. Is she feeling fit and well (ish ) at the moment.
Oh and i will be the first to wish her all the very best with her treatment
Oh and i will be the first to wish her all the very best with her treatment
Edited by gti-ted on Wednesday 1st October 16:22
Edited by gti-ted on Wednesday 1st October 16:22
Anyway as I have tried to say 3 times - anything which will keep her mind occupied. If she goes for a bone marrow transplant you are put in isolation so she will want things to keep away the boredom. Flowers are not permitted in an oncology ward due to the bacteria in the water. (as we found out!!) An MP3 player is good idea. A sub to a mag she likes, or plenty of books.
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