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Post by fuji on Dec 27, 2023 1:51:48 GMT
My sister just had brain surgery last Friday and is recuperating at home. She has Stage 4 metastatic triple negative breast cancer, so...well...I don't think I need to say more. She will get localized radiation soon. She will continue the chemo regimen she has been on, which has dried out her skin and made her nauseous.
She wants to spend some time reading and taking care of herself before she goes back to work. I want to put together a care package for her. What I'm thinking so far:
* a few books that are well-written but not super serious/deep/dark and definitely don't mention cancer.
* a heated throw.
* sweets of some sort
Other ideas? She isn't very good at relaxing, so this will be a challenge for many different reasons. Oh, and she doesn't like anything with the pink breast cancer ribbon or "motivational" cancer slogans.
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Dec 27, 2023 6:48:18 GMT
Look up Gratitude jar. Put one together and she could pull out a piece of paper every day.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,769
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Dec 27, 2023 7:39:19 GMT
A laptray with a beanbag underside, it moulds to your lap but gives you a steady surface for a cup or book.
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Post by worrywart on Dec 28, 2023 15:26:18 GMT
Does she like puzzles? Maybe a sudoku or variety puzzle book?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134 
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Post by iowgirl on Dec 28, 2023 16:01:11 GMT
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a book that I enjoyed so much.
The main character, Tova does loose her husband to cancer, but the book doesn't dwell on that, it is just part of the plot as to why she started working where she is. But there is that mention of it.
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Post by malibou on Dec 28, 2023 16:42:08 GMT
Hard candies in a flavour she likes, but isn't her favorite.
Biotene products for dry mouth symptoms.
Something small and silly that reminds her of you guys as kids. Perhaps a small stuffy that looks like your dog growing up.
I am so sorry she has been stricken, I will keep her safely in my thoughts.
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Post by scrapcat on Dec 28, 2023 18:13:44 GMT
I am sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. What about some fun magazines, like house decor, flea market finds, even tabloids just for easy flip thru? For books, maybe stick with romcom/chiklit type things? Or maybe another type of nonfiction topic that she is interested in whether it is hobby, craft, history, politics, nature? Does she like any type of yarn craft? Or would she try one? Maybe a wooble kit for crochet. It's very easy to learn and links to videos. Or maybe coloring books? I did that a little bit just to keep my hands/mind busy. Although, as a survivor, I would say people can be so thoughtful in wanting to send you something, but I very quickly resented anything that needed too much attention (flowers, plants, a project, etc.) I didn't want to have to take care of another thing while just trying to get thru treatment. I would just rely on what you know about her and her personality and think of what is the most restful type things to get. If you/she is looking for any cancer specific items, there are tons of resources, but for dry skin the Acure products are ingredient friendly. acure.com/For nausea if she likes ginger, these Gin Gin ginger chews/candies are good. The ones with a bit of sugar on them are not as strong/spicey. gingerpeople.com/gin-gins/Any type of ginger tea or things with adaptogens is nice too. Taking small sips, using straw all help as well. I understand her "pink aversion" most cancer patients come to resent all that crap. Also, maybe check into thru her hospital if there are complementary therapies...some spas/masseuse offer oncology massage that can help with side effects, as well as things like reiki, acupuncture, etc. |
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Post by grammadee on Dec 28, 2023 23:51:37 GMT
What type of book does she like? I always find Janet Evanovich light, funny and easy to read. Most John Grisholm books are easy reads. The Comino Bay ones are fun.
Sign her up for some sort of game she can play independently or with friends on line? Then she can interact when she feels up to it, but doesn't have to answer the question "How are you feeling?"
A small cooler to put drinks and ice in so she can have a cool sip whenever her mouth is dry.
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Post by jennoconnell on Dec 29, 2023 1:41:47 GMT
Sending you and your sister wishes for the best possible result from her surgery and treatment. I have a couple of suggestions. After brain surgery and during chemo, "brain fog" and having the energy to hold a physical book can be a challenge. Maybe some comfortable headphones and a subscription to Audible so she can listen when to audiobooks? There are a lot of lovely free books available in addition to the traditional bookstore offerings. Also, if you do purchase physical or e-books for her, I recommend this website to check for common triggers, such as characters with cancer Does the Dog Die?And can we all just agree that having to think about going back to work when you have stage 4 metastatic cancer and are undergoing brain surgery, chemo, and radiation should not be "normal"? I'm sure she's probably looking forward to getting back to "normal", but that's just a lot to deal with. |
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