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Post by MichyM on Feb 15, 2017 23:25:44 GMT
Some may recall that I posted several weeks ago about my friend who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She begins chemo on Tuesday.
I've been her "person" this last month or so. Sitting in on Dr. appointments, caring for her after procedures and her hysterectomy, etc. I'll be her driver to/from her first chemo, and then we'll take it from there as to whether she can get herself there. And yes, I'll be doing some cooking for her so she's got meals in the freezer for the days she's not up to cooking.
Anyhow, I'd like to put together some stuff for her that she might find useful during her chemo treatments. She's got 18 weeks of them coming up. She plans on working as much as she can during the infusions.
If you've been through chemo, or are close to someone who has had it, what suggestions do you have for me? Thanks a bunch!
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Post by jenjie on Feb 15, 2017 23:34:11 GMT
It's awesome that you are doing this for her. Others can tell you what will be appreciated. I do know that fresh flowers are a no no for people on chemo.
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grrlsmom
Full Member
Posts: 141
Jun 26, 2014 2:38:20 GMT
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Post by grrlsmom on Feb 15, 2017 23:41:36 GMT
They gave me stuff that knocked me out. We finally asked about it and they cut it back, but I still napped. Prayers for your friend and you are great to help her out.
Edit:I liked my fav coffee, a tablet to surf and play games on, a blanket to snuggle under (they will probably have donated ones for her). First chemo is kind of an exploration, you don't know how it's gonna be and what the after effects are. Good thing is that when you tell your doc, they have meds to help. My DH went with me for all but the last one and we knew I could drive myself home since it is only a couple miles through our small town.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:06:47 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2017 23:42:55 GMT
Some get really dry skin but scented stuff is a no for most. Unscented jergens was my mom's favorite. Soft hats, fuzzy socks, fluff reads, pretzels were also favorites.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Feb 15, 2017 23:46:56 GMT
My MIL liked having a warm lap blanket to take with her to her appointments, also warm hats for after her hair fell out. I think lip balm was something else she needed.
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Post by malibou on Feb 15, 2017 23:49:10 GMT
Biotene oral products. They help with the dry mouth that seems to get everyone. There are all manner of products, but specifically during chemo I like the gum because you can taste the chemo when it first comes thru and this masks as well as produces saliva to get it swallowed down. 14 years later I still use the mouth rinse and mouth spray.
J
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Post by compwalla on Feb 15, 2017 23:51:46 GMT
I need other people to: 1) Not bring stinky food to infusion 2) STFU while people are napping 3) Learn about this new thing called "headphones" and their ability to make your stupid facebook videos silent for the rest of the people sitting there 4) Not bring a posse of eight people who hog all the chairs, make too much noise, and generally disturb the peace. Seriously though, what I need during chemo is a good tote bag, headphones, an extension cord/portable surge protector, stretchy pants, a good soft hat, a nice blanket long enough to go from chin to over the feet, and a neck pillow. And for everyone else to fuck off. (sort of kidding) After nine rounds, I'm very cranky.  |
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Post by katniss on Feb 15, 2017 23:51:58 GMT
I cherished the uplifting or funny cards my friends sent me. I swear they all got together and worked out a schedule so that I always received a card or 2 a week for months.
Ginger or lemon drops for nausea
A soft blanket. Chemo rooms can be cold.
Lip balm. Certain chemos dry you out.
Bring over a meal or clean her house.
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Post by Delta Dawn on Feb 15, 2017 23:56:00 GMT
I have a tiny, tiny container of Vaseline and I carry it with me all the time. That is nice on dry lips as well. It's perfect purse sized.
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msladibug
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,770 
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Post by msladibug on Feb 16, 2017 0:15:23 GMT
I appreciated my Chemo Angels.They were a blessing, and I appreciated them being there (letters, cards and little gifts) while I was going through chemo. |
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Post by KelleeM on Feb 16, 2017 0:19:39 GMT
I slept during most of my infusions. A sweet person sent me a Vera Bradley overnight bag with a soft throw and a journal. It all matched, which was nice but most of all the blanket kept me so cozy. I agree with all that compwalla said. Do what you can to make sure she's comfortable and let her lead the way as far as what she needs from you.
And know that you're a huge blessing to her. She may not remember to tell you this or to thank you but she will appreciate everything so much.
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Post by bc2ca on Feb 16, 2017 0:29:19 GMT
Everyone's response to chemo will be different, but for a dear friend, having heavy duty zip lock bags and wipes always available (car, bag, etc.) for when a wave of nausea hits and you can't make it to a bathroom were something she was always double checking.
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Post by carolynhasacat on Feb 16, 2017 0:47:05 GMT
Agree with the bags for vomiting, and wet wipes. And a small blanket and pillow.
When DH went through chemo, he wanted to watch sitcoms without commercials, so we got a portable DVD player and some DVDs. He want light, funny, and requiring zero concentration, but enough to take his mind off it. He normally hates sitcoms, so this sticks out in my mind.
The other thing that was helpful - I kept a file folder and notebook and wrote everything down. It proved invaluable. We didn't realize it at the time, but we needed to record everything - time, dosage, side effects, etc. because he had complications and his memory was totally shot.
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Post by bdhudak on Feb 16, 2017 1:19:34 GMT
My husband was the patient -Everyones reactions are so different even on the same medications so her experience will be unique for her body.
What we learned--- Don't skip nausea medicines, take as ordered to keep things under control.
Day of chemo patient still has energy, it is a couple of days later the fatigue hits and may last for a few days, then the energy returns.
Biotene mouthwash for dry mouth gave good relief.
We actually avoided favorite foods for a few months, treatment can cause a metallic taste to foods and it was suggested to avoid foods he loved as to not to be turned off of them. During these metallic times plastic silverware is helpful and I did more microwave cooking and cold dishes for him to eat, avoiding the metal cookware as it caused an issue with taste.
Good thing happened -The chemo cured his psorisis while he had his treatment, that was a plus.
In case you are in a sunny climate sun screen may be needed, my husbands skin became very sensitive while on chemo.
We received a gift of a cleaning service a few months into treatment, this is such a great gift. We were able to keep things tidy but to do big cleaning jobs -the gift was much appreciated. Also, it was winter and friends had our driveway plowed.
Hugs for you and your friend, it is great you are able to help her and that she is accepting help.
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maurchclt
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,654
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Post by maurchclt on Feb 16, 2017 1:34:14 GMT
Just wanted to give YOU a big hug, you are a true friend.
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Post by lisa on Feb 16, 2017 2:36:26 GMT
Warm socks, tote bag, chap stick, cold water, sucking candy, good book,. I think kindness and just knowing you are there for her, will mean the most to her.
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Post by MichyM on Feb 16, 2017 3:14:08 GMT
You girls really do come through in a pinch, thank you! I'm going to do a little googling for suggested dry skin/lip/nails for chemo patients and will make a drugstore run tomorrow. Oh, and stuff for dry mouth. And TJs is right across the street and I know they have some hard ginger candies. Didn't even think about the plastic bags and wipes. A special thanks for that. What a practical suggestion. The socks, hats, and fluffy blanket I knew about...but that was about it.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Feb 16, 2017 3:22:18 GMT
I was bored. I would check in for chemo at 7am and usually not be done until early afternoon. The rooms were not private so i never knew who i was sharing with. I used my ipod touch for web surfing and games (this was early 2008) and watched whatever daytime tv was on, read magazines & books. I'm not a napper, that would have been a great way to pass the time. Mostly i remember how boring it was and how many trips i took to the bathroom to pee rolling my chemo/saline with me. Most hydrated i've ever been in my life!
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Post by MalleyCat on Feb 16, 2017 4:38:00 GMT
I bought myself a down throw to take for my chemo sessions. Everyone was in the same room and sat in big comfy reclining chairs. I went by myself and would usually nap for my 3 hour sessions. This was 12 years ago, before we had iPads and iphones. 😉
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Post by elaine on Feb 16, 2017 5:09:24 GMT
You girls really do come through in a pinch, thank you! I'm going to do a little googling for suggested dry skin/lip/nails for chemo patients and will make a drugstore run tomorrow. Oh, and stuff for dry mouth. And TJs is right across the street and I know they have some hard ginger candies. Didn't even think about the plastic bags and wipes. A special thanks for that. What a practical suggestion. The socks, hats, and fluffy blanket I knew about...but that was about it. Now with Emend, hopefully the ziplock bags won't be necessary. That stuff is magic at preventing nausea. I think that melissa was saying that some chemo meds that used to cause weight loss due to vomiting are now flagged for potential weight gain, because Emend works so well at stopping the nausea. If she has an issue with nausea, have here ask about it. The peas told me to ask, because anesthesia makes me incredibly sick, and it changed my world. |
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Feb 16, 2017 6:25:51 GMT
Yup... that's true.
Many people actually gain weight on these very strong chemo regimens due to the very strong anti-nausea meds. No one should be "deathly ill" with nausea and vomiting today. She should never be afraid to speak up about symptoms.
Something I found very helpful was to keep a little diary, especially for my symptoms. The effects become magnified in each round, so keeping track helped me tackle and anticipate issues in later cycles.
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Post by jennoconnell on Feb 16, 2017 6:45:08 GMT
The other thing that was helpful - I kept a file folder and notebook and wrote everything down. It proved invaluable. We didn't realize it at the time, but we needed to record everything - time, dosage, side effects, etc. because he had complications and his memory was totally shot. 100% yes to this. My mom is the patient. I keep a "Mom" file in my phone with anything like what code to enter to stop or restart her chemo pump (not everyone will have a pump to take home), her weight, scan dates, results, CEA numbers, things the nurses say to try or to avoid, etc. It has been invaluable. Encourage your friend to listen to the chemo nurses, they are a wealth of tips and tricks to make chemo more tolerable. Best wishes to you and your friend!
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Post by jenjie on Feb 16, 2017 9:37:33 GMT
A Netflix subscription might be nice. She can watch videos on her phone or tablet.
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SweetieBsMom
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Feb 16, 2017 11:29:35 GMT
I need other people to: 1) Not bring stinky food to infusion 2) STFU while people are napping 3) Learn about this new thing called "headphones" and their ability to make your stupid facebook videos silent for the rest of the people sitting there 4) Not bring a posse of eight people who hog all the chairs, make too much noise, and generally disturb the peace. Seriously though, what I need during chemo is a good tote bag, headphones, an extension cord/portable surge protector, stretchy pants, a good soft hat, a nice blanket long enough to go from chin to over the feet, and a neck pillow. And for everyone else to fuck off. (sort of kidding) After nine rounds, I'm very cranky. OMG. Yes...YES....a thousand times YES!!!! I have been bringing DH to chemo every 2 weeks for 3 years at this point and couldn't agree with the above more.
I look like a pack mule going to chemo with a tote bag and a backpack, I won't let DH carry anything. What I typically bring: Tablet, my work laptop, headphones, lunch (DH will typically eat something before they knock him out with Benadryl), Gatorade. DH usually sleeps the whole time because of the aforementioned Benadryl. They have heated blankets where we go so I don't need to bring a blanket. You may want to make sure she has some saltines for the ride home and something to drink. DH gets what he calls "chemical belly" after chemo and sometimes he needs something on the way home due to nausea. You could also make sure she has some magazines, puzzle books, or a good book to read. She probably really won't know what she wants to do at chemo the first couple of times. It's very overwhelming. She'll settle in to a routine.
I second the Biotene. DH uses the toothpaste and mouthwash. Also have some lip balm for her. I keep a 'chemo tote' that stays packed and I grab it every 2 weeks.
You're a great friend to be there for her.
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Post by Bridget in MD on Feb 16, 2017 12:45:22 GMT
My DD made held several workshops and in total, donated about 90 blankets to our local Cancer Care center for her Girl Scout Silver award. She had kids write/draw positive messages on each blanket too, in hopes of raising spirits. I'm glad to hear so many use/need blankets, bc I always worried that they would just sit in a closet.  |
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 16, 2017 13:12:40 GMT
I need other people to: 1) Not bring stinky food to infusion 2) STFU while people are napping 3) Learn about this new thing called "headphones" and their ability to make your stupid facebook videos silent for the rest of the people sitting there 4) Not bring a posse of eight people who hog all the chairs, make too much noise, and generally disturb the peace. Seriously though, what I need during chemo is a good tote bag, headphones, an extension cord/portable surge protector, stretchy pants, a good soft hat, a nice blanket long enough to go from chin to over the feet, and a neck pillow. And for everyone else to fuck off. (sort of kidding) After nine rounds, I'm very cranky. I agree with all of these! DH always tries to nap during his infusion. |
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Post by mikklynn on Feb 16, 2017 13:14:50 GMT
Just wanted to give YOU a big hug, you are a true friend. AMEN!!!
Also, I just remembered, when DH is not feeling 100%, cold foods taste better to him. So, think about bringing grapes and a cold pasta salad for a meal.
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Post by jenjie on Feb 16, 2017 13:29:53 GMT
My DD made held several workshops and in total, donated about 90 blankets to our local Cancer Care center for her Girl Scout Silver award. She had kids write/draw positive messages on each blanket too, in hopes of raising spirits. I'm glad to hear so many use/need blankets, bc I always worried that they would just sit in a closet. Bridget that's wonderful! |
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Post by compwalla on Feb 16, 2017 15:06:20 GMT
I'm glad to hear so many use/need blankets, bc I always worried that they would just sit in a closet. Oh no, they get used! At the infusion center I go to they keep all the donated blankets (and there are tons - quilts, fleece, afghans, you name it) in the blanket warmer and people use them all day long. Usually by about 2 pm they are out of clean blankets because they won't let you share or reuse them between patients. If you take a blanket from the warmer then when you're done they take it up and send it to the laundry. So there is always a demand for good soft blankets long enough to cover your feet when you're laying down. That was a wonderful and thoughtful project and I know the patients appreciate it. |
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Feb 16, 2017 18:34:02 GMT
My friend started a charity after we lost a friend to breast cancer. They make up bags and give them to the infusion center for chemo patients. Here's the site and it lists what is put in the bags. www.cancerperks.com |
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