One of my friends and neighbors was recently diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Watching her go through surgery and treatment has changed my perspective on cancer. I wanted to do something for her while she is going through Chemotherapy. Since I have access to such great information and am aware of some of the common side effects of Chemotherapy, I decided to put together a Chemo Survival Kit of her. I thought I'd post what I included in the Kit in case it's helpful for anyone else out there.
I bought a simple bag to put it all in. It's a re-uable shopping bag. I made a basic sign for the front.
The contents include lots of things to help ease the symptoms associated with chemotherapy. Each one included a little note to explain what it is and why it's included. Inside the kit is:
- A funny book that has nothing to do with Chemo. It's actually this book. Hilarious book about parenting.
- A pretty scarf for when she looses her hair.
- Plastic utensils to help with the metallic taste patients often get.
- Educational materials because it's my job and I couldn't not include it.
- Hard candy to help with mouth sores.
- A small pillow (because hospital pillows suck)
- Ginger tea to help with nausea.
- Chapstick for chapped lips
- A trashy magazine to keep up on celebrities and help pass the time.
- Love Notes: This is one of my favorite parts. I asked friends and neighbors to write notes of encouragement and tied them together with a pretty ribbon. I was hopeful that it would help lift her spirits and feel loved during treatment
14 comments:
Awesome, awesome idea! As a cancer survivor, I definitely agree that cancer totally sucks.
(I tried to pin it but it wouldn't work so I will try later!)
How do you manage an interesting blog like this? I really enjoyed this one. You've got an amazing blog. More power to you:-)
I can't figure out the Pin thing. I'm working on it, but this is a new thing for me.
I love this idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing. I'd love to get a group together, have everyone put one together, then deliver several to a hospital for them to give their patients. Thanks for the inspiration!
What a wonderful idea. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 19, and she would've loved something like this. I've been thinking of things to do with my kids as a way to give back and I think this is the perfect idea. Thank you for sharing.
I did this once and included very dark nailpolish which my Mum used to protect her nails during chemo.
As a 5 year cancer patient I recommend Cottonelle wipes. They are a lifesaver. Along with Imodium. Gross but true!
I love this idea. We are going to do this as a scout troop for our Family Of God award, and it's perfect since one of the dads has been going through multiple rounds of chemo!
What a great idea! When my sister in-law was going through her treatment I went out a bought small token gifts and wrapped them up in pretty paper and so that way she had a gift to open either before, during or after her chemo treatment. I think she loved it. Thank you
I know this is a couple of years old, but this is a terrific idea. I have stage 4 ovarian myself. I hope your friend is doing well. From when this was posted, it appears that we were diagnosed around the same time.
I would also include some house slippers or house socks. I got terrible neuropathy in my legs and feet. My feet always felt cold.
Fortunately, I haven't had to have chemo in over a year and a half. I have a bag that I take with me when I go and it's similar. You're a very good friend.
I think this is a wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing.
i do hope your friend is doing well.
Hello, it is a great idea. I am a cancer survivor. The thoughtfulness of the idea makes me moved, emotional, touched.
I wrote o fmyself in a blog www.adhunika.com as story of Shegufta.
Cancer is penetrating trauma.
Be aware, get cheeked.
Allah helps us all.
Thank you so much for this idea and a thanks to all how posted comments for additional items to put in the bags. I lost both of my parents to cancer. I love this idea to give back to those who are going through this horrible disease. I am going to present this idea to your women's group at church! Thanks again,
your friend is very lucky, because when I was diagnosed ten years ago, my two siblings and ALL my so called friends, walked out the door!, a very difficult and scary journey alone. But I made it.
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