NBR: Anyone close to someone who went through chemo?

grace_smith03

Hey, all!  I know this is very off-topic, but I had to start somewhere...

My uncle is undergoing chemo, and I was wondering what would be beneficial to bring him..he's super low maintenance, and would never ask for anything, so I just need to figure out what to bring him that would be useful.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

lmjt

My mom had chemo almost 3 years ago. We brought her funny movies every day (and eventually just got her Netflix) She said he just wanted to laugh and not dwell on it, and she did. She's cancer free for the past 2 years now.

Wishing your uncle all the best. 

lildevil968

My good friend is going through Chemo right now. I agree with the movie suggestion that a PP also mentioned. I would also bring crossword puzzles, word searches, and other things along those lines.Anything to keep his mind off of what he is going through is good.

grace_smith03

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate the advice.   Best of luck to your loved ones.

amesinholland

My mom went through Chemo 6 years ago. People often avoid "sick" people.  So, just visiting is a start.  Chemo can also cause mouth sores which make it hard to eat (well that and nausea) so I would get my mom lots of popsicles, juice, and non-acidic fruit. Netflix is a great idea.  Does he have family to help with household chores? Drop a thinking of you or funny (not necessarily a get well) card in the mail periodically.  If he does have someone living with him maybe offer to stay with him while they go to the store (if he is not well enough to be on his own). 

drreidlover

Unfortunately, too many close to me have gone through it. MIL did great, she had 12 rounds I believe. Useful things to bring your uncle would be books and magazines to read while undergoing it. A nice warm hat if he loses his hair. MIL had a great appetite (some people actually gain weight weird enough) but most have no appetite. My aunt would make my uncle milkshakes with malted milk powder, it has tons of calories. We would buy ovaltine or nestle. My uncle is 6'3 and got down to 112 pounds (he is normally over 200) so all the calories helped. We tried making the shakes with heavy cream but it was too rich and he would throw it up. Just whole milk, ice cream, the malted milk powder and sugar. I think we managed to get a small glass at over 1000 calories lol! I hope your uncle  is in recovery soon. 

benkari

My husband went through chemo while I was pregnant with the quads and the one thing he liked the most was people coming to see him.  He didn't have the strength to get out and see his friends but needed the interaction.  There were only a few that actually came but I guess that is how you find out who your friends are!

LoCarb

We give Barnes and Noble gift cards for reading, music, etc...My MIL always buys relaxation tapes with her G.C. during Chemo.

indyfrog2k

I hope that all goes well for your uncle.

My brother has gone through chemo twice and I would suggest books, magazines, video games, movies, i-tune giftcard, or anything else that interests him and can be done while sitting and relaxing.  I would say probably not any food items because a lot of times a chemo patient is either not hungry or their taste is altered and things they normally like to eat taste terrible now.  We also got my brother a new baseball hat when he lost his hair and a fleece blanket to bring with to chemo sessions because he was always cold.  Otherwise, just helping out with rides to and from, cleaning around the house, etc.

ablou

Could your family go in on a Kindle and an Amazon gift card?  That way, it's able to be read one-handed & it's light & he'll have lots of options. 

T&P for your uncle!

grace_smith03

Heartfelt thanks to everyone for their advice and good wishes...it's much appreciated.