NTTCALR --- what would you want to receive???

MrsG80inTN · December 2014

potentially sad story here, but I need ideas... My cousin's wife was diagnosed with brain cancer about 4 years ago. It went into remission (more like no growth) for 2 yrs but they found out yesterday that the cancer is back and incredibly more aggressive. I want to send the two of them some sort of care package while she is in the hospital fighting... Which may be for a bit... So what would you want to receive???

Menrandes · December 2014

Candies, without a doubt. I don't have first hand knowledge, only my experiences in watching people battle cancer, but chemo can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Something I found out through my iron infusion days, but you can absolutely taste medicines going through an IV. For a lot of people I knew, butterscotch was a big favorite.
Gingerale. And not the weak stuff either. Maybe some ginger tea or peppermint teas as well.
Plasticware, because metal can taste funny.
Coconut water.
A fun and comfy robe and slippers or comfy socks. The cheerier the better.
Earplugs!
A journal and pens
Chapstick
Travel sized games if you can find any. Or a deck of cards!

ETA: I forgot about straws! It's easier to drink out of a straw, especially in bed.

meredithcarole · December 2014

Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear that. I think I would agree that something to pass the time as well as something to make the hospital room more "homey" might be nice. Sudoku or a starter knitting kit or something like that? I wonder if the treatments might make her really tired, though. Perhaps some books on tape (so to speak)?

eliida · December 2014

I'm so sorry.

Second on comfy, soft socks. Leg warmers can be helpful, too. Simple craft kits to pass the time. Dry shampoo and sensitive skin care products she can use from her bed (wipes, etc). A good ergonomic pillow.

The hospital may have a dvd exchange or an option to rent movies. If not, and if she doesn't already have it, a gift cert for Netflix or Amazon prime to watch stuff on a laptop.

Is very thoughtful of you to reach out to her.

O2girl · December 2014

I'm so sorry to read this. (((Hugs)))

Since I have a lot of experience in this area (sadly), I will tell you the things that work for creating a soft and gentle healing space in a hospital.

Comfortable cozy fuzzy blankets, slippers, and wraps for the the head if chemo makes the hair shed.

Also noise makers! Holy moly these are important in a hospital.

Snacks....bleh hospital food

Games

Books

Smutt magazines!

Pay for someone to come in and do a simple mani/pedi.... No body realizes how much this means to someone who is too weak to care for these simple things.... But you'd be surprised how self-conscious women are when they are weak and incapable of tending to our minor needs.... Huge!

Music gift cards!

ETA: clarity on noise makers....
They make muffled white noise to drown out the other noise.

rmpar29 · December 2014

I'm so sorry to hear this! I think you've been given great suggestions and I really have nothing to add. Your cousin, his wife and your entire family are in my T&Ps.

Nikolie93 · December 2014

Everyone else has my ideas covered but wanted to come in and say I will be sending positive thoughts!

welly01 · December 2014

I'm so sorry about your cousin's wife. Everyone else has given great suggestions. I second chapstick, anything warm and soft (robe, socks, blanket, etc), and something to keep busy depending on what her interests are. What about a nice pair of house shoes/slippers to walk around in?

reginaphilangee · December 2014

I agree with everything mentioned and would like to second the idea of cleansing wipes. Bathing with IVs can be a huge PITA so having something to just help you feel fresh in between baths was my favorite thing. Anything homey is good: cozy blanket and, if it's allowed, a heating pad. I always get super cold and the nurses would let me use it a couple of times a day: both to warm my feet, and to ease lower back pain from being stuck in a bed.

I'm so so sorry your cousin is going through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am
so glad they have someone like you in their lives

skategirl128 · December 2014

Lots of t and p's for your cousin and his wife! All of the pp had great suggestions!

MrsG80inTN · December 2014

THank you @eurydicenymph. Your suggestions are spot on. Thank you for sharing.

Elliecat17 · December 2014

Sending T&Ps to you and your family!

buggirl72 · December 2014

mlal78 said:

@eurydicenymph those are some great suggestions that come from a place of experience. I had no idea of that part of your story and I want to give you big (((hugs)))

This. So many (((hugs))) and thank you for sharing.

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