Looking for thoughtful Chemo Gift Basket Ideas it can feel a little overwhelming. You may not know what to get someone or you simply feel overwhelmed with all the different options out there. With this post you will be able to look at some variations on chemo gift basket ideas.
Our Chemo Gift Basket Ideas are going to be categorized according to common side effects that may arise due to chemotherapy treatment. Making it easier to understand why we list it and the benefit it can provide. Let’s go.
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1. Loss Of Appetite & Anaemia
It is common for those that are undergoing chemotherapy to feel a loss of appetite.
Bentgo® Classic – Adult Bento Box makes for a good solution. You can pack snacks and smaller food options to take with you.
Meal prepping is the best way to insure you have something that is not only healthy but also goes with the food guidelines that need to be followed while undergoing chemo.
If you are looking for some guidelines and recipe ideas for your everyday, here is a guide created by Stanford Medicine. Click Here.
2. Dehydration
Drinking fluids frequently will not only prevent dehydration but an added BONUS is that it helps remove some of the byproducts of chemotherapy. Staying hydrated also helps reduce constipation and fatigue.
Getting a Glass Tumbler is a practical way to ensure that you always have water (or your drink of choice) with you. And added bonus of a glass tumbler is that it is easier to recycle in comparison to stainless steal, and many believe glass is easier to clean, which is crucial when your immune system is fragile.
More information on stay hydrated during cancer treatment from City of Hope – Cancer Center, click here.
3. Muscle and Joints Aches and Pains
Applying Heat / Cold as a Complementary or Integrative Therapy helps relieve pains, aches, and swelling in the body. This is why a Chilled or Heated Pad Therapy Pillow is a good chemo gift due to its multiple benefits.
Example: use heat when you feel numbness in your fingers and toes.
It is easy to use and compact making it an item to include in your hospital bag or purse.
If you are interested in learning more about Non-medical Treatments for Pain, here is a post from the American Cancer Society you may find interesting. Click Here.
4. Dry Skin and Sunlight Sensitive
Lips
Oncology Lip Balm comes highly recommended by cancer patients who have been through chemo.
Helps with long lasting hydration and decreasing the sensation of pain from cracked lips, providing great healing.
Skin
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 is a great way to fight a common side effect from chemotherapy, which is dry skin.
Helps relieve, soothe, and protect cracked, chapped, chafed skin. Skin comfort and hydration feels restored.
Sunscreen
Skin can become more sensitive to sunlight making La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen a good thing to have.
Broad Spectrum SPF 100 sunscreen ideal for sun sensitive skin and skin prone to burning. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-whitening texture leaves skin feeling hydrated and protected.
5. Feeling And Being Sick
Feeling sick and nausea are common side effects of chemotherapy. And even it is an unpleasant feeling, there are important reasons behind managing this side effect.
According to The National Cancer Institute: when nausea and vomiting are not controlled, the following may happen:
- Chemical changes in the body.
- Mental changes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Malnutrition.
- Dehydration.
- A torn esophagus.
- Broken bones.
- Reopening of surgical wounds.
Some non-medical suggestions are the following:
1. Urban ReLeaf is a great natural alternative to fighting upset stomach/nausea. People state that they found it effective, and the fact that is natural means that there is no limit to the amount of times it can be used.
2. Tummypops are a good way to fight nausea. You can keep them in your bag or purse and have them handy when you start feeling nausea.
The Mayo Clinic states that “ginger may help further reduce or eliminate nausea and vomiting during and after chemotherapy treatments.” (Read more)
6. Memory and Concentration Problems
Memory and concentration problems are another common side effect of chemotherapy. There is a reason why some people call is Chemo Brain.
Cancer Research UK mentions the following as signs and symptoms of Chemo Brain:
- memory loss – forgetting things that you normally remember
- difficulty thinking of the right word or image for a particular object
- difficulty remembering a conversation
- trouble concentrating or focusing on one thing
- difficulty doing more than one thing at a time (multi tasking)
- more difficulty doing things you used to do easily, such as adding up in your head
- fatigue (tiredness and lack of energy)
- confusion
- mental fogginess
- being unusually disorganised
- having difficulty learning new skills
If you or your loved one is dealing with Chemo Brain:
1. A Lined Journal Notebook makes for a good gift. You will be able to write things down and have them with you, minimizing forgetting dates/appointments/or anything else.
2. A Dry Erase Calendar for Fridge Magnetic Set is a useful way to keep appointments organized and in sight.
Another suggestion is to create a Cancer Binder. Here is a post on creating your won DIY Cancer Binder to take with you to your doctors appointments.
7. Difficulty With Sleep – Insomnia
Good nighttime rest is essential for health and boosting the immune system.
Some gifts suggestions for a good nights rest are the following:
1. Eye masks, like the Pure Silk Eye Mask are a great option for blocking our any lights that may disturb your sleep. These make a great addition if you are making a DIY Chemo Gift Basket for Her.
2. If you are a light sleeper and sensitive to the noise around you, the Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are a game changer. They are made of silicone, making them soft, comfortable and washable. In other words, absolutely ideal for rest and sleep.
When mentioning sleep problems during chemotherapy we are also referring to the fact that for many cancer patients who go through chemotherapy their sleep is interrupted mainly due to the other side effects of chemo, such as nausea and joint/muscle pain.
Please let your medical team know you are having trouble with sleep, they may have a solution.
8. Decrease In Motivation – Inspiration
Inspirational Bracelets as Chemo Gifts are a great way to show your support.
Chemotherapy has its ups and downs, everyones cancer journey is different, but having a support system makes a huge difference.
A Warm Hugs Gift Throw Blanket is a thoughtful and caring gift. They also make great End of Chemo gifts.
Going though chemo can take a toll on a persons body causing them to need more rest. This is a great way to receive love (like a warm hug) while getting the relaxation they need.
To summarize
Finding the perfect Chemo Gift Basket can feel overwhelming but hopefully with this post you have a better idea of what a person going through chemotherapy may find useful. The best gifts are thoughtful gifts.
If you found this post useful please like and share with a loved one.
Other posts you may like:
- 6 THOUGHTFUL CANCER SURVIVOR GIFTS FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
- HOW TO CREATE A DIY CANCER BINDER
- EASY AND BEAUTIFUL CHEMO COUNTDOWN CALENDARS FOR CANCER PATIENTS
- BEAUTIFUL RADIATION COUNTDOWN CALENDARS FOR YOUR CANCER BINDER
Works Cited:
- Stanford Medicine – Diet for Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy
- Mayo Clinic – Living With Cancer: Ginger may ease nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- City of Hope – Cancer Center. How to stay hydrated during cancer treatment
- American Cancer Society. Non-medical Treatments for Pain.
- National Cancer institute. Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
- Cancer Research UK. What are cognitive changes (chemo brain)?
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