That’s why she recommends a gift basket of unscented moisturizers, adding that a Kiehl’s gift basket from her sister was one of the best gifts she received during chemo. The unscented part is key. Chemotherapy can throw a person’s sense of scent out of whack, and even people who normally love fragrances can be repulsed by strong scents, she says.
Full Answer
What do you give someone who is going through chemotherapy?
FAQ: Caregiving During Chemotherapy. Taking care of someone getting chemotherapy – chemo for short - can involve helping to make treatment decisions, making medical appointments, driving to treatments, preparing meals, doing laundry and other chores, providing companionship, comfort, and support, and many other tasks.
What supplements did you take during chemo?
· Chemotherapy (chemo) leaves your body through your urine, bowel movements, sweat, tears, and vomit. Body fluids that get on your skin or another's skin may cause damage. You can follow certain steps to keep you and others safe. Follow these steps for 48 hours after you get chemo or as directed by your healthcare provider.
What are the best gifts to give during chemo?
· Ginger is known to help combat nausea, which Mastrippolito says tends to be a common (and unfortunate) side effect of chemo. Ginger candies are easy and portable, so your loved one can carry them...
How should I clean myself after chemo?
A: Cancer affects not just the individual who received the diagnosis, but the entire family unit. Caregivers and well-wishers help support a patient during cancer treatment, and their love, support, and worry will continue after treatment as well. This means they may also need their own emotional support during this time.
What do you give someone who just finished chemo?
Consider giving your friend some soft, cozy socks, slippers, pajamas, or robes. Sheepskin and chenille items are ideal. A warm, soft shawl or fleece blanket is the perfect way to wrap your friend in love and comfort. The fuzzier, the better!
What do you put in a gift basket for chemo patients?
That's why your chemo care package can make a world of difference. You can show your loved ones that you care and are standing by them as they go through these changes....Chemotherapy Care Package IdeasSpecial Bag. ... Lotions & Bath Products. ... Lip Balm. ... Mouth Rinse. ... Magazines & Puzzles. ... Water bottle. ... Teas. ... Lozenges & Candy.More items...•
How do you comfort someone after chemotherapy?
Although each person with cancer is different, here are some general suggestions for showing support:Ask permission. Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. ... Make plans. ... Be flexible. ... Laugh together. ... Allow for sadness. ... Check in. ... Offer to help. ... Follow through.More items...
What do you give someone in remission from cancer?
7 Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients and CaregiversA Meal Service or Gift Cards. Traveling to and from home for cancer treatments can be time consuming and tiring for both the patient and caregiver. ... A Massage. ... Time Off. ... A Clean (or Organized) Home. ... Comfortable Clothing. ... A Care Basket. ... The Same Gift You'd Get Them Otherwise.
What is a chemo bag?
A chemo bag helps provide entertainment and comfort, ensuring you have what you need throughout the day. Apart from essentials such as your insurance card, driver's license and medical records, you'll want to pack your bag with items that help pass the time and keep you comfortable.
What is a port pillow?
A port pillow is a small pillow that covers your portacath to protect it from the seatbelt when riding in a car. Seatbelts can irritate the site of a portacath if driving for a long period of time. Port pillows are designed to reduces irritation and relieve this discomfort.
What should you not do during chemotherapy?
9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•
How do people get mentally through chemo?
Preparing Your Mind for ChemotherapyBe prepared, not scared. ... Keep talking to your oncology team. ... Get back-up. ... Speak up about what you need. ... Arrange for help at work. ... Get financial counseling. ... Prepare a comfort bag to bring with you. ... Engage in self-care.
How long is a chemo session?
Some last as long as three or four hours, while others may only take a half-hour. Your doctor can provide an estimate of the time involved during your first consultation. Because of the effects of chemotherapy, you will receive regular blood work to make sure a chemotherapy session can be performed.
What cancer patients need most?
Top 10 Items You Need During Cancer TreatmentShower Chairs. abalcazar / Getty Images. ... Blanket Support. When areas of the body are treated with radiation therapy, the skin can become very sensitive. ... Inflatable Shampoo Basin. ... Disposable Wipes. ... Pill Pulverizer. ... Nosey Cups. ... Bed Tray. ... No Rinse Personal Care.More items...•
What do you put in a care package for cancer patients?
To get started, Ulreich recommends filling your cancer care package with some of these items:Chapstick. Lips can become dry during radiation and chemotherapy. ... Coloring books and travel games. ... Framed photos. ... Fuzzy socks or slippers. ... Hand sanitizer. ... Hard candy or gum. ... Hat or salon gift certificate. ... Hobbies.More items...•
How do you cheer up a cancer patient?
What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. ... Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. ... Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. ... Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items...•
Can you send flowers to chemo patients?
Don't buy flowers. Plants and flowers harbor fungal spores that place patients — especially transplant and cellular therapy patients — at higher risk for infection. Additionally, flowers may trigger emotional distress when the plant wilts and dies.
What should chemo patients avoid?
Chemotherapy is a treatment option for cancer. Chemotherapy drugs target cancer cells which stop or slow their growth. A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol.
What do you need for chemotherapy?
Items To Bring To ChemotherapyA loved one. “Bring somebody,” Ruiz says. ... Snacks. At Henry Ford, crackers and juice are often available, but patients are encouraged to bring their own. ... Hard candy. ... Lip balm. ... Laptop, iPad or iPhone. ... Knitting. ... Pillow and blanket. ... Reading materials.More items...•
What to do when someone is getting chemotherapy?
Taking care of someone getting chemotherapy – chemo for short - can involve helping to make treatment decisions, making medical appointments, driving to treatments, preparing meals, doing laundry and other chores, providing companionship, comfort, and support, and many other tasks. Knowing what to expect as a caregiver allows you ...
How is chemotherapy given?
Chemo can be given through a vein, called an infusion or IV (intravenous). Chemo can also come in liquid or pill form that’s swallowed, or it can be injected as a shot or rubbed onto the skin.
How long does it take for chemo to get rid of a swollen intestine?
A: It usually takes a few days for the body to get rid of the drugs after a round of chemo is given. During this time, wear disposable gloves when cleaning up any body fluids, including urine, stool, tears, and vomit, and then wash your hands with soap and water.
Can chemo cause sore throat?
Some chemo drugs can cause dryness and sores in the mouth and throat. Going to the dentist before getting chemo is a good idea if possible. Soft foods may help if it hurts to eat. Ask the cancer care team about ways to help.
Does chemo cause hair loss?
Hair loss. Some chemo drugs cause hair loss. Ask the cancer care team if the kind of chemo being given will cause hair to fall out, and when it might happen. With that information, you can help the person you’re caring for get ready. They can cut or shave their hair, decide to go bald, or shop for head coverings.
What to do if you can't keep liquids down?
If nausea does happen, eating small snacks often throughout the day may help. If the person can’t keep liquids down or has been vomiting, call the doctor. Hair loss.
What is the number to call for cancer care?
If you have more questions after reading this article, talk to the cancer care team. You can also call our Cancer Helpline at 1-800-227-2345.
How long after chemo do you have to keep your body?
Body fluids that get on your skin or another's skin may cause damage. You can follow certain steps to keep you and others safe. Follow these steps for 48 hours after you get chemo or as directed by your healthcare provider.
How to reduce the risk of body fluids?
Use your own toilet: Have family and visitors use a separate toilet. This will decrease the risk that your body fluids will get on their skin. If it is not possible to use your own toilet, flush the toilet 2 times. Wear gloves and clean the toilet after you use it.
What can you put in trash bags?
This may include trash that has adult diapers, underwear, or sanitary pads in it. Seal this trash in 2 plastic bags before you throw it away with other trash.
How to wash hands after a caregiver?
Caregivers should always wash their hands with warm water and soap after they clean. If body fluids get on a caregiver's skin they should wash the area right away with soap and warm water. You or your caregiver should tell your healthcare provider if this happens.
How to get rid of body fluids in hands?
Always wash your hands with warm water and soap after you use the bathroom. Use a paper towel instead of a cloth towel to dry your hands. This will decrease the risk that your body fluids will get on others.
Do you need gloves for ostomy?
This includes any time they need to empty your ostomy or other drains . Caregivers should always wash their hands with warm water and soap after they clean.
Is chemo exhausting?
Cancer can be terrifying, exhausting, and isolating—and so can chemotherapy. So, if you have a loved one who is going through chemo, it’s understandable that you’d want to do everything you can to help them through the process. While simply being there is crucial, you may be searching for other ways to help, from running their errands ...
Can chemo cause a person to smell?
The unscented part is key. Chemotherapy can throw a person’s sense of scent out of whack, and even people who normally love fragrances can be repulsed by strong scents, she says. It can also make your skin super dry and sensitive, so fragrance may be irritating.
Can you offer to come over to a friend?
Sure, you can offer to come over whenever they want, but Sheila Ferrall, senior director of nursing practice, education and clinical effectiveness at Moffitt Cancer Center, tells SELF that, in her experience, most people are “very reluctant” to actually take friends up on those offers.
Does ginger help with nausea?
Ginger is known to help combat nausea, which Mastrippolito says tends to be a common (and unfortunate) side effect of chemo. Ginger candies are easy and portable, so your loved one can carry them around whenever nausea strikes.
Can you download iTunes for chemo?
An iTunes gift card so they can download freely. Chemo sessions can be long and, while there’s often a TV available, “that only goes so far,” Dr. Saria says. He recommends getting a patient an iTunes gift card so they can pick out music, podcasts, or downloadable books to help them pass the time.
Can you pause chemo?
Unfortunately, life doesn’t get put on pause when you go through chemo, and patients still have to go through basic, everyday things like cooking dinner. As you can imagine, that can be exhausting, which is why a subscription to a food delivery service can be incredibly helpful.
Can you use an electric blanket for cold cap therapy?
An electric blanket—especially if they're doing cold cap therapy. "Towards the end of my treatment, when the cold cap feels even colder because you inevitably have less hair, electric blankets are invaluable," Montego says, noting that she borrowed a few during her treatment.
How to deal with cancer fears?
Information and education are essential to regain some control. Sharing one’s fears and worries with loved ones, a support group, or seeking professional help can and will bring relief. It is normal to have many concerns after completing treatment for cancer and important to feel supported and accompanied in this journey.
What is the end of treatment summary?
A: Survivors can ask their oncologist for an end of treatment summary that outlines the original diagnosis, including the cancer type, stage, and the treatments received. These details will be important to future health care providers throughout their lifetime. This information should also clearly state the proposed schedule for follow-up visits and recommended scans and other testing to monitor the person's recovery, also called a "survivorship care plan."
What is a support group for survivors?
Another very helpful resource is a support group. It allows survivors to share experiences and advice and receive support from individuals who have had similar experiences and who are outside their usual circle of family or friends.
How does cancer affect a person's family, friends, and caregivers?
Q: How does cancer affect a person’s family, friends, and caregivers? A: Cancer affects not just the individual who received the diagnosis, but the entire family unit. Caregivers and well-wishers help support a patient during cancer treatment, and their love, support, and worry will continue after treatment as well.
What happens after cancer treatment?
A: We hear from many patients that the time after completing active cancer treatment is a time when they feel ‘unsettled’ and worry about an uncertain future. Some may even feel anxious about the possibility that the cancer could return and worry they may not be doing enough to catch any signs early enough. It is also important to note that many patients still have unpleasant symptoms related to their treatment for months or even years after treatment ends. Unfortunately, it is common for patients to experience fatigue, difficulty sleeping, problems with memory, persistent pain or tingling from neuropathy, and emotional distress.
Do cancer survivors want to give back?
Many cancer survivors want to give back, and you will find them volunteering or acting as advocates at cancer clinics and philanthropic organizations. It's also important to recognize that many cancer survivors face an uncertain future and feel unsettled.
How long after chemotherapy should you flush the toilet?
For 48 hours after receiving chemotherapy, patients and caregivers should follow these precautions: Flush toilets twice each time they are used. If possible, patients should use a separate toilet from others in the home. Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
How to clean a device after using it?
After using any devices for bodily waste, patients should thoroughly wash their hands and the devices with soap and water. Dry the devices with paper towels, and discard the towels. Any sheets or clothes soiled with bodily fluids should be machine-washed twice in hot water with regular laundry detergent. Do not hand wash.
How to read more about chemo?
If you want to read more about chemo, you could go to the blue banner at the top of this page and click on the search engine. Pop in 'chemo' or 'chemo side-effects' or 'refusing chemo', or something similar, and this will bring up previous posts on this subject. This may help you to reach some conclusion.
Can you die from chemo?
As far as I can see, you either deteriorate and ultimately die suffering from the effects of chemo, or you deteriorate and die (possibly a little sooner), but with a better quality of life to the end. My apologies for being so blunt.
Is it good to hear you stopped having chemo?
I am glad to hear that you are so happy to have stopped having chemo. It is also good to hear that you have the backing of your family and friends .
Is chemo good for everyone?
chemo may be fine for some but definitely not everybody.
What stops anything that grows / re-generates from doing so?
In the most basic explanation… Chemo stops anything that grows / re-generates from doing so…
Does acupuncture help with chemo?
One more thing: I know it sounds kooky, but acupuncture has helped some–the pain in my hands has decreased. My oncologist recommended it to me based on what her patients told her, and I would recommend it to everyone going through chemo or post-chemo.
What to do after chemo?
Life after chemotherapy stops. Discuss any physical symptoms that you’re having as well as any emotions that are troubling you. Your oncologist might suggest you speak with a social worker or attend a support group with other people who are facing similar decisions. Remember, you are not alone in this.
What is the best treatment for breast cancer?
After you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, your oncologist may recommend many different treatments. Chemotherapy is among the treatment options available. For some, chemotherapy treatments may not kill the cancer cells, or the cells may return after a remission.
Is it right or wrong to stop chemotherapy?
However, there’s no right or wrong decision. The best choice is whichever one you feel comfortable with, whether that’s continuing chemotherapy, exploring experimental treatments, or stopping treatment altogether.
Is cancer treatment effective the first time?
Cancer treatment is at its most effective the first time that it’s used.