<p>I have a friend who is starting treatments soon and want to give her a goodie bag with fun stuff</p>
<p>so far I have</p>
<p>crayons
a coloring book
tacky magazines like US and Star
a snow globe
stress ball
pretty pens wih feathers
silly games
a deck of cards</p>
<p>any other thoughts?</p>
<p>What a nice thought!</p>
<p>A stuffed animal/beanie baby; something to snuggle with.</p>
<p>Silly Putty and the Sunday comics.</p>
<p>Fun socks for those cold toes!</p>
<p>For a larger gift, Brookstone has the nap pillows and blankets that are so soft; great for those naps during treatment or while at home.</p>
<p>how thoughtful of you citygirlsmom…my sis just started radiation last week, and snowball…I am going to go for those nappy things I saw at Brookstone…good idea</p>
<p>I have a dear friend who recently went through treatment for breast cancer. Although I wouldn’t call it a “fun” gift, one thing your friend will appreciate is some type of very soft, warm covering for her head – my friend always complained about being cold when she lost her hair, particularly when she was trying to sleep at night. There are some terrific cashmere “beanies” available that really do the trick. Many breast cancer patients also wear them out of the house during the day in lieu of wigs, which can be hot and uncomfortable.</p>
<p>great ideas!!! yeah, it isn’t all jsut fun stuff, but stuff to make it easier and more comfortable along with some silly distractions</p>
<p>i was thinking some nice hand lotion, some baby wipes to freshen up, a giant toy ring, some mittens</p>
<p>A little tape machine that goes around her neck, to listen to music</p>
<p>One of those long chains to hold eyeglasses, so she can take them
on and off as needed without losing them or giving them away</p>
<p>There are some inexpensive magnet sculture things. They come with a base, a bunch of small metal objects like horses, cats or letters. And a small metal “stick.” You use the stick to build towers, bridges, shapes with the metal pieces. They are fun for adults. I had one for awhile and my kids were amazed to see me pick the thing up and “create” over and over.</p>
<p><a href=“Online Bookstore: Books, NOOK ebooks, Music, Movies & Toys | Barnes & Noble®”>Online Bookstore: Books, NOOK ebooks, Music, Movies & Toys | Barnes & Noble®;
<p>Here is an example</p>
<p>magnet poetry words and a base to play around with them?
not sure, having never had chemo, if I’d be up to that</p>
<p>those are wonderful ideas, something simple and distracting, and in a way, meditative</p>
<p>Some funny DVDs to watch while resting at home. Music CDs to listen to. A soft bathrobe.</p>
<p>I just remembered how often I;ve had to lie waiting in very brightly lit dr. exam rooms. It gives me a headache! </p>
<p>So perhaps…a mask/blindfold as people use for sleeping; just explain what you mean by it</p>
<p>or even to use at home when you are napping after treatments, if you do nap</p>
<p>earplugs??</p>
<p>I was thinking funny DVD’s too–my favorite would be Best in Show. I helped my friend by driving her to chemo and back and (on other days) making dinner for her family so she wouldn’t have to cook.</p>
<p>Someone already mentioned music CDs…One of the collections like “Music for a Relaxing Day” or something similar…Bed, Bath, and Beyond has a kiosk with some good “spa” type music…also, the Hallmark stores also have a display. I’m partial to harp music for being the most relaxing.</p>
<p>A company called Health Journeys has guided imagery tapes and cds for people undergoing radiation and chemotherapy (and for a lot of other things besides).</p>
<p>Hard candies to suck on. Sour or strong flavors are good as certain chemos can leave quite a nasty taste in the mouth for days and days. Altoids are good as are just about sour lemon anything. Hydration is very important, so maybe a brightly colored Nalgene. Fun lippy or lip balm. </p>
<p>Concentration can take a nose dive so this is not the best time to start the great American novel. No brainer distractions are good. Funny movies, definitely.</p>
<p>CGM, if I may, depending on what sort of personality type your friend is, none of these things may really make her feel very good. If it were me, I would hate these things. Actually, I have received a few things along these lines and they tend to upset me, because they are a reminder or rather reinforcer of a serious illness, a weakened position, and a problem. I know the people who are sending them mean well and are trying to help but sometimes too much of a message that one is sick hurts and does not help. </p>
<p>What might make your friend happier is something that points to a full, happy, healthy and active live AFTER treatment - something that sends a very subtle message (or perhaps a not so subtle message) that she is going to be o.k., and that her life is going to be normal and happy and exciting again. What are her interests or plans once she gets past it - perhaps an interesting vacation, or a project of some sort? If you can learn what are her long term interests, maybe get her a book that relates to it, or something that supports those interests. </p>
<p>The other thing you can give her is the gift of time, and of conversation. I have actually had a couple of friends send me checks in the mail (!!!) which is ridiculous considering I have more money than they do, even after co-pays. Plus entirely too many flowers have come. I would rather have none of these things and have the gift of time with the person(s), and conversation instead. So maybe consider going with her to one of her treatments, or offering to drive her, or prepare a meal for her, or even run some errands for her…or just spend time with her and talk to her.</p>
<p>do both,</p>