I will be with a friend of mine for her last chemo treatment this week. She will be facing radiation probably after the holidays, but hopefully, chemo will be done. I’d like to do something to acknowledge the occasion, but don’t want to make too much of a big deal of it as one never really knows if this is her last one. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!
If she has formed friendships with the other patients and with the staff at her chemo treatment, then it might be appropriate for you to bake cookies and bring them to the treatment center to share. Maybe a balloon or two to tie onto her I.V. pole that day would be festive enough to mark the occasion.
Something simple like a personal hand written note or card, a long with a special treat, like her favorite cookies or lunch? I seem to remember a similar thread some time ago and there was some sort of jewelry or keepsake that was a key with a special saying on it.
^^both of those ideas are good ones. What about a gift card for the two of you to get a manicure together when she feels up for it?
Cancer cells are sugar hounds; ix-nay on the ookies-cay. The rest of the ideas are nice. Flowers, cards, and a nice indoor pot of herbs were favorites for my wife.
Careful on the mani - if her immune system is down due to cancer meds! If she feels up to it, maybe taking her out to her favorite bistro? We just recently did it with a special person who is in the middle of cancer treatments - when she was on a “chemo vacation.” She was too weak to drive herself anywhere, and getting out of the house and enjoying a “normal” restaurant experience was very appreciated. We never mentioned cancer in our conversations, because she never brought it up, and she seemed to be fine with talking about other things without cancer being the center of the celebration.
I like the idea of taking her to lunch. I wouldn’t make to much of a public show of it, as you’re right, it may not be her the last time she needs chemo. The fact that she still has radiation means that she is still in “treatment mode,” and won’t really feel done.
One of my friends gave me a basket of lovely “spa” type items before my last treatment. Bath salts with a light fresh scent, hand cream, warm fuzzy socks, lotions, lots of goodies for soothing the ravaged body. She had been through it and knew how each treatment makes you feel worse.
^^^If you do lotions, check ingredients carefully. If she has breast cancer, some patients are very careful about what they use on their skin.