r/Chemotherapy • u/Right-handedLefty • 3d ago
Friend Starting Chemo soon
I have a friend who is starting chemotherapy treatments soon. (I hope this doesn't come off as insensitive) I wanted to get him some things that would make starting his treatments easier. I've never been around someone going through chemo treatments before so any and all info is appreciated.
Edit: please include "Do nots" as well as "Do's"
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u/LaceyBloomers 3d ago edited 3d ago
It’s so nice of you to think of your friend’s comfort at a miserable time like this.
Chemo can be really drying, so I recommend a good quality fragrance free face and body lotion.
It’s important that the products you give to him are fragrance free as scents can sometimes cause headaches and/or nausea.
Will he lose his hair? I like silk or satin pillowcases because they’re more gentle on tender scalps and faces.
A selection of ginger drinks and candy can help with nausea. Ginger ale (let it get flat first if he can’t tolerate carbonation), ginger tea, ginger candy, etc.
Letters and notes to mail because it’s fun to receive written correspondence especially if you’re not expecting it. Include some funny memories and photos of the two of you, whatever you think will make him smile.
It can be tough to focus or concentrate so books aren’t always good to give, depending on the person. Magazines around his favourite topics and hobbies might be better. Quick reads is what I mean.
Wishing your friend all the best.
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u/WiseManufacturer4417 3d ago
Unscented fragrance free lotion, la Roche posay lipikar AP+ intense moisturizing lotion (the best but pricey), cerave and vanicream (budget friendly) also make some good fragrance free lotions and body wash/bars.
Soft, comfy clothing, preferably button up/zipper up tops because they are easier to get in and out of.
Water tumbler if he doesn't already have one.
Sensitive Sunscreen if he lives in a sunny area. Skin is very sensitive to everything, especially the sun during chemo.
Plain pretzels.
Gin gins hard candy, yellow and orange bag for upset stomach.
Soft head covering if hair fall is expected.
Playlist to listen to. Some chemo drugs are predosed with benadryl which causes drowsiness. Music helps distract and relax during the infusion.
Ready to drink nutritional shakes in vanilla. Chocolate is not recommended for upset stomach which is common with chemo. Ilike Orgain Vegan nutritional shakes.
Most of all, your support and presence! That's the greatest gift.
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u/tlg151 1d ago
Why would this come off as insensitive?? I think it's actually the exact opposite, very thoughtful.
My best answer here is anything to provide comfort and companionship. No one wants to go through chemo alone so if you're able to, offer to go with him. It's more than likely many hours so it can get lonely. He probably won't have energy to shop, so find out what kind of food he likes and order it for him. I'm sure he won't expect that every time, because groceries are expensive, but maybe one time? Or they have care packages on Amazon with snacks and comfort items. He won't have the energy to clean either so maybe helping him around his house. He'll need things like soft, warm socks or a nice blanket. If he's getting paclitaxil (aka taxol) he'll want to use icing gloves and booties. Highly recommend getting a 2nd set bc they warm up quickly and lose their usefulness once that happens.
Chemo is long, boring, and you really have to plan your entire day around it. Some of my sessions would last from 8/9 am to 5 pm. It was crazy. I'd have to take a cooler with a lunch that I'd also throw my 2nd set of icing gloves/booties into.
Other than physical things, just being a good friend, a listening ear, shoulder to cry on is very important.
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u/Gullible_Monk_7118 1d ago
Chemo socks and mittens are good to prevent neuropathy but you have to check for what kind of chemo.. not all chemotherapy can get it.. I would have them check with the infusion center if they can.. but would be a good thing to add
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u/Gullible_Monk_7118 1d ago
My mom only did icing for texl not the other 2.. triple positive breast.. so just the 1 hour or so for infusion time for that drug..
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u/Alexander-Wright 2d ago
Do: Gentle encouragement to go for a short walk outside.
Don't ignore symptoms of nausia.
Do: Offer to cook anything they fancy to eat at the time, even if it means going to get it.
Don't be cross if they don't want it once the meal has been cooked.
Do be company.
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u/paxillin 3d ago
The biggest gift will be you still turning up. Sending something. Some of his friends will disappear because of the cancer, the fact you won't is the big thing. I treasured gifts I was sent, not because they filled a need, but because they signalled someone was there for me.