My dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He starts chemo soon & I want to make a gift basket. Any ideas

I am thinking about small items that would assist him during this time, such as a travelling pillow or heating pad. Thanks for your help.

My dad was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He starts chemo soon %26amp; I want to make a gift basket. Any ideas
That's so sweet! Lots of great suggestions. I just finished chemo 3 weeks ago. Some comfy shirts would be good, preferably button down if he has a port. One thing I wanted to add is a light blanket. Like a lap blanket. I know in the office I go to it gets very cold in there. Maybe a couple hats for him to have fun with. I think the women worry more about the hair loss than the men, but it depends on the person. I found that butterscotch candies took away the bad chemo taste better than anything else.





Maybe a cd player or mp3 player if he likes music. He'll need something to do to keep him occupied during the treatments.





I completely understand what the other gal was saying about getting lonely. When I first was diagnosed and started treatment EVERYONE I knew was right there. Sending cards, stuffed animals, calling constantly, etc. Now, I haven't heard from some of them in months. Just keep letting him know you care.





Remember to take care of yourself during all of this too. ;)


*HUGS* and prayers to you.
Reply:Books (or gift cards for books that are redeemable on line if he doesn't feel like going shopping), handheld poker, solitaire, chess or whatever, puzzles, a lap tray to do the puzzles on (if you can find one with a beanbag-type bottom, they're the best). If he has a laptop, a game like Zoo Tycoon or something to pass away the hours, crystal light or vitamin water, candies, a sketch pad or notebook so he can write or draw, pencils, extra batteries for the remote and any handheld games, a book light so he can read after dark w/o having to walk across the room to flip the switch, an awesome pair of slippers, a nice lightweight robe that he can easily put on if guests arrive unexpectedly.


Hope you found something in here that appeals to you, I'm sure he'll appreciate anything you do.
Reply:I just helped my sister through this. Hard candies as previously mentioned - especially mints as they help with the bad taste in the mouth they get and bed breath, and also help calm the stomach when they get nauseaus. For that matter, maybe some Tums or Antacids in the basket would help. He might even like some chewing gum!





Her skin also became VERY dry and itchy so perhaps some nice soothing lotions would be nice. Also, wet wipes for sweats and just to refresh.





Include some good books to read while he is stuck sitting there getting his chemo. Even maybe a photo album of his favorites so that he can share with other patients. A deck of cards or hand held computer game will help pass the time away.





Your neck pillow idea is also good. Maybe you could get a aroma therapy one that is soothing!





Good Luck and FYI - My sister came through and is doing great!





Joan P
Reply:I was just thinking about this the other day. A pillow and heating pad would be excellent. A lot of other very good ideas have been mentioned so far. I had chemo a couple years ago and I got a bunch of presents, cards, and phone calls initially but after a while it seemed like everybody kind of went on with their lives and I had to put mine on pause to get better. Thats when I got a bit lonely. So I was thinking that it would be cool to give a chemo patient some small gift cards with "Promise" coupons attached. For example, a gift card for movie rentals and a "coupon" promising that you will come and watch it with him. Or a gift card to a restaurant for days he feels like going out and a "coupon" promising that you will go with him. Be creative. The coupons should say that they are "multiple use," never expire, and can be redeemed at any time of the day. Of course, your Dad doesn't really need coupons for your time and attention but it would be a way to show him that you will be there for him throughout his treatments.





An additional idea might be comfy p.j.s or a robe. When I had chemo I could not get enough comfy clothes.





Best wishes to you, your dad, and your family.
Reply:I know when my brother hurt his back and we didnt know if he would even walk again I made him a gift basket. I used a budlite bottle cardboard from a 6-pack....took the beer out of course...I added his favorite ice tea, a couple of comic books, candy (such as bottle pops etc, beef jerky...and tied a couple get well balloons on it...it really brightened his day=) There are many ways to make a gift basket...the ideas are endless. Do what you think and go with it. After all you know your dad pretty well Im sure...I think the heating pad, pillow idea is great...maybe a favorite magazine too. Good luck and I wish you and your family the best! I too just found out last night my g/f husband may have lymphoma cancer...we are waiting for the results. I pray all will turn out fine for both of them...God Bless=)
Reply:That is a wonderful and thoughtful idea. You may want to include books to read, a DVD or two. He isn't going to feel like doing a lot of activities so things to keep him entertained whilee recooping. You could also include some games, cards, or such that family members can sit and play with him while he rests. He is in my prayers.
Reply:My dad had cancer and he liked to laugh alot...so maybe throw in something that will bring him laughter...like a movie or comedy show...Laughter makes one feel better and my dad preferred to laugh things off often. Make a scrapbook or something you know that he would value alot.
Reply:Check out WWW.fruitinstitute.com and read about the benifits of Tart Cherry Juice, make sure you read the customer comments as a lot talk about how it helped recovery from chemo. Pomegranate juice is fantastic for the cardiovascular system overall and is very nice to drink. Ginger is very soothing on the stomach and helps some people after chemo.


Personal sterio to help him sleep and a few 'talking books' most books are available on CD now and some video rental shops have them.


A few hand written jokes wrapped up in boxes. Stories about wonderful times you have had as a family that will make him laugh slotted in and around things. Photo album that will give him pleasant thoughts of you all.





Hope it helps, good luck and God bless.
Reply:Whatever you think to give your father is alright but most important thing which you need to give your father is not a worldiy materialistic thing but ............. it is YOURS LOVE N CARE.


YOU n your faimly need to give him best support and care. At these times most of patient's feel lonelyness and in hours of pain many times he may feel that end of life is better for him.So here you have the responsiblity that youy let him feel that he is not so seriously ill all things will get alright with grace of god with your affection and care you can increase his confidence to fightback.You and your faimly member have to show him that you need them very much n you peoples can do anything for him and for his happiness.You need to create a light n health scene in front of your dad so he remained easy and will go easily with free mind for chemo n other processes.So fill ur father's life like bucket with your care n love with perfection.


Now come to your real question fill the bucket with all necessary small items for which ur father will have to move or ask others help then also bring beautiful flowers n ribbons decorate the bucket by yourself and keep a greeting of well wishes of your n your faimly members in the middle. Keep diffrent flower n greeting with new wishes everyday in bucket. I think this will work for u much. If any other suggestion needed u can ask?
Reply:When my brother had to take chemo he was very ill, he liked hard candy to suck on, alot of the time, chemo takes away your appetite and your develop sores on your mouth. Chapstick is also a good idea, lotion because it does dry out your skin. Unfortunately, chemo wipes out the bad as well as the good cells so he will very weak. Does he like to read? maybe a book or two, fruit juice is a good idea too. Throw in some coupons for lots of hugs and kisses. Just think about what your Dad likes and go with it. Good Luck