As some of yall know my stepdad found out maybe a month ago that he has cancer and that he will need treatments done. The way it looks he may have to get them 2 hours away from where they live at. They told him if he gets approved that they might let my mom and stepdad not to sure of my brother(since he's under 18) can stay at the cancer place housing(?) area; near the hospital while he gets the treatments done,i guess those 6 weeks. It will help on the gas both ways but if worst comes to worst I already told my mom i'll watch my brother and get him to and from school while he's(my stepdad) getting those treatments during the week. My mother's is having a hard time with all this. She told me the other night she feels like she's asking to much from me. I told her over and over again that I don't mind. I told her from the beginning that i'll help whatever way i can. I want to get them something nice for christmas but having a hard time finding them but also my stepdad who is going threw treatments most probably after christmas. What can you get someone who has cancer and going to required treatments? I thought of something like a big,soft blanket,books,a gift bag of his favorite snacks but thinking he's going to be to sick to eat with the treatments. I need some help of gifts for my mom,brother and stepdad!! If yall can think of something let me know!!
Thanks and have a Merry Christmas!!!! :)
Personally, I would keep Christmas and cancer separate. What would you get him for Christmas if he did not have cancer? When he starts his treatments you can make up a gift bag of things that will keep him comfortable. In the meantime it would be Christmas gifts as usual.
Last year when my business partner/best friend had cancer, we all chipped in for an ipad. She was able to read, watch movies, play games, listen to music and stay in touch through email and facebook with all of us.
If this is not something that will work, consider,
Soft robe.
Sturdy house slippers,
super warm socks.
Very thin crisp cookies.
Books on CD..
Very Light but warm blanket.
I think you are right on track. The treatment room was cold and we often covered with a blanket, as well, the treatments are long. A lap blanket would be nice and if he stays at the center it will give him something of his own.
The treatment center we went to had a cafeteria, but I always made my mom a home made meal and brought it to her for each treatment. They had a snack cart that went around and we could get what we wanted.
Your gift ideas sound perfect.
I'm with Patty K.
And I have been in your situation with my stepfather at Christmastime.
Gift him as you would if he were cancer free!
He's the same guy he was the week before his Dx, so choose do
Etching you know he needs/wants/will get a kick out of!
I think what you're doing to support him and your mom is awesome.
Make sure your mom knows you're in it for the long haul.
They may be reluctant to 'accept' help right now, bit as time goes on--you will be their rock. And they'll live and appreciate it more than anything you could ever buy.
Good luck & God bless.
This is something that really hits home for me, my daddy had cancer and past away almost 5 years ago from it. We didnt catch it till it was already in stage 4. :( however what we went through maybe can help you.
My dad loved a portable dvd player, we got him that and some of his faviorate movies. He hated just sitting there, so we got him that. so it can take his mind off of what was going on. Also for my mom, we got her gift cards for gas stations, and for food. Also blankets for my daddy because he was ALWAYS cold.
A very caring question.
What about a no-sew fleece blanket for your stepdad? They're easy to make. And/or some warm knitted caps and bootie slipper socks? For your mom, gift cards to restaurants and/or Starbucks in the area, and gas cards. Your brother, gift card for video games or an iTunes card?
Merry Christmas! :)
What a sweet and caring question. I don't know if it's suitable for where you live, but maybe your stepdad could use some of those hand warmers you can put in the microwave to warm up.
I'd find some nice 'keep busy' things for your mom and brother, since they may be doing a lot of sitting and waiting. If they have a portable reader, maybe a gift card for the vendor of their ebook? A gift card for the coffee shop or restaurant that's close to the where your stepdad is getting his chemo? A gas card? Other than practical items like making up a bunch of meals for your mom's freezer, also maybe something to pamper your mom? I don't know if she's a mani-pedi person, but that might be another option...she'll be doing a lot of caregiving, so that or a massage-- something that's 'hands on' care for your mom--might be appreciated.
It's so kind of you to offer to help our your family at this time. My best wishes for health, hope and healing.
when my daughter was going through chemo - she LIVED in comfy pajamas. How about some pajama/lounge pants that are comfy, but he would be comfortable in public in them? As impersonal as it sounds, when someone goes through this, you have to eat out a LOT - so gift cards to local fast food places are heaven sent.
my mom has been battling cancer for the past year and a half .. she had surgery and after the new year has to go for an intense chemo treatment that will hopefuly be her last (all her bloodwork after surgery came back as cancer free but they want to do one last round as a precaution) she asked for really warm fuzzy gloves, scarf and hat for christmas because with the chemo she wont be able to touch anything cold or breathe in cold air if she goes outside.. as far as your brother and mom go id go with gift cards that way they can get whatever they really need with it
If he's allowed to have electronics, would a Kindle work? You can put books on it if he's a reader, and it's lighter than carting a bunch of books around. My 64 year old sister LOVES hers. She got the case that makes it as thick as a book.
Contact the American Cancer Society for ideas.
I am sure gas cards and restaurant gift cards would be welcome.
My friend has cancer. She loves to watch Joel Osteen's shows on tape. Joel Osteen has written several books, too.
Gift card for gas or food.
I'm sorry he's going through this. I think that is so nice of you to offer to watch your brother for your mom.
I still think getting him a fleece blanket (big one) is a good idea and something he can use.
I'd still get him the snacks even though he may not feel like eating them right away.
Get him some books of his favorite authors (he may not be up to reading them right away.
A couple of certificates for restaurants for your mom to eat where the treatment center is.
Some letters written to your stepdad that he can read later when he's going through treatment that will lift his spirits.
One small book of those positive thoughts or affirmations per day type of things.
Just your calls, offer to help, your prayers & your company would be best as well!
I hope he gets through this trying time!
Hi, my mom just went through cancer treatment this year. He may lose his hair, so neat hats is a great gift. Definitely a great blanket. I highly recommend bebebella.com minky blankets. They are fabulous (and 80% off right now). Usually it helps to snack while getting treatment and the sickness comes after, so favorite snacks is a good idea. Books, or a plain kindle are very helpful for all the sitting and waiting. There are some good recipe books for cancer nutrition you can find on amazon.com. A personalized or cute tote bag to help carry stuff back and forth. Maybe a travel-sized pillow. Will keep him in our prayers.
