Need Ideas and Wisdom

[gwennah]

Hey guys,

I need your opinions and wisdom. It has been forever and a day since I posted. I have 3 clean scans under my belt, so that is a relief. I have been doing some volunteering at the leukemia and lymphoma society , and I would love to have your input about a project I want to do.
I am trying to put together "chemo gift baskets" for people who are about to do chemo. It think it would include things like chapstick, a soft toothbrush,biotine, prep-h, ginger etc. I would looooove if you guys could let me know what you think should go in the basket to give to someone who is starting chemo. What products did you use to manage side effects? What would have helped you to start out chemo with? Just everyday stuff, like what things you used for nausea, what soaps/lotions you found best...did you use any types of teas or prunes...did you use a type of stool softener, or just any at all?...just stuff you used to combat side effects or that you liked. You guys have been through it, or are going through it, or know someone who has, so I know you have some great tips for newbies.

[bj]

your idea is awesome!!! my onc suggested a good multivitamin he said centrum silver. i enjoyed green tea. mostly cold.
and smart water is recommended because it contains electrolytes that chemo patinets need. ive also heard half gatorade half water for electrolytes. also good juices not acidic i drank pomegranate juice.

[pine soul]

<ul type="square">[*]hard candy[*]book of crosswords or soduko[*]a Livestrong bracelet[*]hand sanitizer (especially the handy small one)[*]an issue of Cure magazine or Coping magazine[*]one of those bed buddy things with the rice or beans in it (you heat up and put on your back) these are great when the bone pain from Neupogen hits[*]a phone card[/list]

[Aunt Bea]

The bed buddy sounds like a good idea and those can be made by sewing a small pouch 6"X8" leaving a small opening to put feild corn inside or some people call it deer corn. I have made them over the years and gave them as Christmas or Birthday gifts.
I used old blue jeans for the inside pouch than I sewed an outside cover of light material with a little lace on the opening so it could be taken off and washed every so often.
Bea

[cargirl]

I haven't had chemo (yet). I just wanted to tell you that is such a wonderful thing you are doing.
You will make some people happy and help them through a rough time

[Winter15]

Hi. This is a very kind thing your doing. It will really be appreciated. I never used anything different during my chemos. but one thing I did was buy tote bags, to bring my supplies in while I was having chemo.. Like magazines, water, snacks and word search books. Some 99 cent stores have some pretty good ones. They may even have something inspirational to put in the basket. Another idea is maybe putting in a pretty head scarf or cap. Good luck with your project.

Bernice

[workaltid]

Hi

Such a brilliant idea! What about peppermint powder for bloating and stomach wind, charcoal capsules for wind in the digestive tract? And sweets - I got through tons of fruit sweets and chewing gum trying to cope with dry mouth. And - a card with the url of this forum on it and other useful, not too scary sources on information like lymphoma.com?

Good luck with the project,

Liz

[Judy_smile37]

Great news about being 3 clean scans out.

What a wonderful idea. Its been a while, but here is a list of things that I needed to buy.

A * means it might be different for different chemo's

Bandanna's
Pericolace - stool soft. / laxative *
Sanitary hand wipes
Baby shampoo and wash - use for head and body
antacid / stomach med *
Sleep head cover - small and soft
Gatorade
biotene

Here are some other ideas:

A copy of the "what cancer can not do".

[khoff4786]

I can't add to this list - EXCELLENT idea! Great for channeling your energy by volunteering. That's wonderful.

Good luck with your project.

Kim

[gwennah]

These are so great guys...thank you so much!!!!!!!...keep em coming...I need as many ideas as I can get!!! Is there any way I can keep this thread near the top so it doesn't get buried?