what to buy for a care package?

Amador

Hi -- this is my first post on this forum. A friend is going in for a lumpectomy and lymph node removal within two weeks, and I want to send her a small care package of useful things for the hospital stay. Can anybody suggest things they wished they had packed but didn't? I have general ideas about reading material / treats /lotion & lip balm, etc., but would appreciate any other suggestions. I don't have much experience with friends or relatives going into hospital, so am reaching out a bit for help --  many thanks.

idaho

Most lumpectomys are day surgery, I was in the hospital a total of 5 hours.  THey just don't let people have a chance to get better any more!  Some things I REALLY appreciated when I got home were-1- a home cooked dinner the next night for me and my family.  2-A really soft blanket, and 3, someone to listen to me complain!   You are a sweet friend- Tami (if she has drains get her a carpenters "tool" pouch that ties around her waist, she can put the drains in the pockets).

suemed8749

Hi Amador - Mine was also "out patient" surgery and I came home that same day. Here are a few more ideas: magazines or paperbacks to keep her mind off of worrying. Dinner is a great idea - I really appreciated my friends who did that for me.

You sound like a very thoughtful friend - I hope things go well.

Amador

Thanks everybody, for the info and for your good wishes. I love your suggestions and will do some shopping tomorrow. My friend is having the surgery done in Costa Rica and then she'll recuperate at her boyfriend's place there, so I'll ship the package to his house. I am visualizing her on the deck, post-op, looking out at the ocean and sipping some drink with an umbrella in it, reading the Playgirl magazine from her care package (she'd never buy Playgirl but she'll love it.) 

Really appreciate your responses -- I'm thankful you all are here to answer these questions.