Visiting for the first time??

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HopeAndFaith
HopeAndFaith Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

My SIL will be coming home from the hospital tomorrow. She had both breasts removed and all lymph nodes on one side/ reconstructive surgery.

I will be visiting her for the first time this weekend and I would like to bring her a gift bag. I alredy bought the book Chicken soup for the breast cancer survivors soul. I would like to get a few more things but Im at a loss. I want to lift her spirits if at all possable. Is there anything you gave your family member that they really felt was uplifting or just plain enjoyed?

thanks.. god bless and good health to all..

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited August 2008

    My brothers loaned me movies to watch while I was recovering. they had a list of the movies they had and I picked out the movies that I wanted to see. they brought  two or three over about once a week and it kept me occupied while I rested.

    Sheila

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2008

    You are so very sweet to think of your SIL. 

    Here are the things that meant the most to me.  I had a bilateral mast. two years ago. 

    Just a simple visit from friends meant the world to me.  One friend from chuch came with a silly bag FILLED with candy.  Not just one kind, but zillions of different kinds.  There were also crossword books, books, and a few small toys for my son.  She hung out for a little while, made sure I ate my crappy hospital lunch, but talked the nurse into getting me something yummy for afterwards. 

    Some other friends came over to the hospital and stayed for a minute (honestly, it wasn't long at all), but they brought a tiny ceramic angel and a purple bear with angel wings.  They told me how amazing I was for sitting up already and talking.  Then they left. 

    I of course got flowers galore, but one friend sent a giant bouquet of flowers with silly balloons all attached to a bottle of wine, and had somehow attached several bags of hershey kisses to the bottle (that became a dietary staple for me once I started feeling better!  The chocolate, not the wine!). 

    From your name, it sounds like you are a church-going person.  If that is the case, I strongly recommend the book, "Stepping into the Ring," by Nicole Johnson.  I never thought I'd read a breast cancer book, but she is amazing, and manages to give you just the right verses.  It's a fast read, but powerful. 

    After my surgery, I couldn't move my arms much at all.  Some soft jammies that button down front would be LOVED (a neighbor stopped by with a jammies set that I wore for about three weeks with an occassional washing!). 

    Some nice lotion just feels good, to rub into your hands, or even feet.  It is helpful to have a little pampering at a time like this! 

     Gift certificates for restaurants that do delivery (she probably would not be wanting to cook for a little while), or even homemade certificates promising that you will do some cooking or cleaning would be wonderful.  My church brought us meals every day for about a year while I did treatment and surgery.  They also cleaned our house. 

    Maybe a CD your created yourself, with some cheery and uplifting music? 


    Again, so sweet of you.  Good luck!  Love and prayers, Deb

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  • Rio
    Rio Member Posts: 38
    edited August 2008

    It is so thoughtful of you to ask this. It shows how much you care for your SIL. I am having a bilat with immediate recon Wed. I have received a cards wishing me well that have meant the world to me.

    For me it is simply knowing people care that means the most. I am sure your SIL will cherish anything you bring but more importantly just being there for her.

     My Mom had a bilat in July and soft button down tops were a favorite of hers also. I stayed with her in the hospital almost all day and with her at home the first few days. The days I did not stay ovenight I was back first thing in the morning and before she went to bed.. For her it was not be alone that meant alot even if she was able to do things for herself.

    Best of Everything to your SIL and family

    Rio

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