Care Pacakge

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doubleAA
doubleAA Member Posts: 37
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am a survivor just over a year now (history below). My MIL a 30+ year survivor was just diagnosed with ILC in her remaining breast (had a mastecomy 30 years ago no reconstruction). At that time she did not need radiation,chemo or hormone therapy.

The current cancer is in her nodes as per the petscan but no other evidence of spreading. She will need radiation but the doctors are saying no chemo as she is 82 and the cancer is very slow growing.



She is in Florida we are in NY. So my question to you ladies who have had radiation is - my kids 18 & 15 would like to send their grandma a care package, what would you recommend we include.



I want to get her a small pillow ( mine was given to me by the hospital I was at and I'm going to Try to find out if I can purchase one from them and a seat belt cover). I've been reading a lot of posts and noticed you mention creams, is this something we can send or is she best getting whatever the RO suggests. If we can send, then is there a specific brand I can pick up at a local drugstore. My kids got me queasy drops and they worked. Is nausea an issue with radiation. I noticed a lot of women said fatigue towards the end.



Any suggestions you have would be great. Her surgery is a week from this Tuesday and even though I know radiation won't start right away I'd like to get the care package to her before surgery.



Thanks for your suggestions.







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Comments

  • Tomboy
    Tomboy Member Posts: 3,945
    edited October 2013

    I only have 3 boosts to the scar tissue left, out of 33 total. I am green eyed and fair skinned. my radiation oncologist was impressed with how well my skin is coming through, and asked me what i used. Miaderm, liberally, and it is cheaper where i am being treated than it is on line. Plus at night, and all weekend, i will use aloe from my plant. hopefully, she might have acsess to that in florida. straight from the plant.  I also appreciated soft soft soft cotton tees, phone calls, and cards. best of luck to the both of you.  also, the purest soap you can find.

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited April 2013

    I second the Miaderm suggestion. And maybe some very soft camis or tanks that will feel good against her skin. Some very lounge wear that she can wear around the house, and maybe even out, would also be nice.

    A little good chocolate might also be a nice touch. :-)

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  • Carrol2
    Carrol2 Member Posts: 2,903
    edited April 2013

    I didn't have radiation so can't speak to that. But after surgery a lot of times it is difficult to raise the arms so comfy lounge wear or pajama or robes that can unbutton, unzip or step into are great. She will be resting for a while for recovery so maybe a throw blanket for the living room. I also think it would be nice to send puzzles or games or reading material. How about a fruit basket so she has healthy snacks like edible arrangements. 

    I wish you and your mom the best. My mom went through the same thing she had a unilateral mastectomy and then 30 years later they found a new cancer in the other breast. This is what made it easy for me to take my healthy breast instead of jsut the cancer one. She was nervous but after said that this time the surgery was way easier.  She was back to her same old self in 2 weeks.

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  • Janetanned
    Janetanned Member Posts: 532
    edited April 2013

    I realized after the first few txs that I would like my own personal hospital gown to wear for tx.  You can buy nice gowns on amazon and ebay. You probably can buy them at medical supply stores as well.  I even saw some that were handmade and quite nice looking. I bought a package of three so that I didn't have to wash everyday.  It was so nice to wear a new gown that smelled pretty and looked fresh.  The gowns they provided at the rad center were well used and very uncomfortable.  The rad techs loved my 'new' look and were going to recommend others to bring their own. 

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  • CarolynVM
    CarolynVM Member Posts: 137
    edited April 2013

    I saw a hand-held massager at CVS for $7.99.  It had four little legs and resembled a cute headless creature.  You hold the "creature" on its back, turn it on and the legs vibrate, giving a little tickly tingly pleasing massage.  I would have liked that.  I would STILL like it but I couldn't bring myself to buy it.  (My mother taught all her children that the Great Depression was going to return again so pinch our pennies until they give birth to more!  LOL)

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited April 2013

    In addition to the suggestions already made, if you could arrange for food to be delivered (or if she has a husband who doesn't cook, maybe gift cards to places that do take-out) so she doesn't have to worry about cooking.   Or if she does her own housecleaning (my parents do and they are similar ages), maybe arrange a cleaning service to come by so she doesn't have to worry about it.

    Obviously you can't relieve the fatigue, but if you can help alleviate other responsibilities so she can rest, it would probably be appreciated.

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  • gelf
    gelf Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2013

    my best present through my treatments was a homemade teddybear my mom made for me.

    the box of carnation instant breakfast drinks was good too.

    and the microwave popcorn.

    little things, word find puzzles, a blankie, homemade items all good.

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  • danawp
    danawp Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2013

    My mom had a metalic taste after her radiation treatments, so maybe an assortment of hard candies, mints, etc......

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