klmama Posted December 21, 2018 Share Posted December 21, 2018 An elderly relative was just diagnosed with cancer and will start chemo soon. We're considering an electric blanket or heating pad; apparently, he's always cold and always in pain. Any other suggestions for gifts that would increase his comfort now or with chemo? TIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted December 21, 2018 Share Posted December 21, 2018 depending on the chemo, his skin might really be affected (most, but not all, chemotherapy drugs work on quickly replicating cells, which includes skin and the lining of the gi tract). Unscented gentle body wash & unscented skin lotion were very important for me during my chemo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 We've bought soft hats to keep bare heads warm. We used to buy the soft fleece from Lands End and now we buy from https://www.etsy.com/shop/CJHats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frances Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 (edited) W Edited March 8, 2019 by Frances 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 Depends on the type of chemo but some treatments can take several hours. A thermos and/or insulated lunch pack is helpful for packing cold/hot drinks and snacks for the long duration. A soft warm blanket is nice during chemo treatments as well as something to do to occupy the time - books/magazines, computer pad with movies/games, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted December 22, 2018 Author Share Posted December 22, 2018 Thanks for all of the suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted December 22, 2018 Share Posted December 22, 2018 (edited) One more tip. Be sure the gift is something that you are ok with them giving away or tossing once they are past chemo. Even when treatments go smoothly, the memories of chemo can come to mind later by the item. One poor woman saw her medical oncologist months later at the grocery store and immediately threw up. I had a wave of nausea over a year past chemo when I heard the musical theme from an electronic game that I frequently played while receiving treatments. I had played it since that time as well but always had the sound off! Edited December 22, 2018 by Pegasus 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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