Looking For Gift Ideas

[Nicolette]

A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer after fighting it a couple of times in the past. It's really hard to process there will be a final goodbye soon and I want to call but all I'll do is cry. I have known her family for 20 years and her aunt is my best friend.

For now I'd like to send a gift that is just not a dust collector but will make her '6 - 12 months' expected time left helpful/enjoyable/comforting... I just don't know what to get. She has not yet reached her 30th birthday. As she is interstate I don't know what to send.

I found this thread http://cancer.about.com/od/glossary/tp/cancergifts.htm.

Any thoughts and ideas appreciated..... :cry:

 

[Nicolette]

I heard medicated sheepskins might be good and know she uses heat packs.

 

[myvetswife]

I gave my best friend who suffers a nice bodylotion without any smells and for extra sensitive skin. And she was delighted about it.

 

[p-no]

I'm very sorry to hear the news about your friend, (((Nicolette)))

I think, the sheepskins (if that is some sort of "carpet", that is what I mean) are an excellent idea. My mother loved them when she was terminally ill. They made her naturally warm.

My good friend really likes body lotions and bath soak/essence/additive (vocab?). Sometimes with chemo she can not have a bath, so after she is done with one round she will enjoy baths very much. Sometimes chemo is given to people who are terminally ill with cancer, as a relief.

Maybe a cherry pit pillow with a nice soft exterior. There are very many to choose from here and I hope you have some choice there.

To be honest, I do not like the suggestions on that linked page very much. Just because those I know who were terminally ill with cancer did not want to get any gifts like a laptop or a gift voucher. They wanted more 'quiet things' like what I mentioned, or a book, a music cd with soothing music (I have some tips if you're interested), etc.

 

[Nicolette]

Thanks

I have found two gifts I am happy with as her nickname is Moo...

http:// (a cow heat bag with lavender)

And slippers...

[DLMURL]http://www.bonvalecreations.com.au/category12_1.htm[/DLMURL]

 

[saffy]

I found this comforting DVD? but the site has lots of other gifts.

Link Removed

The most priceless gift though will be just to be there as a friend without pity or sadness :)

best wishes
Saffy :)

 

[ISupportHer]

I'm not sure if this is a good idea due to the weather there (hot).

At our church, one of the women will knit a small afgan, usually just large enough for the person to have on their lap for warmth since many times people who are ill get chilled. These are referred to as prayer blankets since they are passed around the congregation, touched and prayed over momentarily by everyone. Then the concept is that this blanket represents the love and prayers of the entire church family.

Not saying you have to get something that you pray over but maybe get something soft and use the same concept. Tell her that the blanket represents your love and concern and that you hope that the blanket comforts her and represents the love of her family as she deals with her disease. That just as the blanket is something she can always have in her grasp, so is the love of family and friends.

ISH

 

[p-no]

Maybe something like a bigger scarf. This way, you can send it also as a long-distance hug she can physically feel around her when she puts it on. ISH reminded me of this. I got one a few years ago and liked the idea very much.

 

[piratelady]

I like ISH's afghan idea. When my mom got cancer I made her a lap-quilt. She wasn't able to get up and about much and gets cold often, so she really appreciated the warmth. You could always buy her a nice blanket :).

 

[Changing4Best]

Something she can roll around in her hands, not exactly Worry Beads, but I used to have two decorated enamaled balls that I could roll over and over one another in my hand as I watched TV or something. THe repetitive motion was comforting. The other thing I find extra comforting is a rocking chair, if she does not already have one. Mine is a rocker recliner.

Hug her, cry with her, it is OK. She desparately needs you at this time!!! {{{{{{{Nicolette}}}}}}}} and pass it on to her. THe worst thing you can do is to stay away.

 

[intothelight]

Nicolette,

Everyone has some really good ideas and here are a few more.

• Really nice stationary set including cards, paper and a matching journal.
• A gift card to a nice local restaurant so she and her husband can go out and spend time together, or if she can't go out to have a meal catered in.
• Again depending on her physical condition, a gift card or to arrange someone to come in an do a mani/pedi
• An e-reader gift card if she has one.
• Arranging for a maid service to come in and clean.

Really anything that can brighten her day or make her feel her personal best in spite of the illness.

 

[KP the nut]

Deb has some really good ideas.

On what you thought of, I love them both. I use a cherry stone pillow for warmth and comfort. I heat it in the microwave and then when it is warm add a couple of drops of essential oil.

The cherry stone is in my humble opinion better than the wheat ones. They can be washed in a machine and unlike some wheat bags I have come across, don't get that wheaty smell. It sound odd, but the stones seem to mould themselves to your body and I love their tactile feel.

It is so hard to decide. I have also sent friends a healing rose quartz angel, small enough to be carried with them.

(((Nicolette))), I am so sorry you are going through this. But, one thing I am sure of is that no matter what you decide on. Your friend will appreciate it, because she will know it comes with much love.