Welcome to another Tata Tuesday on Frankly My Dear!
If you’re missing something, every Tuesday in October I have deemed TaTa Tuesday in an effort to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. For more information on why this month means so much to me, visit the other posts from this month!
This week I am sharing a little bag full of goodies for breast cancer patients.
One of the most challenging parts of having a friend or loved one go through cancer is knowing how to support them. We always feel like we have to have the right words to say or know what to do if something’s wrong. However, I am here to tell that the most important thing you can DO is just be there. The most important things to SAY may be nothing at all. Just being there & being you is what your beloved needs.
Another fun way to support them is to make them feel special! One of my ways to love others is through gifts. I LOVE giving gifts! Taking time to think about a friend, and then physically showing them is so rewarding for me! I threw this little Chemo Care Kit together the other night at Target & it can be as simple or as detailed as you’d like!
What’s inside?
- Fuzzy Socks – Chemo patients often experience numbness, neuropathy, & sensitivity in their feet. Fuzzy Socks not only help with the pain, but they’re cute, right?
- Small Notebook or Journal + Pink Pen – Spending time in chemo can be tedious. Having a book, magazine, or journal to record thoughts is something everyone needs on hand.
- Lotion & Chapstick – Chemo patients frequently experience dry, chapped skin. Having lotion & vaseline or chapstick on hand can be extremely helpful to the patients. It’s also important that when choosing a lotion, you pick one that is does not have a strong smell. Patients who are already nauseous from treatment don’t need anything to make that worse.
- Hand Sanitizer – When immune systems are weak it’s critical to avoid germs at ALL costs. Having hand sanitizer close by allows patients to combat germs without taking a hundred trips to the bathroom to wash their hands.
- Lemonheads, Peppermints, & other candies – Chemo often leaves a weird taste in your mouth. I remember when my friend was going through Chemo she always had peppermints on hand to get rid of the metallic taste chemo gave her. A tart or sweet candy can take help with that taste.
- Chocolate – Chemo can do crazy things to patient’s appetites. From severe nausea to really hungry, it’s best to always have something on hand. I am a sweets fan but you can always through in something you know the patient loves! I also used some of the printables I told you about last week from Chickabug to dress up the items in the kit!
- Water – Staying hydrated is important for ALL of us, but especially someone who is fighting cancer. Throwing in a reusable water bottle is a great idea! I added a regular bottle of water with another printable from Chickabug to make things fun!
- Encouraging Note(s) – Don’t forget to write a personal note to your friend. It’s awesome to get a bag full of goodies, but don’t miss out on a chance to give your friend something more. Add some scripture or a photo if you can.
Other things you might include are a soft blanket or travel pillow for treatments, Biotene toothpaste & mouthwash for dry mouth, a head wrap, a big tote to carry everything, or a iTunes gift card so the patient can choose music, a game or video they want to watch during chemo.
I know that watching people fight cancer can be grueling, but being there through all the appointments, rejoicing in the good and bad, & loving your friend or family member is the most important thing you can do. No Chemo Care Kit can make up for just being there.
I hope this kit inspired you to encourage someone you know who is fighting cancer!
Frankly my dear…think pink!
Now it’s time to grab some tea & visit my sweet friend Katie!
