Care packages for breast cancer patients: Ideas and tips
Care packages for breast cancer patients can include a wide range of items, from skin care to meal services. Thinking about the recipient's needs, likes, and dislikes can help with putting one together.
Making a care package can be a way to both let the person with breast cancer know they are cared for and to give them gifts that may be useful for the journey ahead.
Read on to learn more about how to make a care package, plus a list of ideas for what to include. TheIt can help to have a plan to guide the process of creating a care package. For example, a person may want to: think about the person's personality
think about items they already have, or the things they might need
determine how and when they will give the care package
set a budget
It is also worth considering the timing of the care package. If a person has just gotten their diagnosis, they may not feel ready for gifts or visitors yet. In other cases, people find comfort in gifts or visitors right away.
Be considerate of their feelings and follow their lead. If a person is ever unsure how to support someone with cancer, asking what they need or want is a good starting point. » Learn more: Coping with a cancer diagnosis
Some cancer treatments can make the skin dry, sore, or irritated. Because of this, many pre-assembled cancer care packages include skin care products, such as: hand cream
moisturizer
lip balm
When choosing skin care products, it is best to look for gentle products suitable for sensitive skin.
This is because a person undergoing cancer treatment may need to avoid certain ingredients, such as fragrance and essential oils, that cause skin reactions. Strong smells may also trigger or worsen nausea for some.
Other products that may be beneficial include: cleansing wipes, to make cleaning the skin easier when fatigued or after surgery
bath salts, such as Epsom salts, to ease aches and pains
skin massagers or cooling rollers, which may soothe sore skin » Read more: Caring for the skin during chemotherapy
Many cancer care packages include accessories that help people stay warm or that feel comforting. Some examples include: slide-on slippers
a warm hat
soft blankets
cosy socks
While socks are a popular addition to many care packages, it is worth noting that they can have some drawbacks. For example, it can be more difficult to pull socks on than slippers after surgery.
Other useful items could include: microwaveable heat pads or wheat pillows
a postsurgery seatbelt protector, to stop seatbelts from hurting surgical wounds or scars
a silk hair wrap or pillowcase, which can be soft on a sensitive scalp
People who have mastectomies may need to avoid using heat pads, especially around the chest area. The skin there may have less sensation, so using a heat pad could result in burns.
People can have different responses to breast cancer, especially when it comes to appetite. Cancer and its treatment may cause: a loss of appetite
a change in a person's sense of taste or smell
a dry mouth
mouth sores
nausea or vomiting
fatigue, pain, or other symptoms that make eating and drinking more challenging
Some ideas for food items that may help with this include: ginger chews or gummies, for nausea
sugar-free gum or candies, which may help with dry mouth or unpleasant tastes
with dry mouth or unpleasant tastes a large water bottle, ideally with a straw, that a person can easily drink from
a person's favorite condiments or seasonings, to add flavor to food
a person's favorite snacks
Chemotherapy infusions and other cancer treatments can involve periods of time in hospital. As a result, many appreciate being able to find distractions or ways of passing the time. books or magazines they would enjoy
audiobooks, which can be easier for some people to focus on, particularly if they have fatigue
long charging cables, so a person can charge their devices from a hospital bed or chair
noise-cancelling headphones, so they can be immersed in movies, TV shows, or music
supplies for their favorite hobbies, such as knitting or journaling
Another gift can simply be time spent with loved ones. Social connection and having fun can significantly boost a person's mental health and are just as important during treatment as ever.
To include quality time in a care package, people could add: a box or jar of easy date night ideas
invitations to game nights, dinners, or other events
tickets to movies or shows
For events with set dates, try to make them as flexible or low-pressure as possible, so that the person does not need to worry about whether they will be well enough to go.
For example, a person could check the refund policy before purchasing tickets or use cancellation insurance.
During treatment and recovery, people with breast cancer may appreciate gift cards or services that can take care of tasks they find difficult, such as: meal delivery services
dog walking or pet sitting services
cleaning services
taxi or transport services
Gift cards for relaxing treatments or experiences, such as massages or spa trips, could also be welcome.
Alternatively, people can offer their own practical support, enlisting the help of friends or relatives. For example, a person could print or draw their own coupons for babysitting services during chemotherapy treatments.
When offering help, it is best to make the offer specific. Outline a time and place so that a person knows when to expect it, and does not have to do the planning themselves.
Some items are not suitable for people with cancer, such as: Flowers or plants : Some hospitals do not allow flowers or plants on wards, as they can harbor germs or fungal spores. This can be risky for people with compromised immune systems.
: Some hospitals do not allow flowers or plants on wards, as they can harbor germs or fungal spores. This can be risky for people with compromised immune systems. Raw or unpasteurized foods : Similarly, some raw foods can also carry germs on their surface, such as fruit. Grapefruits and Seville oranges can also interfere with how the body breaks down medications.
: Similarly, some raw foods can also carry germs on their surface, such as fruit. Grapefruits and Seville oranges can also interfere with how the body breaks down medications. Herbal remedies : Do not give herbal medicines to people undergoing cancer treatment.
: Do not give herbal medicines to people undergoing cancer treatment. Strong fragrances: Products with strong fragrances, such as candles, skin care products, or bath products, may not be ideal for people with nausea or changes in their sense of smell.
If a person feels unsure about putting together their own care package, the National Breast Cancer Foundation sends free HOPE kits on request that contain gifts that patients have said they found comforting.
People can donate or sponsor a kit, or request one for a loved one.
Breast cancer care packages can be as unique as each individual. What each person wants or finds useful can vary depending on their preferences, the specific treatments they are undergoing, and how it affects them.
Some popular items people give in their care packages include warm and soft clothing, skin and bath products, tasty snacks, and anti-nausea products. Practical support and gift cards for services that make life easier can also be welcome gifts for those undergoing treatment.
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Cancer / Oncology
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