Need Ideas pls
So we booked the ticket - I am leaving on Christmas eve for India and getting back in Jan.
I am putting together a care package for my sis
Here's what I was thinking:
I am looking for more ideas on what to take from here, so pls feel free to add to it
1) Portable dvd player with dvds of her shows
2) a nano ipod
3) Handheld PSPs
4) cotton scarves for the post-chemo look
5) neck / back massager
6) books - audio & otherwise
Here's what I have come up with so far:
- Evan Handler's Time on Fire: My Comedy of Terrors, that the fiercely engine searching A.D found out about.Seriously dude, I am floating in a wealth of information from the links the woman has send me. And who knew Charlotte's husband had a story like this behind him? I can't seem to find the book a
- Evan Handler's It's only Temporary: Which I fear may be overkill but lets see.
- Erma Bombeck's I want to Grow hair: Which I may just keep aside because there seems to be too many cancer-cancer books, you know?
- Tons of cheap Mills & Boons, Harlequin romance novels - because Annmol devours that stuff
- Colossal book of Mathematics, because that's what she is, a mathematician.
- Tons of Sudoko & word puzzle books or if I can find them, handhelds
8) as suggested by Texas Ammachi - tons of alchol gel hand sanitizers,
9) an egg crate bed pad, also suggested by T.A. but not sure if I can fit this into luggage - but lets see.
10) woolly socks, suggested by blog acquaintance
11) nice little blanket
12) robes, suggested by M.L.
13) lotions
I wonder if there's anything else ...
Please, feel free to add or comment to this. Most times, I live in a constant state of confusion as to if I am doing the right thing or not.
Am I calling too much?
Will I do any good in Dec? How can I make myself invisible and yet help?
Are the links fwding to Sammon & Daddy useful?
I am not sure if the things I am doing or thinking of buying or thinking are hitting the useful mark or not. So any ideas or suggestions or opinions are appreciated.
11 comments:
Hello! So I have been lurking here for quite a while and I never ever comment, except this time I think I might be of some help. I just finished chemotherapy and radiation for lymphoma, so here's some unsolicited advice. I hope you don't mind. :-)
Cotton scarves work best, because silk or other materials don't stick if you don't have enough hair.
Make sure your sister never tries her favourite candy or any food she actually likes a lot during chemo. It spoils the taste forever, she may never try it again. I cannot drink juice now since it reminds me of chemo. :-)
Some warm clothes maybe, like woollen socks, I was always cold during chemo.
Your family, especially your sister, will be in my thoughts. It will be an incredibly tough time, but a loving family makes a huge difference.
Thank you so much. It makes such a difference.
Hey! Me again. Do take her favourite candy along. I meant during the actual chemotherapy infusion when she goes in for her IV. Somehow the taste of whatever you eat during those few hours changes forever. Sucking on candy during chemo actually helps with the nausea, just make sure it isn't something she absolutely loves. I went through several packs of chewing gum (which I don't like normally), which helped a bit. Especially during car rides and stuff.
But she should eat whatever she can eat for the rest of the time. Even if it is junk food!
A nice little blanket or shawl maybe, to take to the hospital, I could never bring myself to use the ones at the hospital since they looked unwashed.
I also developed a severe internet addiction (okay, maybe I was already addicted!:-)), I read up a lot on every possible side effect and stayed up all night reading about other people going through similar things. I don't know if it helps, but I just needed to know that I wasn't alone.
Just being there helps. My sister came home and we took stupid pictures of my bald head and laughed a lot and that helps more than you know. :-)
I also had trouble with my veins, this doesn't happen to everyone, but if it does, a stress ball (those squeezy thingies) helps.
Maybe some nice body lotion?
salivary analogues..they are called sialogogues, BIOTENE toothpaste, mouth rinse, gum by the ton to keep cavities at bay.
The most important thins probably would be the love and care that you will shower on her. Rest will take care itself. Give her that support and just let her know that everyone is besides her and she does not need to worry about anything. Ofcourse there shall be prayers to relieve her of the pain.
Hey,delurking for the second time on your blog-1st was when you posted wedding pics.
I'm terribly sorry to hear about your sister-your family will need your strength and support in the coming days as this is something which affects all of you.
My 2 cents worth of advise since I work with kids with cancer:
Get her to an academic centre if possible-CMC,Vellore is highly recommended-Dr.Mammen Chandy is a world-renowned oncologist/hematologist there.
(cmch-vellore.edu)
Get in touch with any support groups,other survivors-they play a big role-you can get in touch with them online-sorry I don't have any links in India.
Praying for all of you and especially for God's healing hand.
rem
Thank you all so much.
Devi - I hope you are keeping well. All my love and prayers !
Hey! Thank you. :-) I have been okay. I hope your family is doing okay, too. From your description of the hospital it sounds like your sister is being treated at the same place I was. Dr.G and his team of doctors and nurses are wonderful. So your sister is in good hands. :-)
Re what rem said--yes Mammen Chandy at CMC is known to be very good. About cancer survivors, there is a group called V-care who are cancer survivors. Here's the link http://www.vcarecancer.org/
I meant support groups from cancer survivors.
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