Need ideas for someone receiving Radiation therapy

[Kathy LeDonne]

I don't know if this is the right forum to post to. I looks like my DH will be going in for radiation therapy. I plan to stamp him a little card each day, but I was wondering what else might be helpful for him to have when he is going through this. Has anyone had to have radiation therapy or supported someone who has? What kind of kit can I put together for him? Any stamped items that would be helpful or really anything that would be helpful.

[PMR]

Just be there for him.

[Takinmytyme]

Can you include some CDs for him to listen to (books, music)with some really great Ear phones. Some paperback books (make him some nice,or funny,or inspiring quotes on bookmarks). Some puzzle books. Maybe some Scratch Off lottery tickets. Put them in a card you made. How about a little book with some quotes. Also close family or friends could write Inspiring or Loving messages about how much he means to them. Include photos of him with these people. How about some gift cards to be used after a certain treatment for Take Out food from a restaurant (if he can eat), a store he likes. I hope all goes well for him.

[PMR]

Sometimes the radiation itself only lasts for a few minutes. Where we went they had snacks, daily newspapers, etc. Plan things for after the sessions if you can. Lunch dates, coffee stops, etc.

[buggainok]

From personal experience with family members, I agree the most important thing is to be there to support the person. Even if they say they feel fine, and can take themselves, please try to accompany anyone who is going through radiation or chemo.

Some men especially try to be strong and silent and insist they don't need help. Help them anyway. You can even say that you insist because it will make you feel better.


They've done studies that confirm that patients who have good family/friend support do better.

[shazsilverwolf]

As someone who has had Radiation therapy, I can only echo what others have said about being there for support & company.The actual treatment probably takes no longer than a couple of minutes all told, it's usually the waiting around beforehand that can take time, so E-readers/music/books/puzzle mags are great ideas. I agree that planning things to do after is a good idea, but you will need to wait and see how he gets on with the treatment. It can cause sickness/nausea, or diarrhoea, so you will need to be guided by how he feels. He may not get any of them- I didn't.
One thing that is a possibility, is sore skin, in the treatment area, plus sore hands/feet. Can you find a massage therapist with experience with these patients, to book him some treats?
Best wishes to you both, and I hope this goes well.

[Kathy LeDonne]

Thank you everyone for your excellent suggestions. It helps to heat from those of you with experience. It is also good to know that studies show that outcomes are better with support. I know my man. He is going to tell me he can do this by himself. We are planning a meeting with our kids later this week. The suggestion about cards, pictures and notes from them is excellent! He is not much of a reader and also not much of a game player, but we'll plan a library visit beforehand and find him something non fiction that he might enjoy. Thank you also for all your well wishes. The prognosis is positive, so we are hopeful this additional treatment will do the job. Thank you all.

[BluDragon]

Audio books are also great. Sometimes you just dont have time or the desire to sit and read. Audio books leave your hands free for creating.