Chemo Kit

[stamphappy1650]

I just learned that my best friend has breast cancer and will be starting chemo in a few weeks. A while back I saw a chemo kit that was made of a bunch of things she will need during chemo therapy. The kit was put in a large clear paint bucket and now I can't find that link.

Does anyone know of a link? I have a list of some things but the bucket was so cute and I need ideas.

PS please add my friend to your prayer list.

TIA

[allensm]

Consider her added. I would also be interested in the cancer kit. My assistant at school just had breast surgery to have the cancer removed and has to go through radiation every day for six weeks. Would like any information on it. Please add her to your prayer list as she is not only an awesome person, but dedicated to the kids.
sam

[cpw3431]

Is this it? I just found this one but don't see a list of what goes in it yet.

Chemo survival kit by Karenq63 at Splitcoaststampers kit

Ok I just went and read down the posts and this is listed:

In the 'kit' was bandanas, a water bottle, a Sudoku book, pen & pencil, hard candy & lip balm

[Jane D]

Remember "real" Kleenex. Hospitals are notorious for scratchy tissue paper. Also some Bible verses or encouraging sentiments on small cards (embellished with stamps, of course) are nice. I put wax lips in my friend's box so she could surprise her caregivers. We sent her a box every time she had chemo and the staff couldn't wait to see what she'd get each month. We asked her to wait until she got there to open the boxes. Always included something to laugh about.

[bethvb]

I have the article from the March/April 2007 Rubber Stamper Magazine. The author lists bandannas, water bottle, hard candy, gum, lip balm, crossword puzzle books a pen and pencil. The author of the article also included a word search card she made and a journal. She also lists the different color ribbons for each different type of cancer.

[stamphappy1650]

Thank you thank you thank you - I have the rubber stamper mag and that is exactly the one I was looking for.

All you are wonderful! I knew I could count on SCS help!

I found this list for those who are looking for things to add:
baby shampoo for her tender scalp;
unscented or lightly scented soaps since she’ll be very sensitive to smells;
ditto on the hand lotion;
plain toothpaste and gentle floss, as chemo patients can’t use the minty, power-packed, or whitening kind;
a light cotton cap to sleep in;
mints to take away the tastes and fight metallic mouth;
healing lip balm to counteract dry lips;
a magazine to read during the interminable waits at the hospital (but please, no magazines with a focus on stylish hair or perfect abs!);
a special bread, fruit, or healthy cookie to tempt her appetite; or even
any craft supplies that you know she uses but can’t get out to get out as often — a new stamp, perhaps? fancy paper? pretty yarn

I found several web sites that sell the products listed (special tootpastes, lotions, lip balm, etc) that I will add.

[mof118]

I found when I was going through chemo that I also couldn't use minty toothpaste and had fun trying ALL the different flavors of kid's toothpaste. My mouth was often dry and any kind of hard candy with mild flavors or gum was good to have handy, too.

[steubner]

Two of my mom's favorite things during chemo were her light cotton cap to keep her head warm, and GATORADE! Patients tend to get dehydrated and need to get fluids in between treatments if they don't have enough electrolytes. LOTS of Gatorade!!!!

[craftymomto2]

This is WONDERFUL!! Thanks for the great list.

[andrewsmum]

I just love this idea! What a kind friend you are.

[edie3]

do you think a man would like a gift like this?

[RiverIsis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edie3

do you think a man would like a gift like this?

I would think so - there is nothing girly in the supplies listed.

[edie3]

where would be a good place to get a do rag?

[JillG]

I found while I was going thru my radiation treatments for breast cancer, I spent tons of time in doctor's offices or medical centers just waiting. As a Christian, I found a great book of a collection of comforting scripture verses was my favorite item to keep in my purse. There are a number that just contain scripture verses for all kinds of things - including fear, verses for healing, promises God has made, etc.

I then bought myself a small notebook to write down my favorite ones. Since you're on this site, I would have treasured a fancy journal decorated just for me.

[craftymomto2]

One of these would be great with messages of hope, encouragement and love, than the person could easily take it with them and re-read all of them:
Badge Holder Minibook Tutorials at Splitcoaststampers

[steubner]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edie3

where would be a good place to get a do rag?

Although you could get them at a motorcycle shop or other places, I found a wig store that specialized in hats, scarves, etc. for chemo patients. The fabrics are kept soft with very few seams inside for comfort. Also, thin ones were my mom's favorite for night time because she would more often be very hot than cold.

[parsnip]

Quote:

Originally Posted by steubner

Although you could get them at a motorcycle shop or other places, I found a wig store that specialized in hats, scarves, etc. for chemo patients. The fabrics are kept soft with very few seams inside for comfort. Also, thin ones were my mom's favorite for night time because she would more often be very hot than cold.

1) a bottle of mylanta for the unexpected mouth sores.

[MSBetsyZ]

I know everyone's a bit different, but for me lemon drops and 7-up were the best to combat the metallic taste. Not necessarily together, mind you...

[stamphappy1650]

All of these ideas are great. I found some nice things a headcovers.com. they have things that are generic and a section for men.

My dear friend has a wicked sense of humor (like me) and I did some research about humor and healing. I've found some great things. I order the book "I'd Rather Do Chemo Than Clean Out the Garage: Choosing Laughter over Tears" that I hope she will enjoy (Amazn.com). We were laughing that she can put off cleaning out her garage (for now).

I also found some poems, etc. that I'm going to include in the journal I'm making her.

I'm attaching my working doc as it has some funnies, poems, list of items, etc. that may be of help to those who want to make a kit. Please keep in mind that this a doc that I'm using to create my kit so it's not pretty.:rolleyes:

Again, thank you so much.

[SkyNacho]

Here is a link to a company that I bought some awareness bracelets and tshirts from. I love the "cancer sucks" apparel, and they have some other wise-cracking buttons as well.

They do have some chemo baskets if you do not have the time to put one together yourself.

http://choosehope.com/

[MillieMadeIt]

I wnt through six weeks of chemo and radiation in 2006. The radiation was on the neck and really dried out my mouth and throat. I found a product called Oasis which comes in a small spray bottle and a large bottle for refilling. I kept the small bottle in my purse and when I felt dry-mouthed, I just sprayed it in my mouth for instant wetness. This product can be purchased at Wal-Mart and pharmacies. I highly recommend it for anyone having chemo and/or radiation.

Wishing a speedy recovery for your friend.

Millie

[JillG]

As a survivor, I love the book "What Cancer Cannot Do." Comes in several bindings. My favorite - a pretty pink simulated leather version for around $15.00. (Check out Amazon.com) Have bought a number of copies to give to friends going thru the same battle.

All your crafty ladies - be sure to include the famous "What Cancer Cannot Do" poem in the form of a special bookmark or pretty card:

What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.

As I mentioned earlier, I gathered a number of inspirational scriptural verses during my battle. I also gathered a number of inspirational quotes. Attached is my Word file of all my scriptural verses. I've compiled them in a small book that I decorated with a very nice cover and call my booklet "Comfort." I know I must have given out at least 3 dozen booklets already and the demand never stops. Finally had to break down and buy a Bind-It-All just to publish my booklets!

Hope this post will help someone else thru their fight for their life!

[steubner]

This is great stuff! CHF also made the "What Cancer Cannot Do" poem into a stamp, which of course I had to buy! http://www.cornishheritagefarms.com/...oducts_id/8099
Thanks for sharing these docs, ladies! Here's hoping I won't need them again.
Praying for your friend.

[stamphappy1650]

thanks one more time for the great info. I do have the "what cancer cannot do" on a lovely 4x6 card that I thought I would use in her journal. You guys are awesome!

Also, to all you survivors - congratulations and you are heros!

[*suzanne*]

I am sorry to hear about your friend's battle. If she likes music then it might be a good idea to check out CDs from the library or make her CDs (or program an iPod). Another option is books on tape/CD. If you can find any hand-held fans those might be good for hot flashes --chemo can cause pre-menopausal women to go into menopause (sometimes temporarily).

[53queenbee]

I worked at a gallery in my city for a while and our biggest seller was something called a Clinging Cross. It fits right into your hand and people who had one to hold during chemo came into the place after they felt well to buy one for someone they knew. Those things are great and can even fit into an arthritic hand very comfortably.

[SkyNacho]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JillG

As a survivor, I love the book "What Cancer Cannot Do." Comes in several bindings. My favorite - a pretty pink simulated leather version for around $15.00. (Check out Amazon.com) Have bought a number of copies to give to friends going thru the same battle.

All your crafty ladies - be sure to include the famous "What Cancer Cannot Do" poem in the form of a special bookmark or pretty card:

What Cancer Cannot Do

It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.

As I mentioned earlier, I gathered a number of inspirational scriptural verses during my battle. I also gathered a number of inspirational quotes. Attached is my Word file of all my scriptural verses. I've compiled them in a small book that I decorated with a very nice cover and call my booklet "Comfort." I know I must have given out at least 3 dozen booklets already and the demand never stops. Finally had to break down and buy a Bind-It-All just to publish my booklets!

Hope this post will help someone else thru their fight for their life!

I certainly don't mean to be contrary, but your version appears slightly incomplete from the version I have seen. I suppose it doesn't matter, but I wanted to post the version I have (my mother's oncologist had it up in their office):

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the spirit.

[stampinprincess]

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. My cousin and his wife have a 3-year old who has been battling cancer since he was 8 months old. He's already lost 1 1/3 kidneys and he's undergoing chemo for the third time. I can't wait to create an inspirational gift for them.

His name is Henry if you would please add him to your prayer list.

Thanks -

[craftymomto2]

If you crochet or knit here are some free patterns for caps:
http://www.knots-of-love.org/mylink.php?id=3143

They can be use by both men and women.

[melalleee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSBetsyZ

I know everyone's a bit different, but for me lemon drops and 7-up were the best to combat the metallic taste. Not necessarily together, mind you...

I am an oncology nurse and I would definately recommend lemon candies (or jolly ranchers) and a nice refillable water bottle. Very important to stay hydrated! Good luck to your friend.

[patricif]

My husband is on chemotherapy and he prefers Propel in place of Gatorade. I think it just depends on a personal preference. Something we keep in stock at home is the individual cups of pudding. He prefers the brand that doesn't have to be refrigerated. He enjoys reading short books (difficult to concentrate) and larger print. Ordinarily he doesn't use large print, but with drying of eyes...the larger print seems to help. He also likes reading sports magazines. A lap quilt or blanket is useful as well and he always takes his to his chemo treatments. I hope this helps.

[patko]

I had chemo and radiation just recently. I could not have done without my Nintendo DS!
Or music on my MP4.(and I am 57!)
Any ginger lollies are also good for the nausea. I found dark chocolate coated ones - yumm! My doctor advised me to have the ginger while actually having the chemo.
I also used the nausea bands people use for sea sickness. Perhaps you could add that to your bucket.
I had a great friend who arrived with a box of lemonade ice blocks (all i could keep down at one stage) and another day she arrived with soup frozen into small containers, so I just had to zap them in the microwave.
Friends (and family) are the most important things at a time like this.

[patko]

Here is a great link for a do rag pattern:

http://fosteringlove.tripod.com/id12.html

I also spent a lot of time crocheting caps or beanies to wear, there are some great patterns here:

http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/patterns.htm

perhaps include a hook or needles, some yarn and a pattern if she is crafty.

[edie3]

thanks for all the great ideas!

[Rebecca Ednie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edie3

where would be a good place to get a do rag?

Try etsy.com. If you see a style you like but not the right fabric, be sure to ask if they do custom work!

I'd like to add Isotoner slippers to the list. They are easy to keep in a purse because they are soft and roll up. Maybe a small fabric bag to keep them in so the bottoms aren't yucky in heR purse. Also a gift card for iTunes so she can download some distracting music. And yucky as it is, maybe some barf bags for purse and car. The best are called Vomi-bags as they have a funnel opening and are easily closed. I'm not sure where to get them. Hubby gets them through work-paramedic!

[shellee]

What wonderful ideas...thank you all for sharing

[slchristians]

The Chemo kits sound like a wonderful idea! Remember to mail your chemo pal a beautiful card each week, set to arrive a day or two after their treatment when they usually feel their worst - can use something to boost them up. I send weekly cards to several chemo patients I don't usually get to know through an organization called Chemo Angels. I did make a great friend in Ohio and she told me somedays the only reason she got out of bed was to check the mail - she said it kept her going. We all love to make beautifual cards - I can't think of a better way to use them!

Sandy

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

Thank you thank you thank you - I have the rubber stamper mag and that is exactly the one I was looking for.

All you are wonderful! I knew I could count on SCS help!

I found this list for those who are looking for things to add:
baby shampoo for her tender scalp;
unscented or lightly scented soaps since she�ll be very sensitive to smells;
ditto on the hand lotion;
plain toothpaste and gentle floss, as chemo patients can�t use the minty, power-packed, or whitening kind;
a light cotton cap to sleep in;
mints to take away the tastes and fight metallic mouth;
healing lip balm to counteract dry lips;
a magazine to read during the interminable waits at the hospital (but please, no magazines with a focus on stylish hair or perfect abs!);
a special bread, fruit, or healthy cookie to tempt her appetite; or even
any craft supplies that you know she uses but can�t get out to get out as often � a new stamp, perhaps? fancy paper? pretty yarn

I found several web sites that sell the products listed (special tootpastes, lotions, lip balm, etc) that I will add.

[oleladydevine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamphappy1650

I just learned that my best friend has breast cancer and will be starting chemo in a few weeks. A while back I saw a chemo kit that was made of a bunch of things she will need during chemo therapy. The kit was put in a large clear paint bucket and now I can't find that link.

Does anyone know of a link? I have a list of some things but the bucket was so cute and I need ideas.

PS please add my friend to your prayer list.

TIA

I found this on line:

As background for those of you reviewing these comments -- GMA's anchor Robin Roberts, showcased the Chemo Kit that she was provided as a gift on one of the recent GMA segments on breast cancer as seen here:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCallPlus/story?id=3751495

The Chemo Kits as described by Ann Marie Paolucci, Founder of the Chemo Kit Foundation, has a three-tiered program to distribute kits to cancer patients. 1.) Kits are donated only through partnering cancer organizations which can be found here: http://chemocomfort.org/20.html; 2.) subsidized kits are available to other cancer patients for a minimal donation; and 3.) there is a gift kit program (for a suggested donation you can send a kit as a gift to a loved one), which helps to sustain our other programs.

Ann Marie describes that Over 80% of the Chemo Kits, which are valued at over $100 each are donated. Each person requesting a kit will need to "fill out" a brochure that will describe the latter two programs.

Kits include: Toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush and lozenges to help prevent and manage mouth sores and chemo burn/thrush Teas and crystallized ginger for nausea A meditation CD for use during chemotherapy Hand sanitizer Sleep cap and satin pillowcase for hair loss Warm socks Book - Living Well With Cancer Blank Book - for journaling or keeping track of medical information and symptoms "Anne Marie's Helpful Hints" - literature with hints from me about ways to cope with various aspects of this experience.

It is important to remember to review advice and product information with your medical team.

Another link: http://getchemokit.com/products.aspx

[oleladydevine]

Another link to check out:

www.cancercomfortkit.com

This one has a Cancer Comfort Kit booklet that you can print out after forking over $3 per copy. The last page of the booklet has a list of things to include on the kit.

[oleladydevine]

Here is the list in the copyrighted "Comfort Kit booklet.

List of Ingredients for your Cancer Comfort Kit

Dressing sponge, Button front shirts, Small bed pillow, A large bed pillow,Sports bra,
Lip balm (such as ChapStick), Udder cream (such as Bag Balm), Thermal mug, Ice bag, Bath towel, Sheepskin seat belt cover, Nail file or emery board, Man’s cotton undershirt, Hand sanitizer, High-protein drink powder (such as MET-RX), Self-adhering athletic bandage (such as Ace or Coban), “wave cap”, Eyebrow pencil, False eyelashes, Thank you cards, Breast cancer stamps, Journal, Sunglasses, Ball cap, plus your own ideas”