Has anyone here visited a cancer patient in the hospital?

[lilminx]

If so, can anyone suggest things to bring for the person?

 

[amelia]

maybe some books on tape.

 

[tulip2lipservice]

Hugs Sweetie...

see if you can call the dr. or hospital and see if you can bring some food. The kind the person likes and what is appropriate. I am sure just you visiting would do that person well. Many hugs.

Peace,
Tulip

 

[red_rose]

maybe some books on tape.

Very good suggestion.


I would also say new, comfy pajamas... or a nice blanket. Maybe a picture for their room, if they're going to be there for a long time.

Anything that makes the room look more like home.

 

[perks]

something for their wall, pictures or something? If you shared a moment with that person, maybe bring them a picture or an item that reminds them of the m oment?

Books on tape are good, if you bring them a tape player with it.

Flowers always brighten a room, even though it's a usual gift.

You might find out if they want a favorite shirt, or blanket or something that they find comfort in, that they don't have with them at the hospital.

 

[Guest]

 

[Guest]

If so, can anyone suggest things to bring for the person?

My dad was in and out of hospitals all the time while he was sick with Lung Cancer.

He enjoyed the company and lots of fresh fruit.

Another friend that wasn't in the hospital at the time but had Breast Cancer was overjoyed when I brought her a homemade lemon poppyseed cake... she still tells me to this day it wasn't about the cake but that I took the time to make one and took it to her.

Um, I remember once while visiting my dad I noticed there was a young teen in the room across him. Wouldn't really come out of his room or speak much to anyone. The next day I called the hospital gift shop and had some cheerful balloons and a card with a special handwritten note by me sent to him. We never met. I just wanted him to know that someone was thinking of him and wishing him well.

If you're thinking something baked I'd probably stay away from anything heavy, light and uncomplicated probably good. Um, probably stick with that theme too for books and magazines.

Hope this helps.

 

[sheath]

Yes...

Pictures are very, very good. I have seen far too many friends go through cancer treatment... Whenever I gave them a picture of their kids, or an outing we had enjoyed, or...anything, really, as long as it was a picture that was original and that said something about their life OUTSIDE the hospital walls...they loved it.

Maybe that is the best thing. Something that reminds them of what life is like beyond a hospital ward.

OH! And something I found that was really good...buy a stationary set, and enough stamps, and a really nice pen. That way THEY can keep in touch with everyone else. A friend of mine said that the stationary set was like a way of taking back a little bit of control over the cancer that seemed to be controlling him.

God Bless...

S.

 

[lilminx]

THanks for the suggestions. I don't know if books on tape are a good idea- with all of the drugs he's on, I don't think he'll be able to concentrate on a storyline.

I don't have time to bake this week, but last week I made him a homemade apple pie and he loved it.

Pictures... hmm.... I don't think I have any good ones to bring. The hospital actually has really cool pajams that I wouldn't mind having myself, so he doesn't need or want them- I already asked.

I think I'll make him a couple of music CDs.

 

[lost]

Good food is a great idea.
Have you though about just calling and asking what they want?

 

[SpiceCake]

Cigarettes

Hanns, that was mean and not appropriate (which I'm sure you alrady knoew!). Now stop that!

 

[lilminx]

Yes, last week I did that and was told that he didn't want or need anything.

 

[lost]

Oh and fav videos, ususally they have VCR's in the room or you can borrow one from the hospital.

 

[SpiceCake]

If so, can anyone suggest things to bring for the person?

Just yourself the first time - that will mean more than anything. When you get ready to go, ask them what you can bring the next time you visit. That let's them know you will be back. Just make sure you return.

 

[lilminx]

Hanns, that was mean and not appropriate (which I'm sure you alrady knoew!). Now stop that!

First of all, I had him on ignore and didn't see what he wrote- was it really necessary to quote him so that I could see it? Why the hell do you pay any attention to him?! As I've said before- I'm going to start putting people who can't ignore him on ignore.

Secondly, the person I'm going to see doesn't have lung cancer, so Hann's moronic post was neither appropriate nor inapporpriate- it was just.... moronic.

 

[Guest]

Hi Minx

Everyone has suggested the good stuff, I'll just add some simple items;

A nice lotion
teas or hot cocoa
chapstick
Comfy slippers
Soft pillows
Puzzles ( It can distract your mind and it's fun.)

 

[sabbathstorm]

When my stepfather was in the hospital for cancer treatment, he liked getting mints and hard candies. He found the hospital air really dry and the mints helped out a lot.

 

[islandman]

Yes, oranges. I've been told that cancer patients, especially those who have undergone chemo, have a residual metallic taste in their mouth.

Oranges, or any other citrus fruits, mask that taste for awhile.

 

[Silverluna]

If so, can anyone suggest things to bring for the person?

something to occupy their free time....books....audio stuff maybe?

flowers or plant? something living kinda helps...my aunt was sick with hodgkins disease when iwas in the second grade....she used to crochet ALL the time! we still have her potholds...

 

[Silverluna]

maybe something soft to cuddle? i dunno something about a good bear to hug might be nice? *shrug* Good luck anyways...

 

[Shy Tall Guy]

I visited my father a lot last year while he was in the hospital with his cancer. While on drugs they may not be able to concentrate enough on a story line to follow it, but you could bring him magazines of his favorite hobbies or maybe someplace he would like to visit. I personally like motorcycle magazines (of course ), but I also like National Geographic and South Pacific travel magazines. The pictures cheer would me up even if I didn't read the article in depth.

Just something to keep him from being bored and getting grumpy. Something to take his mind of his problems and situation - some escapist fare always works for me.

It of course varies depending on the person though.

 

[erosman]

Presence is the best...just your happy presence. Past that, I would recommend bringing a joke book and reading some of the jokes...LAUGHTER! I like the music CD idea, but I would say that singing something would be better. Maybe there are some old favorites of his that you could sing along with and raise his spirits. Read him something out of the Reader's Digest, or some Lit. story.

I know it's difficult to ignore the hospital and the reason for his stay, but sometimes just to lighten the moment beyond the present circumstance is the best gift to receive.

 

[70/30]

Two days before my grandfather died and he was pretty much delirious because he couldn't hold any food down, my brother and I kept him sharp by playing dominoes with him. He grew up playing dominoes, so it was an embedded memory thing that distracted him from the pain. It was also fun, I'm glad we played.

 

[MissTaken]

Just a thought

Bringing family photos and things they enjoy is key.

But also, no matter how doped up they appear, or if they seem incoherent, always talk to them as you always have.

It is easy to want to treat them as a child when they are incapacitated by medication or the disease, but remember the mind is still bright and alert.

 

[christophe]

If so, can anyone suggest things to bring for the person?

i have cared for many patients of cancer...all varietes all types...it is always difficult to decide what to bring them....many times just bieng there is gift enough to support them and let them know that you are there for them...

many people bring flowers which in itself is a kind gesture but unfortunatley while recieving chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs, this may not be a good idea. ask the person in question...they may tell you something that they would like to have...but rest assured your presence in their time of need will speak volumes over anything material!