Comments on: After Surgery Gifts + Gifts for Chemo Patients

By: Maegan Brundage

Maegan Brundage — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:28:15 +0000

Something that helped me when I was going through chemo were cozy hats that don’t look like chemo hats. My tip is not to search hats for chemo patients, but just soft comfy beanies and ear warmers. I sent one to my mom when she did chemo and she wore it every day.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 04:43:00 +0000

My dad has a good friend who has a lot of health problems, and when I was visiting last weekend I found out that my dad texts him most weekends when he goes to the farmers market to see if anything sounds good. I didn’t even realize what was happening until, on the way home, my dad asked me to stop by Bob’s to leave his corn and tomatoes. That simple, sweet act of care was really beautiful to witness.

By: Swan

Swan — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 20:47:39 +0000

Kelly,

What a thoughtful, compassionate list! I’ll be sure to keep this bookmarked and PRINTED in a safe place so that I’ll know where to look when necessary. I had no idea that while we were commiserating over baby names, you were quietly muddling through such a journey. Please accept my heartfelt wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. ~~Swan :}

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:52:08 +0000

Our friends are in the PICU with their daughter who had open heart surgery and unexpectedly now needs another one. We knew they wanted pjs we had mentioned awhile ago, so we just texted them, “we’d love to buy you each a set of these pjs for the next few weeks in the hospital. Can you tell me what size and set you want?” While a “surprise” is more fun, it’s even better if it’s something they want and pick. We got them sets to https://www.recliner.nyc/ if anyone is in need of a good gift.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 02:37:17 +0000

I love this list! It will be so helpful to refer to in the future. I learned about offering up specific gifts of time when Pinch of Yum wrote about grief after loss a few years ago. I was able to bring two homecooked meals to a friend going through a miscarriage last fall. I was thankful I had learned to offer something specific rather than placing the burden on her and asking what she needed.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:58:51 +0000

As a patient is a healthcare provider; I can’t help but thank you enough for this. Wishing you and yours and all seeing this comfort and warmth.

By: Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 19:16:52 +0000

This is so helpful, Kelly — thank you for sharing. I hope your recovery is going well!

By: Amy Elizabeth Jones

Amy Elizabeth Jones — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 18:38:41 +0000

Great ideas! My sis, who had multiple surgeries and chemo, loved her meal train. She left a cooler with ice packs outside her front door and for a month or two her friends & family dropped off dinner (and sometimes cards & gifts too). They signed up on the site you mentioned, ‘meal train,’ and she loved the surprises every night. Her friends & family really put their love into making meals and/or buying special desserts etc. They asked her ahead of time what her and her family liked and she said every meal was yummy and thoughtful. And because of the cooler outside her door, no one needed to disturb the family to deliver it. It made us all feel like we had done something and alleviated a bit of a burden.

By: Autumn

Autumn — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:43:19 +0000

I loved this post. My boyfriend is going through radiation therapy and this reassured me that the things I’ve been doing for him are about as much as I can do. Thank you so much Kelly!!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:58:34 +0000

When I was at my most ill during cancer, a friend just showed up every Monday night and he didn’t require anything of me. He’d just sit on the couch with me and we’d watch tv. It was maybe my favorite “gift”. And just being *that* friend that a person knows they can call for a last minute ride or favor. The worst thing to do is disappear. If you don’t know what to say, nothing is not best. If you have nothing to give, physically or emotionally, say that. Don’t be silent. That can end friendships.