Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?
Haylen_WebMD_Staff posted:
One of my good friends was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.
She is having surgery in NY on Tuesday and I'm just sick that I'm all the way over here on the West Coast.
If you've had a surgery, what memorable/supportive gifts/flowers/etc. did you receive? Was there anything you got that was inappropriate?
I got a text from her last night that she is terrified - understandably!
Thank you for any suggestions -
Haylen
She is having surgery in NY on Tuesday and I'm just sick that I'm all the way over here on the West Coast.
If you've had a surgery, what memorable/supportive gifts/flowers/etc. did you receive? Was there anything you got that was inappropriate?
I got a text from her last night that she is terrified - understandably!
Thank you for any suggestions -
Haylen
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?One of my good friends was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. <br /><br />She is having surgery in NY on Tuesday and I'm just sick that I'm all the way over here on the West Coast. <br /><br />If you've had a surgery, what memorable/supportive gifts/flowers/etc. did you receive? Was there anything you got that was inappropriate? <br /><br />I got a text from her last night that she is terrified - understandably!<br /><br />Thank you for any suggestions - <br /><br />Haylen
GGrandmaJan responded:
Oh Haylen. I am so sorry for your friend and you as you sit here on the west coast for far away from your friend.
One of the things that helps me so much is music. If you know the kind of music she listens too send her a CD. It is something she can play again and again.
When I was doing chemo my son gave me his old I-pod. It was a God-send to me. I was able to put all my CD's on it plus buy more from I-Tunes store. I have been listening to it NON-Stop for the last month. It so helps soothe the soul. Plus there are no commericals just great music. I take it with me to all Dr appts when I have to wait---All procedures and etc. All I have to do is put the ear-buds in and I am in 7th Heaven.
Flowers are good but don't last. Also a good book to take her mind off of the situation.
Sending loads of prayers and good thoughts to both of you. Remember to just listen to her. A good listener is worth all the friends in the world.
Hope this helps a little.
Fondly
Jan
One of the things that helps me so much is music. If you know the kind of music she listens too send her a CD. It is something she can play again and again.
When I was doing chemo my son gave me his old I-pod. It was a God-send to me. I was able to put all my CD's on it plus buy more from I-Tunes store. I have been listening to it NON-Stop for the last month. It so helps soothe the soul. Plus there are no commericals just great music. I take it with me to all Dr appts when I have to wait---All procedures and etc. All I have to do is put the ear-buds in and I am in 7th Heaven.
Flowers are good but don't last. Also a good book to take her mind off of the situation.
Sending loads of prayers and good thoughts to both of you. Remember to just listen to her. A good listener is worth all the friends in the world.
Hope this helps a little.
Fondly
Jan
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?Oh Haylen. I am so sorry for your friend and you as you sit here on the west coast for far away from your friend. <br /> <br />One of the things that helps me so much is music. If you know the kind of music she listens too send her a CD. It is something she can play again and again. <br /> <br />When I was doing chemo my son gave me his old I-pod. It was a God-send to me. I was able to put all my CD's on it plus buy more from I-Tunes store. I have been listening to it NON-Stop for the last month. It so helps soothe the soul. Plus there are no commericals just great music. I take it with me to all Dr appts when I have to wait---All procedures and etc. All I have to do is put the ear-buds in and I am in 7th Heaven. <br /> <br />Flowers are good but don't last. Also a good book to take her mind off of the situation. <br /> <br />Sending loads of prayers and good thoughts to both of you. Remember to just listen to her. A good listener is worth all the friends in the world.<br /> <br />Hope this helps a little. <br />Fondly <br />Jan
Haylen_WebMD_Staff replied to GGrandmaJan's response:
Thanks so much Jan!
You gave me a good idea - she loves one of the shows on Sirrius/XM satellite radio but she doesn't have a subscription - maybe I can get her a year....
Maybe a good pair of ear buds too - I'll email her friend and see what kind of hardware she has - ipod, tablet, etc.
I hope she does reach out - right now she's overwhelmed and not picking up the phone....
It does help lots - much appreciated!
Haylen
p.s. Did Apple ever contact you to be a spokesperson?!?!
You gave me a good idea - she loves one of the shows on Sirrius/XM satellite radio but she doesn't have a subscription - maybe I can get her a year....
Maybe a good pair of ear buds too - I'll email her friend and see what kind of hardware she has - ipod, tablet, etc.
I hope she does reach out - right now she's overwhelmed and not picking up the phone....
It does help lots - much appreciated!
Haylen
p.s. Did Apple ever contact you to be a spokesperson?!?!
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?Thanks so much Jan! <br /><br />You gave me a good idea - she loves one of the shows on Sirrius/XM satellite radio but she doesn't have a subscription - maybe I can get her a year....<br /><br />Maybe a good pair of ear buds too - I'll email her friend and see what kind of hardware she has - ipod, tablet, etc. <br /><br />I hope she does reach out - right now she's overwhelmed and not picking up the phone....<br /><br />It does help lots - much appreciated! <br /><br />Haylen <br /><br />p.s. Did Apple ever contact you to be a spokesperson?!?!
mhall6252 responded:
Haylen - just keep reaching out and she'll respond when she's ready. It's hard for you but she's probably still wrestling with the diagnosis and everything that is going on - like an out of control race car. If she's into texting, that might be her preferred communication right this minute. Just keep telling her you're thinking about her and wishing her well.
I enjoyed the first couple of floral arrangements I received, then my living room started to look like a funeral home! Someone sent me a package with a scented candle, nice body lotion, a CD of soothing music, and a good upbeat book. Someone else knitted a shawl. I enjoyed getting funny cards to make me laugh.
If she has a family, little things for the kids will make them happy, which will make her life easier.
Maybe a picture of you wearing this tshirt:
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/28415602/cancer-friends_tshirt
I enjoyed the first couple of floral arrangements I received, then my living room started to look like a funeral home! Someone sent me a package with a scented candle, nice body lotion, a CD of soothing music, and a good upbeat book. Someone else knitted a shawl. I enjoyed getting funny cards to make me laugh.
If she has a family, little things for the kids will make them happy, which will make her life easier.
Maybe a picture of you wearing this tshirt:
http://www.cafepress.com/mf/28415602/cancer-friends_tshirt
Michelle
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Read my blog at www.mch-breastcancer.blogspot.com
Smile and the world smiles with you!
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?Haylen - just keep reaching out and she'll respond when she's ready. It's hard for you but she's probably still wrestling with the diagnosis and everything that is going on - like an out of control race car. If she's into texting, that might be her preferred communication right this minute. Just keep telling her you're thinking about her and wishing her well. <br /> <br />I enjoyed the first couple of floral arrangements I received, then my living room started to look like a funeral home! Someone sent me a package with a scented candle, nice body lotion, a CD of soothing music, and a good upbeat book. Someone else knitted a shawl. I enjoyed getting funny cards to make me laugh. <br /> <br />If she has a family, little things for the kids will make them happy, which will make her life easier.<br /> <br /> <br />Maybe a picture of you wearing this tshirt:<br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cafepress.com/mf/28415602/cancer-friends_tshirt">http://www.cafepress.com/mf/28415602/cancer-friends_tshirt</a>
Rachael67 responded:
I am so sorry to her of your friend's diagnosis, but how wonderful that she has a caring friend like yourself!
If you check out the "Tips," I think there are several threads which address ideas and suggestions to help those we love who face such challenges.
Also, I once sent a RX "bandaid box" to someone who was dealing with tough times. I filled it with items intended to cheer her as she was dealing with severe depression. Slips of paper written as prescriptions such "the smile of a friend taken liberally throught the day" and "focusing on the most happy memory upon rising and just before bed time"...
As mentioned, reminders of your love in card and phone calls...These are the most important!
Please let us know how she is doing...and if you ae able to locate those "tips".
Blessings and blue-sky days for you both!
Rachael
If you check out the "Tips," I think there are several threads which address ideas and suggestions to help those we love who face such challenges.
Also, I once sent a RX "bandaid box" to someone who was dealing with tough times. I filled it with items intended to cheer her as she was dealing with severe depression. Slips of paper written as prescriptions such "the smile of a friend taken liberally throught the day" and "focusing on the most happy memory upon rising and just before bed time"...
As mentioned, reminders of your love in card and phone calls...These are the most important!
Please let us know how she is doing...and if you ae able to locate those "tips".
Blessings and blue-sky days for you both!
Rachael
A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?I am so sorry to her of your friend's diagnosis, but how wonderful that she has a caring friend like yourself!<br /> <br />If you check out the "Tips," I think there are several threads which address ideas and suggestions to help those we love who face such challenges.<br /> <br />Also, I once sent a RX "bandaid box" to someone who was dealing with tough times. I filled it with items intended to cheer her as she was dealing with severe depression. Slips of paper written as prescriptions such "the smile of a friend taken liberally throught the day" and "focusing on the most happy memory upon rising and just before bed time"...<br /> <br />As mentioned, reminders of your love in card and phone calls...These are the most important!<br /> <br />Please let us know how she is doing...and if you ae able to locate those "tips".<br /> <br />Blessings and blue-sky days for you both!<br /> <br />Rachael
Haylen_WebMD_Staff replied to mhall6252's response:
Thank you so much to all of you for the suggestions - luv the t-shirt! I know what you mean about the flowers Michelle!
There is a lemon basil scented candle I saw at Whole Foods - that's a great idea.
Just heard an update. She had a 3 hour surgery and her doc was happy with the results. She'll be in the hospital for about 5 days. I just sent her a funny text about hunky orderlies and jello.
Haylen
There is a lemon basil scented candle I saw at Whole Foods - that's a great idea.
Just heard an update. She had a 3 hour surgery and her doc was happy with the results. She'll be in the hospital for about 5 days. I just sent her a funny text about hunky orderlies and jello.
Haylen
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?Thank you so much to all of you for the suggestions - luv the t-shirt! I know what you mean about the flowers Michelle! <br /><br />There is a lemon basil scented candle I saw at Whole Foods - that's a great idea.<br /><br />Just heard an update. She had a 3 hour surgery and her doc was happy with the results. She'll be in the hospital for about 5 days. I just sent her a funny text about hunky orderlies and jello. <br /><br />Haylen
Jenna291 replied to Haylen_WebMD_Staff's response:
Cards and phone calls were the absolute best - just knowing you are thought of means the world....
I also loved getting fresh flowers. I received some nice cozy blankets, lotions (mild scented were the best) and lots of reading materials.
One of my friends put together a basket with movies, soda and popcorn - adorable!
I am glad her surgery went well. Sending many blessings to all....
Jenna
I also loved getting fresh flowers. I received some nice cozy blankets, lotions (mild scented were the best) and lots of reading materials.
One of my friends put together a basket with movies, soda and popcorn - adorable!
I am glad her surgery went well. Sending many blessings to all....
Jenna
Report This| Share this:Friend having surgery - care package suggestions?Cards and phone calls were the absolute best - just knowing you are thought of means the world....<br /> <br />I also loved getting fresh flowers. I received some nice cozy blankets, lotions (mild scented were the best) and lots of reading materials. <br /> <br />One of my friends put together a basket with movies, soda and popcorn - adorable!<br /> <br />I am glad her surgery went well. Sending many blessings to all....<br /> <br />Jenna
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