A question about chemotherapy...

[girlylala0807]

A beautiful young lady, a dear friend of my has just been told she has leukemia. She is now in hospital and begins chemotherapy tomorrow. My question to you is what would be the best things to take her in hospital. She will be there for four weeks. Flowers, teddies I just don't know. I'm so shocked. She is only 22. Anyway, what can we do for her realistically?

[Wolfiefan]

Bumping for you.
Chemo can make skin and lips v dry. Luxury skin care?

[girlylala0807]

Thank you. Dry skin seems to be a common side effect so will look into the skincare.

[merlottits]

Flowers no and teddies are a no. They harbour germs and maybe against policy. Chemotherapy affects the immune system so this will be important.

Once the shock subsides she will become bored quickly. Induction chemotherapy for leukaemia is long winded and involves hanging around for bone-marrow biopsies, drips, injections and blood tests etc.

Any entertainment is always appreciated. So magazines, puzzle books, DVDs, iTunes vouchers, books etc are great.

Chemotherapy affects your tastebuds. Some people get a metallic taste. Sweets and mints can be helpful.

The MOST important thing you can do is keep involved. The treatment for leukaemia can take up to 3 years. Lots of people are interested at the beginning and then tail off. Keep talking, texting, offering support.

[girlylala0807]

I never thought about the germ issue with flowers. Thank you. My support wont tail off. She is such a sweet thing. Im just so sad for her.

[expatinscotland]

The onco unit where my daughter was treated didn't allow flowers or plants.

If she has a Kindle or Kindle app, then vouchers!

[lisad123]

Lip balm, coco butter, kindle, socks (feet get cold), biscuits, pretty scarf, paint her nails, books, food in freezer

[girlylala0807]

Thank you these are all very helpful.

[SuzySuzSuz]

We did a kind of care hamper for a family member in a similar situation:

• ginger tea, ginger biscuits, ginger sweets (nausea & vomiting)
  
• e45 body lotion & Vaseline lip balm (dry skin)
  
• corsadyl mouth wash, baby soft tooth brush, bonjela (mouth/gum issues)
  
• home cooked freezable meals and soups for days when too tired / unwell to cook
  
• soft foods (custard, jelly, cake etc) in case mouth/gum problems
  
• magazines, books, music
  

I think it's priceless keeping in touch with them and offering help, take their lead on whether they want to take about things or want a distraction.

[digerd]

I do not know about leukemia Chemo, but my DH did suffer from a funny taste in his mouth and said everything tasted the same, also lost his hair after the first week.
Good luck

[gingeroots]

I've heard that it's best to get moisturisers etc that are unperfumed ,very hypoallergic ( or whatever it's called ) for sensitive skin .

It's lovely she's got you offering support ,look after yourself as well .