What can I buy for someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

[Bikely]

This is one of DD's friend's mother. I don't know her very well at all but I would love to give her something to show we're thinking of her.

She has a lot of supportive family so apparently doesn't need help with things like cooking or cleaning. She's in her 50's. Bag ideas gratefully received.

Sorry just seen the last post about flowers. I was thrilled with flowers. Cried when my yoga group sent some.

Good for you OP! lots of people don't know how to respond and are worried about doing the wrong thing. I would be touched and delighted to get anything to be honest, because a lot of people didn't even acknowledge it for me. A card, some nice biscuits or token chocolates (she can enjoy them before the chemo starts) or flowers! I loved getting flowers. Better that she disappears under a mountain of lip balm than she thinks she's been forgotten.

I would suggest something like afternoon tea, as a bit of a treat, but helpful for if her and her DH(?) are feeling exhausted. But I guess it does depend on how close you are.

I definitely would do it but just send a supportive card first, and maybe some books and reading matter later, maybe magazines and Suduko. It's hard at the moment, but when possible, I would have her daughter over at yours while obviously being careful she doesn't transmit anything nasty back to her home. Agree that "invalid" presents are not good; better to aim for mood lifting presents that are not specific to people undergoing treatment.

Just to let you know my oncologist recommended a strict diet which I am sticking to (and this includes absolutely no sugar). I have told almost no one about my condition but had to let some closwork colleagues know. Very kindly they have sent various sweet treats - all have had to go straight in the bin (DH is on the anti-diabetes diet and he is on the same sugar free diet too).

I really don’t want anyone to know if at all possible and would be mortified if someone I didn’t really know sent me a gift! A close friend gave me a lovely stone wishing tree - but it’s only special to me because it came from her!

close work colleagues (and includes my dear friend)!

As an aside, when my mother was taken ill with cancer, we had a lot of "get well soon cards". Noone knew it was terminal so these cards were a kick in the teeth, although it was thoughtful of the senders. We could have done without them. Not saying this is the case here.

I don't think there was anything I wanted when I was diagnosed, I would send a card saying you are there if she needs a chat. Sometimes talking to a peer, eg someone who has a child same age is better than family.

When DH was really sick, what I appreciated most was those people who looked to keep things normal for my children. I have never forgotten the mother (who I did not know well) who wrote and expressed her sympathy and offered play dates. And then she kept following up and having my children over to play at moments where I really needed relief. She is a wonderful person and I am forever grateful.

So I'd send a card and an offer like that.

@user1477249785

When DH was really sick, what I appreciated most was those people who looked to keep things normal for my children. I have never forgotten the mother (who I did not know well) who wrote and expressed her sympathy and offered play dates. And then she kept following up and having my children over to play at moments where I really needed relief. She is a wonderful person and I am forever grateful.

So I'd send a card and an offer like that.

I agree with this. When DS was poorly a few friends really helped with offering to have our older DS for play dates/sleep overs etc to try and give him a bit of fun during all of the misery. It's these little things that I really remember