Friend just been through cancer treatment - should i get a small gift?

[Meepme]

Hi, going out for a meal with a friend now that her treatment is over. I was thinking whether to get a token gift? Is that silly? Any suggestions?

bump!

I’ve had cancer and I would have loved a gift from a friend. It doesn’t have to be much, a plant or some nice chocolates would be perfect.

@Groutyonehereagain I wasn't sure whether I was reminding her about something she'd rather forget

You don’t forget cancer treatment exactly, and she’s bound to have follow-up checks for a few years at least.
Get her a present if you want to.

I bought my friend a bunch of flowers when she’d finished her treatment and at 5 yrs and now 10 she always cries she’s so pleased.

I would also second the idea that you don’t forget, now 11 years have gone by and she says it’s very much easier but certainly in the beginning she said it’s always on your mind.

Yes do . Some shower /body wash stuff is nice as you may not be looking the best after treatment but you can smell nice . I’m facing treatment for the third time and what I always say is I remember the friends who didn’t make the effort. You’re a good friend .

Lovely idea. I'm currently going through treatment for cancer and have really appreciated the little cards and gifts my friends have got me. It doesn't need to be anything grand at all but just a little 'I know this has been a bit rubbish, well done and I'm thinking of you' kind of thing. Lip balms or moisturisers have been very much appreciated!

Also I'm not quite at the finishing treatment stage yet but I have heard others say that it can actually be quite tricky and bring up some conflicting feelings as you're thrilled the surgery/chemo/radiotherapy is over but being left to your own devices a bit more rather than being under regular clinical care is a bit daunting. And often there are drugs you have to take longer term that can have some continuing side effects. So just something to be aware of, if your friend doesn't seem to be celebrating her end of treatment quite as much as you may expect x

She's been really positive throughout. I'll have a look for some nice body stuff/lip balms etc then

A day out, trip to the cinema, theatre?

Yes just get a lovely token to say you think she is great for getting through it all. Don't worry about reminding her! It's not like she'll forget! But a gesture will definitely be appreciated

I would have really appreciated a small gift after my cancer treatment, especially if it included time together/an experience. So things like lunch, an afternoon tea delivery to share, or a ticket to something. Equally, some flowers, a fruit basket, a book etc would have all been great as well!

We've a friend currently undergoing treatment and every few weeks we buy her something. First it was flowers, then we found her favourite alcohol free cider she was struggling to find. A book will be next.

There is a lovely site called not another bunch of flowers that might help ad your skin etc can be really tender after treatment and some brands can be to harsh to use. It lovely you acknowledging it as so many people leave it as the elephant in the room.

I've just sent a friend a little box of brownies through M&S. She was very pleased and you can include a personalised note.

Yep, you don’t forget. I’m 10 years on from ovarian cancer. You really find out who your friends are when something like that strikes.