This time last year, I was going through what's known as "dose dense" chemo - every two weeks. It was pretty grim.
Here's a couple of dos and don'ts - not just from me, but widely supported on the breast cancer forums I'm involved in. I don't want to fall out with anyone who has already posted - this is just from my experience.
I can see how positive talk may be okay for some, but for many, including me, people saying everything will be okay without knowing the facts, and saying they know of other women with breast cancer who survived the ordeal, is somewhat irritating. I have an aggressive form of BC, with a high risk of recurrence, and I have done my own research. These comments tend to belittle the patient's experience, underestimate their intelligence and prevent discussions which those with cancer might want to have with those close to them. I suspect, in some instances, it's more for the benefit of others, not the patient. I needed to talk to people about my fears, so I suggest taking your cue from your friend. Luckily, no-one close to me adopted that approach, although everyone still managed to be encouraging and upbeat. Friends being prepared to talk about difficult issues was one of the most important things for me during active treatment, and still is.
Please don't pass on shite about rejecting conventional medicine and "Big Pharma" and/or that if you'd only eat healthily all will be well. I'm afraid the avoiding sugar falls into this. We all know that stuffing yourself with sweet things is not good for us, whether we have cancer or not. We all know that eating lots of vegetables is good for us. But, dear God, there is a minefield of contradicting information out there which causes all sorts of stress about what to eat and what to avoid. All carbohydrates turn into sugar. Yes, cancer cells feed off sugar, but so do all our other cells. When you are going through chemo, believe me, you have to eat what you can to get through it. Let her eat cake!! She can eat more vegetables later.
As to what to buy, you've had some good suggestions already. A Readly subscription would be top of my list - that's if she has an iPad or similar. Absolutely brilliant. Lots of magazines at your fingertips.
Skin problems are common. I found scented body oils really useful and absolutely lovely to use. I highly recommend the Tropic brand.
Some types of chemo cause issues with fingernails. Some say using very dark nail varnish - dark blue or purple - helps. I couldn't be bothered with painting my nails. I used a product called evonail and I didn't lose and finger or toenails.
If she's likely to lose her hair, hats, scarves etc are a lovely gift, as it's nice to ring the changes. I had a wig, but found it hot and uncomfortable to wear. I really liked experimenting with headgear.
If she's like;y to lose her eyelashes, eyeliner is useful.
You sound like a very good friend, OP. I wish your friend the very best. Suggest she seeks out Internet forums, as she will find lots of help and support there.