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Cancer

Find advice & support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer

Pre/post chemo gift

10 replies

toots123 · 06/01/2026 03:41

A friend of ours is starting chemo this week and id love to drop off some gifts that may help. Can anyone please tell me things they found useful?
A relative of mine enjoyed soup after their chemo so I thought id make some for them to freeze and also some other tinned stuff but if this is an awful idea please let me know.
Any help would be appreciated, its for a man in his 40s.

OP posts:
Bangersndmash · 06/01/2026 04:22

Definitely something to eat, I hate cooking after chemo as I feel so tired and resent having to order food. And my mouth was fine for ages but now got sores so a soft bristle tooth brush might help. And I think it’s fluoride free / gentle tooth paste. And maybe some chocolates or biscuits, they help anyone 😁 erm lastly if they have hair, perhaps a wide tooth comb. Some people lose hair some don’t.

It obviously all depends on a persons treatment and how they individually handle it but those things help me.

Bangersndmash · 06/01/2026 04:23

And I think if you can make healthy stuff as opposed to tinned stuff, as a healthy diet it’s important. Alternatively if you don’t have the time to cook a lot perhaps just some fruit or a little cheese board as an addition? Obviously no alcohol or anything like that.

BumblebeeBum · 06/01/2026 04:25

Hi, I'm going through chemo at the moment so will give you some ideas based on what I have found useful.
Friends have been amazingly kind with gifts.

Home made veggie soup and bread for the freezer is a great idea. A water bottle or healthy (ish) snacks. Hand cream and lip balm both good too.

I am finding being at home not doing much quite difficult/boring. Depending on his interests, a subscription to TV (eg Disney), Duolingo, online learning like Masterclass or BBC Maestro, or online theatre like National Theatre could work too. Or vouchers for something like Class Bento so he can find some new activities locally or online.

The charity Mind have a subscription box with mindfulness gifts. Other subscription boxes could be an option - targeted to their interests - eg an online book club.

Each different type of chemo will have slightly different side effects so if you're able to Google the type of cancer or type of chemo and look up the likely side effects that would help you target things more.

For example, my chemo (Capox) means very cold hands and feet so thick socks and gloves are particularly useful. Comfy blanket and v shaped pillow have been useful. Vicks First Defense, disposable face masks and hand sanitisers all helpful too.

Hopefully something of use here. Even just a little thing from a friend means a lot. Whenever I pick up a little something a friend has given me, it makes me smile. Feeling supported and thought of through a difficult time is priceless.

mindutopia · 06/01/2026 17:58

I had someone drop me off a box of brownies, which was just a really nice treat. I’d aim for not making a big fuss. I was perfectly capable of making dinner for us. But a little treat made me feel thought about.

What I’d say is most important is actually not forgetting to look after him as time goes on. People were really good in the first month or two. By the time I finished treatment 12 months later, people were all like, oh, are you still doing that cancer thing? I actually would have appreciated it all more at month 4 or 6 or 8 when I was struggling all alone and everyone had sort of gotten on with their lives again.

stichguru · 06/01/2026 18:06

My dad went through chemo a couple of years ago. Personally I would avoid food as what tasted good/didn't come straight up again changed so often it would be hard to know what was good, and what was good today might not be tomorrow. He liked books, music, puzzle books, fluffy socks, gloves.

Bangersndmash · 06/01/2026 21:14

stichguru · 06/01/2026 18:06

My dad went through chemo a couple of years ago. Personally I would avoid food as what tasted good/didn't come straight up again changed so often it would be hard to know what was good, and what was good today might not be tomorrow. He liked books, music, puzzle books, fluffy socks, gloves.

I am going through chemo and do admit this rings true… what’s good yesterday is not enjoyable today… 🤣 I keep myself on my toes that’s for sure!

stichguru · 06/01/2026 22:07

Bangersndmash · 06/01/2026 21:14

I am going through chemo and do admit this rings true… what’s good yesterday is not enjoyable today… 🤣 I keep myself on my toes that’s for sure!

I am sorry you are going through this too. I hope the outcome will be good for you.

Createsusername · 11/01/2026 11:50

Books
comfy pjs
blanket
Socks

DingDongDenny · 31/01/2026 00:40

I agree on the food front. Friends have dropped off all sorts and I haven't been able to eat any of it.

For me, my favourite gifts have been socks, a beautiful throw, books and a lovely heart necklace that reminds me people are thinking of me

DingDongDenny · 31/01/2026 00:41

Also, meant to add that some lovely comfy PJs would be a great gift.

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