Help me put together a hamper for a friend about to undergo radiotherapy

[InTheNameOfAllThatIsHonest]

Pretty much as the title says. I'm aware of the side effects of chemo but not really of radio - do patients get cold? Do their taste buds change? Does their skin go dry?

I am trying to put together a hamper for this friend who's about to start radio and want to include relevant items. Thank you.

Depending on budget:
Voucher for a cleaner and ready meals by Cook

Money is not a problem for this friend - they can afford stuff. Hence the idea of a 'care hamper' instead. Any thoughts along those lines gratefully received... Thank you :-)

The side effects really depend on the part of the body being treated.

@Annietheacrobat
Agree - really does depend on area of body that’s being treated.
And mostly the skin which can get’burned’ by the radiotherapy-the staff will give her the correct cream to apply.
I got quite tired by about the 5/6th week so maybe offer to do some running around or cleaning/ironing etc would be a great thoughtful idea.

I had chest and spine radiotherapy and my side effects were exhaustion and the skin broke down.
You can only use what the hospital give you for the skin so if you want to do a care package and you feel she will/can buy in help then I'd recommend some lovely nightwear/robe/slippers. Water bottle is also useful as your supposed to drink a lot of water.
If she is having internal radiotherapy her stomach may be very badly affected so I'd stay away from food.
Your also not supposed to use anything but very basic skincare E45 etc so that's a no no too.

How about a nice robe,some loungewear, comfy slippers,a book maybe some sweet treats .

Soft cotton hats - they do some lovely ones for chemo. Warm fluffy socks or slippers because it affects the circulation. Boiled sweets because chemo can leave a bad taste in the mouth and nausea.

@Annietheacrobat

The side effects really depend on the part of the body being treated.

it's breast cancer.

@snowdropsandcrocuses

Soft cotton hats - they do some lovely ones for chemo. Warm fluffy socks or slippers because it affects the circulation. Boiled sweets because chemo can leave a bad taste in the mouth and nausea.

This is radio - not chemo. Would the side effects you mention be relevant to radio too?

Breast radiotherapy is usually well tolerated and I doubt she will feel that unwell on treatment. Many people work throughout. She will get what we call a 'skin reaction' like a mild sunburn. She will need to use an unscented moisturiser for this. Her breast may feel tender.

She will also feel tired towards the end and for a couple of weeks after - the tiredness can take people by surprise.

I don't think the idea of a robe or lounge wear is a bad one, as she may want to sit bra less at home. She won't need a hat or socks or anything.

@Annietheacrobat thank you. I have another friend who indeed kept on going to the office and didn't take a single day off while undergoing treatment. I hope it will be as 'easy' for this friend. It's so worrying how widespread cancer is among us. Terrifying in fact.

Some people do get really tired depending how long their course is. It’s also a real drag if they have to go everyday.
Do you live near her? Would you be in a position to offer a couple of lifts towards the end of the treatment?

Breast cancer radio doesn’t cause hair loss - hats unnecessary.
It does cause sore, sunburned type skin but you cannot use anything scented or luxurious during treatment. They usually give you the cream you need.
Tastebuds unaffected unless not recovered from chemo.
It’s boring, as every day, but not awful really.

Small Cushion to rest arm away from body.
Soft crop top type bra
Seat belt de-tensioner to stop the seat belt rubbing when driving.
Books for waiting around at hospital.
Unscented shower gels and nice soap

What about a kindle or magazine subscription? Waiting on hospitals is mind-numbingly boring

Some nice candles for when she gets home and can relax?

A robot hoover so some light cleaning can be done via smartphone?

Also, if your friend is driving herself to hospital, could you take her instead so she doesn't need to drive / find a space etc

You sound like a lovely friend

Moo goo cream for the burned area.

A really soft bra.

Different types.of bottled water. Everyone I know who's had RT gets hooked on one specific type of bottled water. Smart water is a good one, but various bottles for them to try might be really welcome.

Magazines to read in the waiting area. There can be a fair bit of waiting.

A chillys bottle or similar.

Not another bunch of flowers website has loads of great ideas... It was set up by a cancer patient for exactly this question... Check it out

Reading material for waiting around in the hospital, I'd suggest short stories or magazines which are easier to get back into if you're interrupted.

Lifts to the hospital is a good idea. dh and I were driving in every day for his treatment and it all gets very wearing.

Also remember that the tiredness goes on after the treatment has ended and continue to offer support in the weeks following.

Ask about giving a lift, but accept the answer if it’s no. I’d have hated being turned into someone who was perceived as needing driving. I wanted minimal time there and driving allowed me to retain control of my life. Pop in, hang about, drive back to work. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone with me.

This website might be helpful OP - set up specifically for this reason:

www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwsNiIBhBdEiwAJK4khtpkYadQWPXQD7T1ufs-IEJthks4e55l_O2R2NlEQzyULaMJdilzcxoCnbwQAvD_BwE

Thank you, everyone. I have a few bits and pieces that I'll send today. She had surgery this morning...

Good luck to your friend. Lovely you are being supportive in such a caring way.

I have recently had surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Friends gave me a variety of gifts and a couple of them made up hampers for me which included a lovely smelling candle, a bottle of sparkling grape juice, a packet of my favourite sweets, a packet of biscuits, some shower gel etc. Another one included an eye mask, face pack, a book and a t-shirt. I was also given a few magazines which were very much appreciated.

I had radiotherapy for breast cancer last year ans was very unwell indeed. I was exhausted and had huge 3rd degree burns, so it can be very traumatic. The best thing i was bought without doubt was a v shaped pillow. It was very hard to sleep or get comfy when watching tv and this was a godsend. As you cant use any scented body products for a long time i found nice scented candles were amazing to help me relax. The Highland soap company ones smell amazing and come in lovely gift boxes. Lovely, soft pjs and loungwear is perfect and will be very welcome. I was given a chocolate hamper with lots of different bars and that was lovely. Finally a couple of books. I had radio every day for 3 weeks and the waiting around was crushing. If you can find ones that you can dip in/out of quickly, more the better.