Hi Kirsty

What a great idea for a thread.

Both one of my dearest friends and also my husband went through chemo for different cancers.  For my female friend (who had chemo on and off for over 20 years)  she appreciated the company of friends but one of her best gifts was a photo album as she so wanted to keep a record of family events and most of her photos were stuck in the drawer.  she spent many hours archiving her memories (she also kept diaries) which brought her such pleasure during the days when she could do little else tha sit in front of the tv.  She also loved recieving different headgear and tried them all (she lost her hair on three separate occasions and as a teacher used to surprise her classes each day with her change in style - one very brave lady.

My husband (why is it that men are notoriously difficult to buy for whatever the situation!),  spent many, many hours watching films and dvds were a good gift. When at the hospital he spent much of the time during chemo infusions doing crossword puzzles and wordsearch so friends and family kept him supplied.

Our local hospice and carer support centre used to have a list up with ideas and from memory this included art materials, knitting wool, 'tea for two' treats and nail treatments as well as making meals for the freezer or dog walking help for those too frail to get out and about.   I am sure other forum members will have some super ideas too.  Jules

Hi Jules

Thank you for your reply. I love the idea of creating a photo album! What a creative (and productive) way to spend your time and to have all your wonderful memories in an album for everyone to enjoy. I'm sure it brought your friend great comfort too.

Ha, you are so right! It's so hard to buy gifts for my husband's birthday or Christmas - they seem to want nothing and have everything! And there are only so many pairs of socks you can buy... DVDs and crossword puzzle books etc are a really good idea.

Thank you for your suggestions - they are great :) Looking forward to seeing what some others come up with.

Best wishes,

Kirsty

I havent had chemo nor do I know anyone who has but having very bad days myself I think I would like someone to buy me one of those lovely v-pillows, lots of magazines (nothing too heavy to read because I cant concentrate) and perhaps a nice new pair of comfy slippers!  :-)

Thanks Pauline :)

I do love me a good pair of fluffy slippers! I hadn't heard of a v-pillow so will go Google it now. Magazines are always good to have a flick through - nothing too heavy as you say and they can be good for taking your mind off things.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Kirsty