Seeking Gift Ideas for Friend Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Lotions and body washes. Anything to make her feel special. I would also donate to the Susan G. Komen in her name. I recently lost a very dear co worker to breast cancer, and we did this for her. We also set up a team and made shirts with her name on them for the 3 day walk.

Either hire someone to clean her house for her, or clean it for her, bring her meals, or go get some frozen meals that she can keep in her freezer and use when she needs.

There are some small pillows you can get for her to put under her arm. Go to www.thatsagoodidea.com, they have them there. Also maybe some bath stuff, blanket, just anything you can think of to make her feel special during this time.

A friend of mine appreciated a little gift basket I made for her that consisted of small but conforting things, like tea bags, lotion, fine soap, a soft towel, foot soak, photographs, and little things like that. I also put a really fine bar of chocolate in there, a small treat. I hope your friend's surgery goes well and she makes a full recovery. <3

Our church does prayer quilts (lap size). One of the ladies in our church choir, was given a prayer quilt and she said that she loved it, since she could take it with her to the hospital for chemo or sitting at home watching tv. It took care of her while she was having chills. So it doesn't have to be a prayer quilt, but a lap size quilt, might be nice.

Ok I am sitting here in tears and I don't even know you or your friend. Reading all the responses so far and I must say the single most important thing I recieved when I was diagnosed was LOVE. People I did not even know who had gone throught the same thing just stopped by. Yes they all brought me what they thought was the most special gift they had recieved. If she will be starting chemo right after she will lose her hair. They make a variety of head wraps just be sure to wash them with a ton of fabric softner first. My family got together and bought me a cancer pin with a white pearl in it. Zipper or snap front (old lady robes) we all know the ones and they are hard to find but you do not feel like dressing and with the dressings and drain they are great. My neighbor cut slits at the top of the pockets so I could put my drains through and into the pockets. She will need help bathing and a box or 2 of sensitive baby wipes so she can keep personal areas clean by herself. She is already going through enough let alone have to stand there while someone else wipes her bottom. My friends would come over and be my right hand. I did not want to be waited on they already took away part of my womanhood and taking care of my family was my way to show I was still a full woman so they would stand there and help if I needed to hands while I cooked and cleaned. I know this will be a bit personal but I still have all my bras and prostethis if they would help. If she just wants someone to talk to who has been there cancer.org has a breast cancer support site which is great. And yes you can get frustrated with to much how are you doing and common encouragement phrases. Treat her like nothing happened to a certain extent. Do not dwell on what has happened. Maybe the best way to describe what I mean is a short story. I had no hair and the worlds ugliet bald head. At the house I did not wear anything on it except to sleep cause my head would freeze at night. I had to run to the store and my daughters who were 13 and 16 at the time were going with me. We ran out of the house and up to the store. When I walked in the doors to the store and cold blast hit me and I reached up to realize I forgot to cover my head. I turned around quickly to leave and my daughters asked where I was going. I told them I was sorry I forgot to cover up and was just going to run home and get one quick. My daughters locked their arms around each of mine and said "come on mom, we are just glad you are here to walk bald throught the store, if anybody doesn't like it they can go home". It meant so much to me that my daughters did not care if their friends saw us and they were proud to be seen with me like that. After 9 years I finally got my reconstruction done after I remarried my first husband. I am rasing my 3 year old grandson and have a wonderful 11 year old step son. I wake up everyday and look in those little faces and am so greatful to be here to see them and be loved so much. Love is the greatest gift any person can recieve and it comes with no strings attached and it is free. Sorry this is so long and let me know if there is anything you or your friend need. Sometimes it is the ones who are closest to the survivor that need the most.
wish her the best of luck and let me know if you need anything.

I was 50 also when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a big surprise birthday party on the weekend and surgery on Monday, March 20, 1996. I am a 12 year survivor!
I got a lot of cards, flowers, gifts etc. Some of the most helpful things were:
Meals brought in, casseroles, etc. because you don't feel much like cooking but you need to eat low fat and nutritious.
A visitor would bring lunch by and stay and eat with me.
Offer to go with her to chemo and read, have fun,watch a movie.
Pray for her and her family, esp. a spouse if she is married, because they have a very hard time watching a loved one go through this.
I loved good music, Christian and classical so a new Cd might be nice.
Take for a drive, buy her a pretty scarf, she will go bald and make up helps put color, bold earrings, and scarves are fun.
Laughter is one of the best medicines and I received great books by Barbara Johnson, Patsy Clairmont, etc.
Someone mowed our lawn, did dishes, went grocery shopping, laundry, cleaned house, changed the sheets, swept off the front porch and walkway.
My insurance provided 2 bras, a wig and prosthesis and pays for these every 2 years. I am very lucky to have all the support I do.
You sound like a good friend and remember, this is temporary and she will get well.
V. B.

Perhaps a low-maintenance plant?

D.,
What great ideas!!
I also rep Arbonne Skin Care, and we have a terrific product
called Skin Conditioning Oil, that is an absolutely terrific healing oil. Also, terrific for any chapped or raw areas. It's in a grape seed oil carrier, with Vitamin E, and other wonderful products. It is $18.00.
I can send it to you, or if you have a local Arbonne consultant, contact her.
A. Evans

D.,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend, I am very involved in the breast cancer 3-day walk which will be Nov. 7-9. Thousands of men/women will be walking 60 miles over a 3-day period. I will definitely keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Our pastors wife is goin thru treatments now - one thing that will really be appreciative to her is maybe housecleaning service. She will see the dust etc. but maybe not have the energy to do the work herself. Also, just send her lots of cards and words of encouragement. My thoughts and prayers are with your friend and you for being such a caring individual.

If you aren't already, cook dinner for her and her family. Don't offer unwanted advice medically or otherwise. Be an ear and be a friend. Take a great chick flick and share it with her when she is home recuperating.

D.,
I have found this great website www.carepages.com. Friends of a Friend, set her up a carepage when she began her battle with Breast Cancer. Just last week, there was a newsletter sent out with 27 gift ideas, the list was fantastic. It is way to long to post here. If you would like me to send you a copy of it, just send me a message with your email address and I will forward it to you.
Carepages is a great place to set up a webpage where others can post well wishes to your friend and she can also update people all at once.
Hope this helps
Mayr

When my mom's best friend had cancer surgery, the thing she appreciated the most was the cleaning service my mom arranged to clean her house for a couple months after surgery. She said it was so nice not to have to worry about cleaning dishes, floors, & clothes while recuperating. If you can't pay for someone to go in to clean, maybe you could arrange with some other friends to take turns helping out around her house.

What a thoughtful friend you are!

I suggest a journal. When my daughter got cancer, I never would have guessed the number of doctors and hospitals and terminology and appointments we needed to keep track of. There is so much to remember and if it is a long term situation, remembering everything can be overwhelming.

With a journal, she can not only record her own thoughts; but, later, it would be a good source of a timeline as to what happened when.

The gift of your friendship will be the best gift of all!

Thank you for caring for your friend. I know she will appreciate it.

God Bless Her and God Bless You.

If she is a Christian, a holding cross is great. It's a wooden cross that fits perfectly in the palm. It's very soothing.

I found that I liked to be reminded of things other than my cancer when I was going through it. My kids were still in elementary school, so that was pretty easy to be diverted by them, but a 50 yr old won't have that. I think uplifting movies would be a great thing. Don't get too fixated on the hospital part of things. I really only needed the PJ's for a couple of days. Instead, maybe you could get her a new pair of sneakers so you could go for short walks. Exercise was a great way to get my energy up. Also, Epsom Salts in the tub (once her incision heals) was fantastic for pulling toxins out of the body, plus it's cheap. Focus on her other interests instead of keeping her stuck in the "cancer victim/survivor" mode. Mostly, just keep in touch with her and share opinions about the rest of the world. When you deal with any serious illness, the world seems to shrink, and it's nice to have others remind you that you have a lot of life left. I can tell you are a great friend, and she's lucky to have you!

i love all the ideas so far! The food, the cleaning...etc. But, if you would like to give her something super personal, there is a day spa in Denton that has a tech that is qualified to do massage on cancer patients. Her body is about to go through so much...the human touch can be so helpful. Healing Hands Day Spa, ###-###-####. Judy is the owner...let her know M. sent ya!
My thoughts will be with your friend.

We had a Hat & Scarf Party for one of our friends. Many people brought Gift cards to Wig It. Someone even brought a regae wig with dreadlocks which she wore to one of her chemo treatments.
An organizer so she can keep all her papers and medical claims seperate yet together.
We also started a Sunshine basket where everyone brought something little....cards..or anyhing inspirational or funny or feel good things so when she went to chemo or radiation or was ever feeling down she could open something.

My thoughts are with you and your friend. The house cleaning and food, especially if there is family to be fed, are great. If she needs radiation and or chemo an offer to drive her and sit with her would probably be appreciated.
Distraction level is pretty high so a calendar (filled in if possible) of things that need doing, doctor appointments, school events, etc. One of the little things that made me crazy was not being able to wash my hair! You could either come over and do it for her or take her to a beauty shop every few days. Best of luck!

D. H

There is an organization, Cleaning for a Reason. Contact them and they will set up your friends house being cleaned once a month, for 4 months, for "FREE", while she is going through her cemo. cleaningforareason.org We have cleaning companies participating all over the US I don't know the area you live in. I know this because I have a cleaning company and I am proud to partner with cleaning for a reason.

J. R --- also a wife, mom, Nana and friend

those edible fruit bouquets are great....they are happy and she gets to eat something healthy.
My mom liked having really big t-shirts to sleep in when she was going through all of that.

You can personalize her a bracelet or key ring (really any of the items could be made special for her). I sell Steel My Heart. My friend's Mother received organ donation that saved her life, so my friend made her mother a bracelet to represent that. It is really awesome what you can do. You can look and if you are interested I am happy to help, even with ideas. http://J..yoursmh.com
My Mother in law is a breast cancer surviver. There IS hope! You sound like an awesome and supportive friend. It's going to be a rough rode ahead for her. Just remember to encourage her!
Blessings,
J.

You are so kind to do this. I am a 7 year survivor and had a double mastectomy. If she is going through chemo, nice scarves and hats for her head are appreciated.

The best thing my friends did for me was provide meals for weeks. I had a 1 year old at that time and really didn't have the energy to make any meals. I also received lots of magazines and great books.

I hope this helps. And God bless your friend - and you, too!

I would get stuff that she can enjoy while she's recovering from the mastectomy... Maybe some magazines or books, a box of chocolates, a couple of new movies... And I'm sure if you felt like offering to help with the house work she'd really appreciate that. Maybe make a meal she can freeze and just pop in the microwave or oven when she's ready to eat it. I know that these things are big hits after I've had a baby, and I can only imagine how much more help and support she's going to need over the next several weeks. Hugs to you, and she'll be in my prayers.

Spiritual books of positive nature and having someone come in and clean her house one day would be great- A nice homecooked meal- get friends and neighbors involved. Play scrabble wth her and keep her comapny one night just being there is a true gift. -B4 u leave her house- pop a thoughtful message quote on a mirror that she;ll see after you leave- a nice positive surprise and thoughtful gesture.

D.

Here are my ideas...
1. Start a Carecalender(on the web) its totally free. You set up a calender for friends and family to sign up to bring meals, do errands, etc.
2. Treat her to a fabulous girls day at the spa. With facials, pedicures,lunch and whatever you think she will like.
3. Write her a special card telling you how you feel about your friendship.
4. You can get her some nice body products like soap and body lotion, body scrub and make a spa basket. Her skin will probally be dry and sensitive.

My mom had her surgery this week. Ditto to the button front shirts, as someone suggested. My mom had to go get button front pjs at the last minute, because she forgot about clothes for sleeping. Also, my mom has really enjoyed books and lectures on tape/cd because she's too tired to read or too sick from chemo to focus on the words. But she's bored and the books on tape have been fun for her. I got her some funny lectures about having kids and stuff like that. I'm not sure how close you are with your friend, but she'll probably have a "drain" after surgery for a time period and she may not be comfy with you visiting her while it's in.
Best of luck to her.

So sorry to hear about your friend. You are so thoughtful.
If she hasn't received one yet, AstraZeneca Oncology has a beautiful journal put out by the Y me National Breast Cancer Organization. You may try a local oncology office to pick one up for free.
It has helpful and encouraging messages as well.
As a breast cancer survivor, I know your best gift is just being there for her.
S.

You have already gotten some great ideas... both my mom and Aunt had breast cancer...
Patients can get cold while having their treatments, a shawl or small blanket to take with her to treatments to help keep her warm is nice. If you knit or crochet, they are pretty easy to make and their are a lot of free patterns on line (try the Lion Brand Web site).
If you don't know how to knit or crochet, a small fleece blanket or shawl is easy to make. you can buy the fleece at fabric stores and some Wal-marts, just cut a rectangle to size allowing for fringe and cut a fringe along the edge then tie a knot in each fringe. (like making the no sew blankets)The fleece won't ravel at all... and remember when making your fringe that the part that will be against her back when sitting will e uncomfortable if there is fringe there.
If your friend enjoys coffee or tea, adding some flavored coffees or tea may also be nice.
Mostly, your time and love will be the best gifts you can give to her.

I think the moms who wrote from personal experience had the best ideas, and I appreciate their input, since I also have a friend recently diagnosed.

My friend lives in another state, and I think I'm going to send her a Pashmina I found in a Room Service Home catalog for $19. I'm hoping the beautiful color will cheer her up and give her a "hug" from us every time she wears it.

roomservicehome.com

Another idea would be a button down bed jacket that she could wear in bed, over her PJs (and it would also be nice to have in the hospital).

http://www.nextag.com/bed-jacket/search-html

Other ideas:

http://www.findgift.com/Categories/Special-Themes/Special...

http://www.healingbaskets.com/cancer.htm

God bless you and your friend.

Hi D.,

I had Breast Cancer 10 years ago, so I know what really helped me...

One thing was food , after the surgery, just drop something off, in throw away containers... A good roast, with vegetables, salad and small dessert would be wonderful.

Another thing that helped so much . 2 Friends came in about every 2 weeks, and cleaned the house, this helped so much as it is hard to do anything after the surgery.

Also a telephone call every day or so , about 2 weeks after the surgery is so much help.... Just ck on Your Friend, ask if You can do anything and just have a good conversation and listen if she wants to talk..

Tell her to Trust the Good Lord....and for me tell her Cancer is JUST A TEST... she will be just fine.
My prayers are with her.
V.Still

besides books, you may try some crafts, or get her some sketch book and materials, and encourage her to do some art, and say for fun, don't say I can't draw a straight line etc. as art isn't a straight line, just a suggestion, but this could get her mind of of things if she could take up this or a hobby. Some upbeat music, not irritating, ha, but they say cheerful music is very healing.

Hi D.,

I have a firend that just had a mastectomy a month ago. She would recommend big soft cotton button down shirts, meals delivered to the home, audio books.

Let me know if you need anything. She took the gene test for breast and ovarian cancer and all is clear.

My best to your friend,

D.

D. -

I read about a wonderful place in Forney that may have something that would help. It is a place called Season in Life. The shop is a private, comfortable and warm environment for women cancer patients who will be fitted for breast forms, bras and wigs. Their website is www.seasoninlife.com. The owner is a breast cancer survior herself and my be able to provide some gift ideas other than practical things for your friend's journey to recovery.

I would suggest a nice Custom SPA gift basket. I have made them before for just this cause. I put slippers, bathrobe, 2 pc pajamas with button front for ease of on/off, some gourmet Teas and cup, Gift card for some movies or services she needs, a Candle, some lotion, shampoo and conditioner.. in custom personalized bottles, her favorite novel and custom stationary... some beautiful things to make her feel special and beautiful!

Hope that gives you an idea...
A. J
www.celebritypartyfavors.com

Hi D.,

I had a double mastectomy two years ago. Some of my favorite things were small pillows a church provided to use under my arms. If you are crafty you could make them. I also was given a pouch to carry my drains. Simple two pieces of fabric sewn together with long ribbon to tie around my neck. Call her and go by, even if just to sit. Food is great, especially if it can be frozen. Gift cards to restaruants. Weekly uplifting cards. Go with her to doctor appointments. I just saw a zipper front sports bra at Academy. She will not be able to lift her arms so a zipper front bra (no underwire) is ideal. Also go by your local American Caner Society office. Ask for the 'Reach to Recovery' information.

The best gift is being a good friend.

From my experience, I could not have made it without my friends, since I have no family here. I wasn't hungry but appreciated meals for my family. The gift of time is very appreciated. Many people offered to help "in any way" but some showed up saying I have 2 hours free, what can I do for you?, go to the store, throw in some laundry. I had a good friend who was a nurse. She came and helped with drains (you come home with them post surgery). As a non medical person I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing. Chick flicks, a good book, socks, soft loose fitting lounging wear, anything you would get for any surgical patient. If your friend is having chemo she will need scarfs and hats, which she won't want to spend $ on. Most ladies I've met can't concentrate on projects, or crafts, reading. or any of the things we think we would do if we had some time off, while going thru chemo.
You might offer to take her to a breast cancer support group.
Most of the major hospitals have them. Mine meets at Medical Center of Plano, 3rd Monday of each month 7 pm. It's a wonderful group, very informative and fun. Like a special club
you never pictured yourself being a part of. It was the little things for me. My husband made me pudding, a mum was left on my porch, a friend gave me a pedicure. All the best to you and your friend!

Hi D.,
I'm sorry to hear of the battle your friend is facing.
I've never heard the words "you have cancer", but too many times in the past few years, I've been told by co-workers, "my wife has breast cancer". It's hard to hear no matter who it is. All I can offer is the following.
I, like Judy G will be participating the the 3Day in November. If you would like me to, I will carry your friend's name with me as I walk. Just let me know.
and if you want to make a donation to the 3 Day in her honor, you can go to my page at http://08.the3day.org.goto/P..E. or you can make general donation or search for any particular walker.

If she is up to it, coming to the closing ceremony on November 9th could be so inspirational to her and her family, and to you, I'm sure. Contact me or go to the 3 Day site to learn more if you're interested.

Also, she may not be aware of something called Caringbridge.org. They will help her build a personal page where she can blog and receive emails from guests to her site. and look for something called Gilda's Club.

My Mom needed button down shirts that were easier to put on and take off after surgery since she couldn't raise her arms up very high. This could be cotton casual shirts or even button down pjs.

My little sister went through this a few years ago at age 25. Things we didn't think about but needed were button front soft shirts which are hard to find! We ended up using oversized stretchy t'shirts a lot. A pair of pretty button front pajamas were a life saver and a pretty robe and slippers helped her feel a bit prettier during the ordeal. Also a simple pair of plain soft thick socks were a wonderful thing that she used a lot during the hospital stay. Pain is a major deal the first week or two and finding comfort when we got home so we ended up spending a few days running around finding extra pillows and a long body pillow she still uses today. She will have drains the for the first week which we diddn't realize so a soft jersey zip front jacket with pockets helped to conceal and support those when walking. Those are just a few of the more practical things we found that helped! Anything you find or give that reminds her she is not alone will mean so much to her.

A friend of mine was 32 years old when she had her mastectomy. I got her a pair of those fuzzy socks, and I got me a pair. And I switched one of each. That way we each had one of each pair, and we matched. Kinda corny, but it was something personal. Plus it was practical and not expensive.

Write her a card telling her what she means to you and how strong of a woman she is. Remind her she is still a wonderful and beautiful women. She's not really interested in gifts right now I would bet, but surviving. Being her friend and being there for her is a biggie. Another thing I did right before her surgery, I took her picture. (with her permission of course) It will be a remind later of where she was, and where she is then. Again, another personal touch.

A firend of mine recently gifted her friend fighting breast cancer with a gift card to Sam Moon Jewelry for some fun, fabulous and yet inexpensive hats, scarves and even hair pieces! It was great!

Making meals and taking them to her and her family is always a huge hit. Short visits when she is feeling well.
Sounds like you are a good friend.

Hi D., I don't have time to read all responses, maybe someone already mention Hallelujah acres to you, if not check their site, you might find a lot of helpful info in here as well as gifts (check their store) and most importantly hope. Best wishes.

http://www.hacres.com/testimonies/testimonies.asp?strterm...

D., I know this suggestion is a little late for you but since I just stumbled upon your question I thought others might too. Being a double mastectomy/BC survivor(4 yrs) I thought I would know exactly what to get someone. Now, my sister has just been diagnosed my mind went blank. I guess we have a way of blocking the nightmare we lived!!
One thing to give someone is a pretty pair of pajamas.........they must button down the front because she will not be able to raise her arms. Also, zip up hoodies or something like that to wear to follow up dr. appts. I just bought both for my sister yesterday! I hope all is well with your friend.

Radiant Wrap has just launched our new spring designs. Makes the perfect gift for anyone you know who has been recently diagnosed.

colorful head wraps... or you could get your/her friends to have their heads shaved in support of her upcoming chemo treatments...

Hi there! A great place to purchase thoughtful gift ideas is at CureDiva.com. There is even a special Surgery section: https://www.curediva.com/surgery.html

A wonderful Breast Cancer Gift idea is Radiant Wrap- an alternative designer gown for women to wear during radiation treatmnets. I am a BC survivor- and I designed the gown during my six week course of radiation. Here is my website: www.theradiantwrap.com.
Thank you.

I am a breast cancer survivor and my favorite gift that I received was the breast inserts. That way I could have something to put there until my reconstruction could be performed and it made me feel like no one knew that I didn't have breasts. Good Luck and God Bless. Your friend is in my prayers.