This article will review gifts to avoid for women recovering from breast cancer and suggest items she is sure to enjoy.
The opposite can also be true. Weight loss and malnutrition occur in 40%–80% of cancer patients receiving treatment. Weight loss can tempt some family and friends to give gifts meant to “fatten up” their loved ones.
Fluctuations in weight can cause a breast cancer patient to feel self-conscious about her changing body. Although it may be evident that treating her to a gym membership or gifting a bathroom scale would be less than welcoming, any gift that raises the issue of weight is better left at the store.
Although it’s tempting to uplift your loved one by buying sexy clothing, it can backfire, leaving both the giver and receiver feeling awkward.
In addition, when choosing T-shirt ideas for fundraising or as a show of support, be careful about referring to breasts as jugs, pumpkins, or other slang terms. Although meant in good humor, it can be offensive and hurtful, especially to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.
Key foods to avoid for cancer patients with a low immune system include:
Raw fruits and vegetablesRaw meats and seafood (including sushi)Raw nuts or fresh nut butterAny foods that contain raw eggs (including Caesar salad dressing or homemade mayonnaise)Soft and aged cheesesUnpasteurized cheeses, milk, fruit juices, and vegetable juices
Furthermore, some types of cancer treatment cause mouth sores and changes in taste. This can make eating and drinking unpleasant. Simply asking, “What foods are you currently able to eat and enjoy?” can make gift buying easier. Although your loved one may not be able to partake in specific foods, a meal train to feed her family could be a practical option.
Dry skin, hair, and nails also occur with cancer treatment, requiring lotions and serums to help hydrate and heal those areas.
Thankfully there are many scent-free options for buying household products like candles and potpourri. Focusing on the physical beauty of an item rather than the smell is important. Also, receiving a soothing scent-free lotion will make your loved one feel special.
There are several ways breast cancer survivors handle chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Combating social norms by displaying a bald head is rising in popularity, while some women may be more comfortable wearing a wig, scarf, or other head coverings.
Handling hair loss will be a personal decision for your loved one and may take several attempts at trying new methods until she discovers what feels best. So rather than gifting her a new hairdo, empowering her to follow the beat of her own drum is priceless.
Reflect on what the survivor has been through and be respectful. Ask her for good gift ideas and act on her wishes. Fighting cancer can change a person; support her as she finds a new normal. The gift is not about you. Keep her needs in mind when choosing.
Take out the guesswork by asking, “What can I do to show my support and bring you happiness today?” You might be surprised that the answer isn’t always an object. It might be having her house cleaned, a date night with her partner, sleeping in on a Saturday morning, or having a relaxing spa treatment. Perhaps the gift is a visit from you!
If you cannot physically support your loved one but would like to lift her spirits, gift certificates are an easy way to ensure she gets something helpful and meaningful.
