What to Buy for a Breast Cancer Patient

I remember when I learned that my colleague and friend, Pam, was diagnosed with breast cancer, I searched the internet for ideas of what to do to help someone in her boat.  I couldn't find a great list anywhere.  So, here's a list that hopefully will help future survivors and those that care about them.

• gift certificates for restaurants
• gas cards
• Biotene mouthwash (helps with dry mouth)
• Biotene gum - for dry mouth on the go
• Claritin - helps with joint pain which may be intense after their neulasta injection every 3 weeks
• Tea Tree Oil (helps with skin reactions to chemo)
• Immodium
• Stool softener
• hemorrhoid relief
• pretty pajamas to help them feel attractive
• hats, hats, hats
• scarves - long ones and square ones
• gift certificates to a hat/scarf website...American Cancer Society "TLC" for example
• Clorox wipes (to help keep germs away....due to the higher risk of infection)
• button down shirts (makes port access easier during chemo)
• snacks to take to chemo therapy
• fruit
• nuts
• protein drinks
• subscription to "Coping" magazine - for cancer survivors
• chap stick - lips get very dry!
• hard candy....strong flavors....lemon drops were the best for me.....your taste buds will be pretty affected by the chemo...and sometimes having that hard candy can really help....