My friend has been duagnised with breast cancer. I want to put together a bag of practical, good and fun things for her after her first chemo session. I have bought some body butter from The Body Shop, would this be ok to use? or should I buy something else?
also do you have any suggestions for what else I should add please.
Hi Headbanger,
Thanks for posting your question, and I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I think putting together a ‘goody bag’ for their first chemotherapy session is a lovely idea.
Because you are asking for advice about which products would be the most beneficial and safe items to include, I have moved your question over to our Ask a Nurse forum.
One of our qualified Cancer Information Nurse Specialists will be best placed to provide you with advice on what products might be helpful to include, and which are best to avoid. A Cancer Information Nurse Specialist will aim to reply to your question within the next 1 to 3 working days.
If you need support with anything else in the meantime, please don’t forget you can always call our Macmillan Support Line teams. They’re available from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, on freephone 0808 808 00 00, by email, or via live webchat.
All the best,
Matthew
Macmillan Online Community Team
Hi Headbanger
Thanks for getting in touch with our online community. My name’s Louise and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists here.
It can be difficult when someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer. There is a lot to think about when you are supporting a friend. Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects, and a ‘care bag’ is a lovely way to help with your friend’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Feeling comfortable is important for a lot of people having treatment. People often ask about giving food, drinks, and personal care products to people having treatment.
Practical and comfortable things like eye masks, comfy socks and blankets are suitable for everyone and can be used during treatment and at home.
Different savoury and sweet snacks can help maintain energy levels and are easy to eat, and non-caffeinated drinks such as juices help people to stay hydrated and ‘flush out’ the chemotherapy. It’s important to note however, that people having chemotherapy need to avoid certain foods such as take away or deli food because the way they are prepared or stored can increase the risk of infection.
Many people having chemotherapy struggle with altered taste and smell. Some people may be put off by certain foods or scents, even if they enjoyed them before treatment. Altered taste can be relieved by sucking on sugar-free mints or sweets.
You mention you have bought some body butter from the Body Shop. As we are not directly involved in care, we are not able to recommend specific products. Chemotherapy can cause dry skin and lips so products like creams and lip balms are a great idea, however perfumed products may cause irritation or nausea so it is best to avoid these.
In terms of fun things, staying occupied and distracted can really help pass the time and help with mental wellbeing. Something to read, music, films and games are really good ways to do this.
Our website, Cancer Research UK and Little Lifts have a range of gifts and kits that might give some helpful tips on what to get for your friend. Healthline also has some ideas which might help.
It’s important you look after yourself too. Sometimes it can be helpful to share experiences with others in a similar situation. Our family and friends group provides this type of support. Our breast cancer group and the Breast Cancer Now forum might also be helpful for your friend.
It might also be helpful to call us. One of our nurses would be happy to talk things through.
Kind regards
Louise, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Our Ref: LR/PW
