What would be good to put in a care packge for my friend who has Stage 4 Melanoma (cancer)?
439972
A scrapbook for the both of you to work on. It'll bring back happy memories and help bring you closer to your friend. It'll be something that they will look forward to showing and working on. That can mean a lot.
190383
man, take care of her , be there when she needs you , have patience , try to rise her self-confidence , don`t let her see  your worries and be the supporting shoulder when she needs one. try to talk to the doctor and find out exactly what her status is , there are many forms of cancer that can be treated  and in chase something bad takes place...be there for her...forever...  you`ll have a lifetime to know that you did something well. take care man and hope for the best
969787
I am so sorry to hear about your family friend and hope you are providing support and understandin right now....the fact that she has secondarys (the cancer has spread to  another part of the body) is , I will be honest, worrying.  I know how awful this illness can be and how devastating it can be especially when the person has been healthy....my dad got cancer...he didn;t smoke, he was active and healthy....by the time he was diagnosed he had secondarys.  The chemo might be there to ease the side effects rather than cure or extend life...she needs to know which it is in her case....my thoughts are with your friend and all who love her right now...I do wish you well and hope that any news she has is positive.  Keep us updated? and if you need to chat...feel free to mail me
848246
Listen with an open mind and give him a lot of support while he's going through the chemo. Everyone finds their own source of strength when dealing with a major medical crisis. I would say to just be there for him and try to be as understanding as possible. If you have a conversation where you feel like you can put in your opinion, do it. He won't want you to act differently or treat him differently than you usually do. I've been through cancer with my Mom, Dad, brother and sister and everyone deals with it in a different way. The best advise I can give is to be there and continue to treat your friend as normally as possible. He needs all of his friends to be there for him right now.
877167
I have first hand experience in dealing with cancer.  What would be very helpful?  Offer to clean the house, offer to make dinner.  Help the wife so she can focus on her husband.  Also, visit him.  For my mom, I put together a "hospital kit".  I included a washcloth, bar of soap, shampoo, magazines, new pjs' etc... whatever they like.   And once grand-dad is able to, bring your daughter often so he can see her.  That will really cheer him up!
614001
I have non small cell lung cancer - had surgery in Nov 05, just heard about cottage cheese and flaxseed oil and sent away for it.  As soon as it arrives I will be starting the regime.  I do not know anyone at this time with small cell lung cancer.
1170817
He should not worry about paying for treatemtns at this time and get what ever treatements he needs. I am a cancer survivor and had no money to pay any of my medical bills, but I got all my treatememts I needed and today I am cancer free. I know at my hospital they had a "wrtie off program" where they white so much of the bill that cannot be paid if you are going though something like your boyfirend is going though, ALso there is ACS, CancerCare, and the Patient Addvociate Foundation, and Lance Armstrong Foundtation that is out there to help people like your boyfriend, they helped me and they can help him. Most of these organizations can be ffound on the intrenet. Take Care and god bless!\n\n*)
840150
Flashlight\n\nUse the flashlight to find your way if the power is out. Do not use candles or any other open flame for emergency lighting. \n\nBattery-powered Radio\n\nNews about the emergency may change rapidly as events unfold. You also will be concerned about family and friends in the area. Radio reports will give information about the areas most affected. \n\nPlastic Sheeting and Duct Tape (Adult, 3-day only)\n\nUse the plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering-in-place verses evacuation. \n\nFood\n\nEnough non-perishable food to sustain you for at least one day (three meals) if close to a workplace with stored food or three day supply if at home or other location, is suggested. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. The following items are suggested: \n\nReady-to-eat canned meals, meats, fruits, and vegetables; \nCanned juices; and \nHigh-energy foods (granola bars, energy bars, etc.). \n\nWater\n\nKeep at least one gallon of water available, or more if you are on medications that require water or that increase thirst. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. \n\nMedications\n\nInclude usual non-prescription medications that you take, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, etc. If you use prescription medications, keep at least three-day's supply of these medications at your workplace. Consult with your physician or pharmacist how these medications should be stored, and your employer about storage concerns. \n\nFirst Aid Supplies\n\nIf your employer does not provide first aid supplies, have the following essentials: \n\nAbsorbent Compress 5x9 Dressing \nAdhesive Bandages (Assorted Sizes) \nAdhesive Cloth Tape 5 yds/1" \nAntibiotic Ointment Packets (approx 1g) \nAntiseptic Wipe Packets \nPackets of Aspirin (162mg) \nPair of Non-Latex Gloves (Size Large) \nScissors \nRoller Bandage 3" \nSterile Gauze Pads 3x3 \nFirst Aid Instruction Information \nAdditional Tools and Supplies to Include in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit (1-or 3-day) \n\nPaper plates and cups, plastic utensils \nNon-electric can opener \nPersonal hygiene items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, soap, contact lens supplies, and feminine supplies \nPlastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) \nInclude at least one complete change of clothing and footwear, including a long sleeved shirt and long pants, as well as closed-toed shoes or boots \nIf you wear glasses, keep an extra pair with your workplace disaster supplies. \nGeneral Information \n\nYour kit should be adjusted based on your own personal needs. \nDo not include candles, weapons, toxic chemicals, or controlled drugs unless prescribed by a physician. \nClick here for a checklist to help further customize your Emergency Preparedness Kit (1- or 3-day).
707368
First of all, please know that you will be in my heart, thoughts and prayers.\n\nSecondly, I copied & pasted your question (into a question from me) in the "Cancer" category, asking if anyone there would please try to find your question here and respond.  You're right in asking for words of encouragement from people who have been through what you are going through.\n\nIf my plan goes right, people from the cancer category will find you here and respond.  If my plan goes haywire - meaning, if you don't get any cancer patient & survivor answers here - then I would suggest that you go to the Health section, click on the category Cancer, and re-post your question yourself over there.\n\nI'll make a point of checking back here a few times to see if you're getting any responses from cancer patients and survivors.\n\nMeanwhile, as hard as it may seem, I beg of you to try to keep a positive outlook.  Someone in here wrote to you about how negative thoughts can have a negative effect on cancer ... I've heard of that before.  Someone else wrote about your evident courage due to the fact that you're a soldier in our Air Force ... I couldn't agree more.\n\nAnd by all means, please - if you haven't already - be sure to let your family know what you are going through.\n\nI'll be thinking of you.
172141
There are many agencies/organizations that can help in different ways. Some are for specific cancer types and others are for cancer patients in general. The following site lists a lot of these and should lead you to one or more that can help you. http://cellscience.com/CANCharities.html\nAnother which has been helpful to me, but is not on the previous website, is http://www.cancercare.org/services.html
1019681
Carcinoma of the stomach is a tough one. Be the best friend you can to your friend and his wife. It sounds like she is already getting the best care possible. sorry
637768
At our local grocery store there is a list of things that the soldiers need. It includes, shaving razors and cream, sun screen, chap stick, instant oatmeal (small packages), soap, deodorant, magazines, stamps, "find the word games", cards, subscriptions to magazines and snack food such as raisins.  Also I think he might appreciate those new crystal light packages that come in an individual size, because apparently they get lots of water but not many  other choices.  Also movies and Cd's are on the list.  how nice of you to think of him.
677065
I am having the same problem...What i came up with is I am making him a coupon book on my computer.  The coupons say things like...1 hour massage at your request, another one says dinner of your choice just how you like it, and a 4 hour coupon to go out with buddies, and there are some other ones but they are kind of personal (if your know what I mean)...I think It will be a great personal fun gift to give him.  Good luck
336550
For the nurse - gift certificate to a nice spa.\n\nFor the marketer - a large, basic black bag.
56965
Any party is better with a theme.  Just pick one - cancer roundup (western), luau for hope, etc. Also, I was at a breast cancer fundraiser once, and it didn't have a theme, but everything was pink (for breast cancer awareness)- carpets, tables, cups, plates, balloons, flamingos, etc.  It was really nice.  I was at another one where they collected the names of friends and family that have died of cancer when you came in, then they wrote all of the names on luminarias and lit them all while they were asking for money.  It was pretty cool.\n\nAnyway, you are a good person for being involved.
269115
Try salted pretzel sticks, Or if someone wants to be a sweetie, they can go buy you a Fresh baked pretzel from somewhere. My grandfather used to get these when he had chemo, but had alot of trouble keeping them, and anything else, down. Hope you have better luck, and you have my admiration for going through such a traumatic procedure!
1117634
Residencies are notoriously hectic and draining. Whatever it is that your friend likes to do to kick back and relax, that's what you should get.\nA gift certificate to a spa is probably a great idea. Few people treat themselves to a pedicure or a massage, but would go if someone had already paid for it for them.\n\nOf course, you could get him/her a subscription to a popular psychiatry journal. It's something (s)he will need to get anyway, but may not have thought of yet.\n\nAnd flowers. Everyone loves to get flowers, and it's a nice way to give a gift certificate, gift card or subscription notice: tucked into a bright bouquet of flowers.