WHAT TO GIFT A NEWLY DIAGNOSED BREAST CANCER PATIENT

Looking to shower that special someone who's recently received the saddest news from the doctor? Here are nine (9) gift ideas to help you out.

A FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE SUBSCRIPTION

For most breast cancer patients, a lot of foods are taboo. You will be doing your bestie a favour, signing her on to an online food delivery service. A Blue Apron or Hello Fresh gift card can take the hassle out of finding the right food to eat. She can choose from a variety of foods these services and their partner restaurants have on their menu.

ESSENTIALS

Rarely do breast cancer patients think about the necessities when they are going through treatment. But essentials like toilet paper, napkins, tissue, paper plates, plastic spoons, forks, cups and garbage bags can be a lifesaver. Most chemo patients, for instance, need plastic forks and spoons because the side effects of their treatment make them easily irritated by the metallic taste from regular cutlery. Moreover, chemo can turn on the tap in your nose, so patients need a lot of paper tissue.

A STREAMING SERVICE SUBSCRIPTION

Some form of entertainment can help breast cancer patients cope with their condition. Whether they are going through or recouping from treatment. And what could be more entertaining than an Amazon prime account or a Hulu or Netflix subscription where they can watch TV or movies.

CLOTHING

From a hospital gown to a comfy sweatshirt with a built-in surgical drain, there is so much to gift a breast cancer patient when it comes to clothing. For starters, a beanie will come in handy to protect the balding heads of chemo patients. A pair of button-up PJs can be a lifesaver for patients who can't lift up their hands because of pain from surgery. And most patients will tell you that they need something like a shawl to keep out the cold in chemo and radiation facilities. Plus, a recovery robe to hide surgical drains and a pair of cooling gloves for numbed and tingling hands caused by chemo. The list goes on!

A JOURNAL

No one knows what goes on in the mind of a breast cancer patient. But something to write about all the anxieties can help them deal with the negative experiences of their condition. This is why a journal could be the ultimate gift. Some journals also come with planners, which help to keep tabs on appointments, medications and other info.

LIP BALM

Dry lips are one of the side-effects of chemo or radiation treatment. Thankfully, Lindi Skin has a range of lip balms made specially for cancer patients undergoing treatment. Getting your girlfriend one of these can make her day. Lindi Skin products contain antimicrobial and antifungal ingredients that protect and soothe skin irritated by treatment.

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A WATER BOTTLE

Staying hydrated during cancer treatment is key. For one thing, patients need water to take their pills and also to detox. The Paser Half Gallon is leak-free and comes with time markers to help one keep tabs on their water intake. Plus, the motivational quotes printed on the bottle will perk up any patient.

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A COOKBOOK

Breast cancer patients need to get on a nutrient-rich diet! A cancer-specific cookbook can take the hassle out of making healthy choices for meals. We recommend The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, a collection of 150 recipes for cancer patients recovering from treatment.

A SPA DAY

Our list of gift items won't be complete without a spa day for your gal pal (and it's all on you!). A little perking up might seem silly but do not underestimate the power of feel-good hormones on the healing process. So book an appointment at a spa and check her in for a day of pampering. Mani-pedi, massage, hair-do - you name it!

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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