Create a chemotherapy care package

"Care packages are an act of loving-kindness that will go a long way for any loved one who is undergoing chemotherapy," says Lauren Garvey, CRC, NCC, a facilitator at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont. "Participants at Cancer Wellness have often told me that cancer treatment was a very isolating time because many people in their lives did not know what to say or do, so they ended up not hearing from them at all."

Creating a care package for a friend or family member with cancer is a thoughtful way to show your support and give them small gifts that offer both comfort and health benefits.

Here are some examples of items you can include:

• Hypoallergenic, unscented hand lotion
• Unscented hand sanitizer (chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, so hand sanitizer comes in handy)
• Tissue travel packs
• Neck pillow 
• Eye mask (he or she may want to take a restorative nap or simply a break from the bright lights of a medical setting)
• Calming essential oils, like lavender, jasmine, bergamot and ylang-ylang (Garvey likes Aveda's blue oil roller because it's also a mini-massager)
• Energizing citrus oils, such as orange or grapefruit
• Reusable plastic cutlery (chemotherapy can impact taste receptors and cause a metallic taste, so many people undergoing treatment prefer plastic utensils) 
• Fleece blanket (thin, easy to transport, machine washable)
• Hat or scarf
• Journal ("We do a lot of journaling in our community at Cancer Wellness," she says. "There is a lot of research to support the notion that journaling has a positive impact on physical well-being. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes.")
• Coloring or activity book for adults to promote mindfulness, stress relief and relaxation
• Pens and colored pencils 
• A magazine or book about your loved one’s special interests (fly-fishing, fashion, cooking, etc.)
• Personal note, even if it just says, “I care about you.”
• Coconut water (helps with hydration and maintaining healthy pH levels)
• Ginger candy (great natural remedy for nausea)
• Decaffeinated herbal teas

"When they reach for the items, they will be reminded that they are cared for and are not alone," Garvey says.  

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