Cancer related Books
---------------------------------------
-The Guide to Living with Bladder Cancer
Author: Mark P. Schoenberg, MD, FACS
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
ISBN: 0-8018-6519-0
-CancerTips: A down to earth travel sized handbook by James Metz, MD.
-A Dietitian's Cancer Story: Information and Inspiration for Recovery and Healing, by Diana Dyer, MS, RD, CNSD
Uplifting Books
----------------------------------
-The Victoria's Secret Catalogue Never Stops Coming - and Other Lessons I Learned From Breast Cancer, by Jennie Nash
- Staying Well With Guided Imagery, by Belleruth Naparstek
Other
--------------
Portable DVD/CD/tape player. A DVD player is the most expensive but probably the nicest gift. These are useful both in the hospital and later on when in the infusion center getting chemo to take one's mind off things and get the time to pass quicker.
A subscription to netflix to go with the DVD player above.
A small stuffed animal or toy. (This is helpful for adults and children alike. It can be very comforting to hold during "down time" in the hospital)
Hats, scarves, baseball caps. (This is helpful for patients who will be losing their hair due to chemotherapy).
A Personal Calendar to keep in purse to jot down when things happened, appointments, etc. Maybe a nice pen too. Useful to keep track of chemo or radiation appointments.
A single lottery ticket (To encourage the patient to think about statistics and how anything is possible -- things can turn around so quickly)
Small gifts that encourage the use of imagery. (For example one patient used wolves as a metaphor during his battle with cancer, his friends sent him many gifts with a wolf theme. Angels are also popular)
Bookmarkers with uplifting sayings on them.
A prepaid phone card (Include a note that they may call you any time they feel like they need a little "pick me up") This is nice because hospitals charge a lot to use their long distance service provider.
Special drinking mugs
A quiet activity to occupy their time such as a scrap book kit, puzzles, cards or board games.
Easy-to-move luggage (with wheels- for trips to the hospital)
Slippers, Robes, Fashionable pajamas
Hand-made coupon they can use for some service you will provide for them, such as taking out the trash, doing housework, making meals, taking them to a movie, etc. Right after they return home from the hospital, they may need a bit of help getting in and out of bed even, or washing up, so meals and housework or even just being able to call you to come over for a few hours when they need help might be useful.