CancerCompass message board discussion started by Julie Girl on 4/13/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,23012,0.htm Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ hiI justed learned from a long-lost friend that she has ovarian cancer and will be having chemo in May. I don't have any additional details. I would like to send her a care package but would like some advise from the message board. When my mother in law was taking Tarceva for lung cancer there were some good postings re: some lotions, etc. for the side effects. What should I pack up for my friend who is doing chemo for ovarian cancer?   Julie Girl Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I had my surgery last Nov after being diagnosed with Ovarian cancer with mestasis to the spleens, lungs and pelvic region. I am now undergoing chemo.The care package will depnd if your friend has had surgery. If she has, the main problems will be severe abdominal pain/discomfort from the surgery and a loss of apetite (even before chemo) - for my case, it was because the surgery was extensive. I had to care for my surgical wounds and for this, I ensure there is ample supply of dressings and wound mediction.The chemo itself will add to the fatigue and loss of apetite. For many months, I have to lie flat on my bed. Bathing is also a problem because pain in the abdominal area restricted my movements. I had to wipe clean and forgo the shower.  For this, Johnsons baby swipes prove to be indispensible for me.To counter my loss of apetite, I bought some cookbooks to plan what to eat. By making these plans myself seems to improve my apetite. I also weigh myself everyday to make sure that I am not losing weight.Also, I made a file to keep track of the treatment and tests. Tracking medical bills is also another headache.Hope above helps.. serenee Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT I agree with the previous post that babywipes are invaluable.  I got these from Costco when I was my Moms caregiver.  What a great tool.  Also books on CD were wonderful, as was music CDs.  There is a lot of time spent at chemo and doctor visits that could be filled with books and music.   We also had a little basket at Moms bedside that was a big help to organize her things she wanted close at hand. Hope this helps some and how wonderful your friend is now "found."Jeanette  Gwennie Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT One more thing - Burts Bees lip balm. Gwennie Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hi,I am an ovarian cancer stage III survivor (diagnosed last May 3rd, 2007) and went through surgery and chemo.  To combat weight loss and to help build up my strength, I drank Carnation instant breakfast fortified with non-fat dry milk powder, malt, and whole organic milk.  I'd mix it in the blender and sip through straw.FUNNY videos helped a lot...as did cards from people!  Knowing people were thinking of me really helped keep me going.  FUNNY books, and books on cancer survivors inspired me to keep going.Back rubs!  Foot rubs.  Any human touch is great!Good luck, and know you are a blessing to your friend.Blessings,Susie  Susie12 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT