My friend has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She's in the hospital frequently, what do i take her?

Question

I really don't like hospitals, but i know that is selfish and she enjoys company. I want to take her something to cheer her up, and maybe keep her occupied. I've taken her a card so far. What should i do?!

Answer 1

Every gesture, every small token, thought, card, flower lifted me up and made me feel so supported while I was sick.  Even a little bookmark meant something to me at the time.

Answer 2

You could call her, but if she has a family, it would be really helpful to make them something for dinner, especially if your friend is home to tired from chemo. I did that for one of my friend's families and I think they appreciated it.  

Answer 3

does she like to do needlepoint or crochet or crossword puzzles?  Go to the magazine section of any store and pick a selection of puzzle books, or even try the dollar store.  My friend who had ovarian cancer loved hard candies since she said some of the meds gave here a dry mouth or metallic taste so some hard candy could be good too.

Answer 4

I  brought my husband hand held games, ie. game boy, his Ipod, snacks, magazines he enjoys, a book, juice, gatorade, etc.

Answer 5

If you are her friend, it should not matter if you like hospitals or not . . just be there for her.  Find out if she has a laptop computer and if she does than the two of you can communicate in that way . . or if she has a cell phone . .you can text her to keep her company.  If you want to visit and bring her things . . I don't know how old your friend is . .but stuffed animals are always popular . . something to cuddle with. Another thing that we found invaluable were blankets . . bring her a nice soft velour blanket to wrap up in . . a cancer patient can't have too many blankets!!  Also you might want to give her a personal or funny cap or scarf to wear on her head if she loses her hair. One of my sons best friends gave him a cashmere cap . .he wore it all the time just for warmth.

And, if need be .. bring her a favorite candy . . my son really like Jelly Bellies . .the kind you could mix and make flavors out of . .he also enjoyed pizza and when his friends visited they would order out. (he didn't always feel sick when in the hospital . . there were times he felt fine).

Hopefully this will give you some ideas . .remember it is really just you showing your support that is important to her . .that is what she will remember, not what you give.

Answer 6

i would suggest her favorite kind of flower, or you can call her to keep her busy.  

Answer 7

Friendship - that's the best thing you can take her.

Otherwise, I wrote a website which I called Having Fun After Cancer - because there are nice things that happen , including having time for friends.  

So be there.

Verite R

Answer 8

maybe make her some cookies. not just regular ones, put all your effort in making some cute kinds. try shaping them into something like faces or something she likes.

Answer 9

My 10yro daughter was in the hospital for 15 months with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.i learned very quickly how to live a new life in there.i would decorate her hospital room with pictures of friends and family,inspirational pictures and messages.

Your pressence by her side is of course the best gift of all,but,if that cant happen,you could leave a picture of the two of you together.

-give her inspirational books,magazines,puzzle books,crosswords

-give her a gift basket(can be made cheap)with art&craft supplies

-journals are always a great gift

-gift basket (depending on her medical diet requirements)with snacks(hospital food sucks!)

-you can even have other people make her cards you can bring her,sometimes it helps to know you are not forgotten in that lonely place called hospital. and people enjoy lending support and inspiration to others they may not even know.

look at us,you inspired me to write to you.

good luck!! hope i was of some help.

just to let you know, your friendship is a huge part of living the life of cancer, it is a long,tough,painful,lonely road your friend is on now and your friendship will mean the world to her!! try and hang in there for her,she needs you now.

times of tragedy people show their true colors,this is the test of what true life long friendships are made of ....

peace to you and your friend.

Answer 10

Sweetness,  YES, you are sweet to want to cheer your friend up while she's in the hospital.  Since she enjoys company, the obvious best thing you could bring her is your company - whenever your time allows you to visit.   If she is able to read, you might take her some magazines you think she would like, perhaps a crossword puzzle book and pencil to work on during lonely hours, a few flowers IF the hospital allows them, or a book of yours that you think she's like.  Would she be able to work on a jigsaw puzzle?  Does she have a phone that you might ask her to use to call you when she wants to talk to someone, or you could call her even if you can't always visit the hospital.  Let her know that you care and that you'll be there for her in time of any need.  That would be the greatest gift.