All through October, we’ve been wagging our fingers at inane products that will pink up your life but do little to actually help those with breast cancer. For the final day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to shine a light on some pampering items that are directly useful to people battling the disease. So if someone you love is impacted by breast cancer, get them something they’ll really need and appreciate.
The Cancer Center Nutrition Handbook
Having proper diet and nutrition can ease you along the road to recovery. Carolyn Katzin, a nutritionist who specializes in oncology nutrition, published a guide for cancer patients and their families. In it, you’ll find countless recipes for different stages of treatment and diet suggestions for optimal recuperation.
Homedics Micropedic Body Pillow
Chemotherapy patients can get chilly easily, so help them stay warm and snuggly with this microbead-filled body pillow, which contours to the body. It will help ensure that patients feeling cold after chemo or sore after surgery can get restful slumber.
Earth Therapeutics Moisturizing Gloves
Chemotherapy can suck out moisture from the skin, leaving hands cracked and dry. With these moisturizing gloves, you can simply apply your favorite Vitamin E lotion, and then these gloves help your skin retain the oils.
Tazo Green Ginger Tea
Ginger can decrease the effects of nausea that many cancer patients face when they go through chemotherapy. A hot mug of green ginger tea may be especially comforting and soothing to the stomach. [UPDATE: See Comment below about NOT drinking green tea during chemo.]
DermaQOL Soothing Relief Therapy Cream
This cream is tailored for cancer patients, free of ingredients such as parabens and artificial fillers, but full of organic oils to reduce scarring and soothe rough skin.
Topsy Turban Chemo Caps
The founder of this company started designing chic head wraps for his wife when she was battling breast cancer. You can pick from hundreds of prints and fits.
Companionship
You really can’t underestimate the power of this. Go beyond the “call if you need anything:” Offer to bring specific food or books or DVDs, and make dates to spend time with your friend who’s going through treatment. Your mere presence can do more than any gift you can buy.
