Chemo Patient Gifts

Chemotherapy is an exhausting and draining experience for a cancer patient. Gifts should help enhance the patient's comfort and support his recovery. Chemotherapy patients often experience fatigue, nausea, hair loss and a suppressed immune system. Familiarity with the side effects of chemotherapy and struggles of cancer can help identify useful gifts for someone suffering from cancer.

Skin Care

• Many chemotherapy patients experience uncomfortable, easily irritated skin resulting from chemical treatments. A large bottle of thick, hypo-allergenic lotion such as Eucerin, Neutrogena and Lubriderm helps alleviate some of this discomfort. Thick, natural cotton sweatshirts and pants help keep the patient warm without itchy fabrics or irritating dyes. Fuzzy, aromatherapy socks are also useful for keeping feet warm with a soothing scent.

Immune Supporting Equipment

• In an attempt to eliminate cancerous cells, chemotherapy also compromises a patient's immune system, making proper nutrition and preventative measures even more important. A juicer is an easy way to ingest vital nutrients quickly and eliminates need for a knife, which can lead to cuts and infections. An air purifier eliminates allergens and certain bacteria in the air, reducing the patient's chances of contracting an air-borne illness, which is especially dangerous for a cancer patient.

Paper Activies

• Being a chemotherapy patient can lonely. Inspirational books and journals help support a patient's sense of hope and renewal. Look for a book about cancer that pertains to that person's life, such as being an athlete, a mother or a child. For the more artistically inclined patient, a drawing pad and some nice colored pencils offers a distraction while resting in bed and can serve as therapy outlet for younger children. A lined journal can be another mental and emotional outlet, enabling the patient to document his hopes, fears and realizations during this difficult time.