Surviving Chemo

Cancer patients often suffer feelings of loneliness and isolation. A greeting card can be a life-line that brightens someone's day. Artist Corrie Kuipers and Nene Adams have teamed up to create a line of cards especially for cancer patients (pediatric patients, too). The images are bright and cheerful; the messages upbeat, positive and heartwarming.

Greeting Cards for Cancer Patients
For more tips and ideas, visit the Cancer Touches Everyone blog.

     

     

How else can you help a cancer patient?

1The day before a treatment session, drop by the house (be sure to call first) and give a gift - an inspiring greeting card, a book with encouraging stories, a magazine they might like, hard candies, crossword puzzles, craft supplies, blank thank you cards and pre-stamped envelopes, a journal and pen - anything you think will alleviate the boredom of waiting in the hospital.

2The day after chemo or radiation treatment, visit the patient at home and do chores such as changing the bed linens (fresh sheets and pillowcases feel so good!), wash and dry a load of laundry, do the dishes, cook a meal, go grocery shopping, mow the lawn, get the kids bathed and in bed...in short, while many cancer patients work a regular job while they're undergoing treatment, they're often too tired to deal with household chores. Don't ask, and don't take no for an answer. Just do what needs to be done.

3Even if they have medical insurance, cancer patients often incur extra expenses such as trips to and from the hospital or treatment center or bills for procedures not covered by insurance, and this can cause the normal, daily expenses to fall by the wayside. If you can help financially, do so, even if it's just a gift certificate for groceries, gas, DVD rental, restaurants that deliver, or other things a patient might need.