8 Helpful Gifts for Anyone Undergoing Chemotherapy

From skin lotions to throw blankets these simple gifts will make all the difference.

While getting diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most terrifying and isolating experiences a person has in their lifetime, going through chemotherapy is equally as difficult. From hair loss to headaches and muscle pain, undergoing chemotherapy can leave many patients feeling down and out, wondering when their life with eventually get back to normal again. As a family member or loved one of someone going through chemotherapy, many people’s first reaction is to provide help in any way they can. But to be able to do this, one should first be aware of each patient's needs as they fight this terrible disease. One important thing to note is that chemotherapy kills active cells in the body and while the goal of chemotherapy is to kill cancer cells, the process can also kill healthy cells in the body. Skincare protection is extremely important for anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment and the more convenient you can make things for each patient the better off they will be. To help your loved one fight back and get them back to feeling healthy again, I recommend these eight helpful gifts that every chemotherapy patient will love.

Lindi Cooler Pads, $21.99

Since chemotherapy can damage healthy skin cells and leave the skin feeling irritated or itchy, we recommend soothing the skin with these natural cooling pads from Lindi. With the same moisturizing effects of water and aloe vera, these cooling pads will cool the skin on contact without sticking to the skin. They can be applied nearly anywhere on the body, which is helpful for any cancer patient, and can be reused several times.

PCA Skin Dual-Action Redness Relief, $29.99

This incredible redness reliever from PCA Skin reduces redness and sensitivity while improving the skin’s barrier function with a powerful corrective that provides instant and long term relief from discomfort. Since chemotherapy can cause the skin to be extra sensitive to sunlight, and therefore more exposed to burns from UV rays, this redness reliever is great for reducing inflammation and restoring the skin back to its natural, healthy state which makes it an excellent redness reliever for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Meditation Apps Like Headspace, $0

I’ve always agree with my cancer patients that tell me Calmly is a great app for anyone who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment as it helps individuals develop useful techniques for sleep and stress reduction. Since many chemotherapy patients will spend more time inside than usual as they recover, an app that can help them feel calm and rested is always a nice gesture.

Lindi Soothing Balm, $21.99

Soothing the skin and keeping the skin moisturized as possible is a concern for those undergoing cancer treatment. Lindi Soothing Balm is formulated to help manage intensely dry hands and feet, which cancer patients do experience. This highly emollient lotion for dehydrated areas of the skin is made with an abundance of avocado oil which makes it especially beneficial to any skin that is painful, cracked or peeling. The soothing balm should be used while the skin is damp and can be reapplied as often as the patient needs.

Meal Delivery Services That Bring Delicious Food to the Home, $ 7.99

When someone goes through chemotherapy, one’s basic needs such as cooking and eating dinner don’t miraculously disappear. That’s why great food delivery services such as Home Chef are wonderful for any patient who wants a nice, home-cooked meal without going through all the troubles of buying groceries and cooking. From blackened scallop pasta to shrimp tacos, Home Chef delivers everything you need to bring more delicious meals to the table.

PCA Skin Chemotherapy Kit, $82.99

For those who are looking to give to any patient undergoing chemotherapy a gift, than look no further than the PCA Skin Chemotherapy Kit from ChemoCompanions. This starter kit includes a creamy cleanser, hydrating serum, anti-redness serum, perfecting protection broad spectrum SPF 30, silky coat balm, and CliniCalm 1%, Peptide Lip Therapy. I’ve been recommending it to my chemotherapy patients for some time now and they’ve been very pleased with the results.

Soothing Comfort Kits Such as Soft Blankets and Eye Masks, 10$ +

Whether it’s a gentle sherpa throw blanket from Genteele or an amazing soft eye mask from Brookstone, soothing home products will leave anyone undergoing chemotherapy feeling calm and relaxed. I know from my experience as an oncologist that snuggly blankets and bed socks can help soothe the extremities which can often times get cold during chemotherapy which make them extremely useful for any cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy.

PCA Silkcoat Balm, $44.99

For those seeking the ultimate treatment for dry skin, this Silkcoat balm from PCA Skin is formulated to soothe, rejuvenate and protect not only dry skin, but mature skin types and any skin that has been exposed to harsh weather climates. This is a heavy duty, non-greasy moisturizer packed full of antioxidants, botanicals and hydrolyzed silk. Jojoba seed oil, squalane and vitamin E paired with hydrolyzed silk help to hydrate while leaving the skin feeling refreshed and healthy again making it the perfect gift for a cancer patient.

As an oncologist that has treated many cancer patients over the years, I can personally vouch for each and every one of these products. I’ve always felt that self-care for anyone undergoing chemotherapy is one of the most important processes for any cancer patient looking to fight back and these products are a great place to start.