Christmas Gift Guide. CCGG #16

Blogmas on the CancerCarerChats blog is a daily charitable Christmas gift guide with a twist - each post will feature an idea for a charitable act.  Christmas is a time for giving whether it be for someone you know or for a stranger.  Take the time at this time of the year to do a good deed, just one small act can help someone who is less fortunate than you are.  

As a reminder, my mum was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in March 2017 when I started this blog to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of ovarian cancer and my life as a carer.  I care for my mum, trying to ease some of the load on her and walk by her side on this journey.  It’s just as hard to watch someone you love go through pain, than to experience it yourself.

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This is a Christmas gift guide with a difference as it is specifically for those diagnosed with cancer.  When a close friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer its difficult to know what to say and even more difficult to know what to get them during a special date.  You want the gift to be entirely relevant to them and yet be sympathetic to their needs at this time.  So I’ve rounded up some great websites which have a host of gifts and products that are entirely relevant to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. 

Live Better With. A website with 1000’s of products dedicated to people living with cancer.  The products range from symptom relief to products that can just make life easier with a debilitating illness.  Grouped by category, there are cookbooks for carers, mobility aids and tools to aid with stress and anxiety. 

Hipheadwear.  This website has many extremely stylish and comfortable headpieces which is so important when hair loss becomes an issue during treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other medical related hair loss.  The site has a whole host of different styles for different occasions and more importantly, the products take into consideration the needs of those with cancer such as UV protection and hypoallergenic materials.  There are bandana's, scarves, hats, beanies, swimming caps and headwear for women, men and children.  The styles are beautiful yet comfortable and the range plentiful. 

Something to Look Forward to  A fantastic little charity that gifts experiences, days out and offers people diagnosed with cancer and those affected by cancer, a chance to forget and make memories.  This website has some great ideas to give people something to look forward to or apply on behalf of a person you think deserves a treat. 

The Lewis Foundation.  Based in Northampton General Hospital, this charity provides gifts to aptients having treatment on the ward or in the Treatment unit.  I know first hand that there is nothing that makes you feel more ill than being at a hospital, having treatment and watching other people around you have treatment too.  Distractions are good.  The Lewis Foundation distributes gift which range from portable radios, Model Craft kits, Books, puzzles pamper packs and many more.

Oncovia A story which resonates with mine.  Marine and Cindy's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and in an effort to research products and tips to ease her side effects, they launched Oncovia, an accumulation of products to help those currently undergoing treatment. 

I hope I’ve given you a few ideas of gifts to buy someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.  It’s difficult to know what to say sometimes when someone has just been diagnosed and therefore even harder to know what to buy them during Christmas so I hope this gives you a few ideas.  I would love to know what special gift you have bought or have had bought for someone diagnosed with cancer and/ or where you got it from as I am constantly looking for ways to make my mum’s life easier and would love to share them with others too.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

T – Toilet habit changes

E – Energy levels dropping

A – Abdominal pain/ swelling

L – Loss of appetite

Mx