From those who know…

‍Breast cancer survivors, others share thoughtful gifts, gestures that brought light to their darkest

— Compiled by Lisa Player; illustrations by Getty Images

When Bella recently reached out on Facebook for the best gifts to give cancer patients, the response was tremendous from former cancer patients, friends and loved ones. From homemade to splurges, any of these ideas will surely bolster someone going through breast cancer treatment. You can share your ideas, too, throughout October on Bella’s social media on Facebook or Instagram.

Smoothie gift cards are great. My survivor friends lived on smoothies during the worst of radiation and chemo. The cold soothed their burning insides, and the protein helped them endure. — Amy Parker, Pensacola

Lots of hugs, unconditional love, and always a shoulder to cry on, yell at, vomit over and get sloppy drunk with if needed! … Oh, and never let them shave their beautiful heads alone! That is a laughing, crying and wine night!
— Cindy Zalar, Gulf Breeze

When I was going through cancer treatment, a friend sent me a little metal Angel. She fit in my pocket. I brought her with me to every chemo appointment and oncology appointment. I still bring her with me to my annual follow-up appointments. That Angel reminded me that I had people who were watching over me and praying for me during the scariest and most difficult part of my life. It helped me keep my faith and stay positive. I now send one to any friend or family member going through cancer treatment. — Kristin Gillis, Gulf Breeze

I do the same! Mine is called a “worry angel.” It has been on my nightstand for about ten years now…. Sadly, mine has lost both of her wings over the years in hospital tray accidents, but she’s still good to me! When she lost her first wing, I was inconsolable (seems silly now!) and the poor nurse that knocked her off came back with a little angel figure a few hours later… she stands next to the original. The little angel had a beautiful prayer that just clicked for me. The best gift for a cancer patient with a strong faith.
— Laura Baker, Pensacola Beach

A light blanket (Turkish blankets are great) or a shawl/wrap for chemo appts. Journal and a good pen. I love the blankets at Saltwater Cottage. — Jennifer Joyner, Gulf Breeze

From a survivor: soft, cozy blanket. If they had mastectomy, PJs with button tops, shirts that button all the way. A journal, gift card for food places. — Cathy White, South Carolina

My mom had breast cancer. She loved to have a clean, organized home. There was an organization that would come and provide a free cleaning to cancer patients…. When their caregivers are exhausted, physically and emotionally, and the patient is physically unable to clean and just make home still feel like home, this was special for my mom. She lost control of being able to do all the things she wanted to do for herself and her family, so this was one way to keep her spirits up and home still home. If there isn’t an organization to provide this for people in our area, perhaps providing this to a friend or family might be greatly appreciated.

— Jennifer Sevilla, Gulf Breeze

I have purchased this [Rainbowstar mastectomy] pillow for two of my dear friends, and both have said it was so helpful post-mastectomy.

— Leslie Gunn, Navarre

I came to say this! My mom had this on her 24/7 for weeks. — Katie Roan, Milton

For my mom, the biggest issue was not having something to look forward to, a treatment, a trip, something. To that end, give an experience, whether it’s a trip, or even setting a coffee date, something they can enjoy and look forward to.

— Gordon Carey, Navarre

I went through treatment two times. I like comfy PJs, blankets, fuzzy socks and restaurant gift cards. Meal Train is always helpful also.

— Shawna Bunch, Gulf Breeze

Someone gave me a pink journal. I wrote my procedures in it as well as my feelings. I also wrote down all of the wonderful things people did for me. It made it easier to thank them! Also creams, as radiation burned my back!

— Diane Folse, Pensacola

I’m prepping for a preventative mastectomy soon, and my mom went through similar. I think the things that come to mind and have been suggested are cleaning, offering to help with chores that require lifting, being physically present to diminish loneliness, offering meals, massage services, dog walking, soft throw blankets and soft ice packs. Babysitting if they have littles.

— Robin Angell, Pensacola

Mealtrain.com or a similar site. We used this when a family member had cancer so that coworkers, church members, extended family, neighbors, etc. could sign up to bring meals. In our case, it was a family of four children, so having meals when Mom and Dad were busy getting treatments and driving to and from treatments and such was very helpful.

— Jennifer Reina Colón, Gulf Breeze

A recliner for after surgery. I slept in it the first few days and it made life easier…. I also had someone French braid my hair for surgery. I was able to keep the braid for a few days, and when I needed my hair washed again, another friend took me to a salon to get it washed and rebraided. I couldn’t lift my arms, so that was very helpful. I also had a little fanny pack to hold the drains, and that was very helpful as well.

— Roxana Moerscher, Naples, Italy

As a recent cancer patient, I would recommend the following: Soft fuzzy blanket to use in bed and on the couch; My Breast Friend pillow (this was given to me by a cancer survivor and it was a godsend). It was very helpful after my surgery when I couldn’t sleep flat; Beautiful flowers; Homemade meals.

— Shannon Spooneybarger, Gulf Breeze

I retired “early” to be home so I could give her the love and attention that was required. It wasn’t easy, but I’ll never regret it.

— Jean Richardson, Pensacola

A wonderful friend who has now passed never wanted me to visit with a serious or sorrowful attitude. She only wanted lots of conversations about any topic other than cancer, and lots of smiles and laughter….especially laughter!

— Alice Crann Good, Pensacola

… send videos of baby goats jumping around wearing sweaters or pajamas or anything to make me smile!  — Laura Baker, Pensacola Beach

Ask. They know. My mom had wanted a pair of diamond earrings all her life. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she marched herself down to the local jewelry store and bought herself a pair. She wore them every day until she was declared cured. She then passed them on to me, and I treasure them.

— Cynthia Carter, Pensacola

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