do you knit or crochet? Maybe a nice home made scarf, or even a pretty store bought one? Bet anything that says, sis it thinking of you will be such a booster.

Moni

Some good books. Radiation makes you tired but also there is usually a lot of time spent in waiting rooms waiting for your turn to do the radiation. Those machines were notorious for breaking down where I had my radiation and we would have to wait for them to be fixed. Not sure if that happens everywhere but I had my radiation at a major cancer hospital. Thinking of you cards are always nice to receive as well.

Lip balm and some lotion

Peg..I don't know if you sew...but I also make a tote bag big enough for them to carry all the "care" items, plus a book or magazine....

I always carry a gameboy with me when I have to wait in the doctors office...but then I'm just a little on the odd side...lol

patti

Patti's suggestion of the Game Boy is a good idea, but you could do a video poker game or something like it, say Suduko.
What about crossword and suduko books, Reader's Digest, Women's World, etc.
Drink boxes, snacks prewrapped in individual packages.
Gummy worms, lifesavers, many of these are SF.
Kathy G in MI

There is a new hand held game out now called Word. It is great and you can get it at Amazon.com or in target or Toys R Us. It has word search on it and about four other word games. It has a nice size screen and is back lit and the stylus is inserted in the game for storage. I love it!

For my sister, popsicles were the best thing as her mouth would get very dry and have sores in them. The staff gave her meds to use orally, but the popsickles were the best.
Maybe you could find her one of those plastic popsickle makers that we used to have when we were kids. I know a couple of people here found them on ebay. She could just pour in her favorite juice and have them ready when she gets home from treatments.

Trin

For the popsicles, check with Tupperware. They use to make them, but you can also use small 3 oz paper/plasic cups with a stick. They can be made with Kool Aid and/or reg juices. Check on line for receipes. Also if you have a cancer center in your area, check with them for ideas. Or just ask your sister what she would like.

I knew I would get great suggestions here - thank you all very much. Moni, you are right, I just want her to know I'm concerned, thinking and praying for her, since I cannot be there for her as I am in IL, she is in TX. Thanks everyone!

When I had radiation I was away from home and my 3 best friends bought little items, wrapped them and gave them to me in a big gift bag. My instruction were to open one each day to cheer me up. If I was having a really bad day I could open more than one. There was nothing expensive in the bag but I really did look forward to my surprise everyday. My tumor was effecting my hearing so one gift I remember was a tiny stuffed dog with a bandaid on his ear.

Linda

When my mom had radiation and chemo, they suggested Biotene mouthwash. It's very soothing and is alcohol free. They said many patients use it. I started using it because I'm prone to dry mouth and I love it. I can get it at WalMart.

Also, there's a lotion called Caren that is really good for dry skin. It's made by a woman named Caren Singer who had treatments for breast cancer that left her with very dry skin, so she developed her own lotions. I also use this because the first ingredient is Aloe and that's hard to find. There's no mineral oil in it either. It's $32 for 32 oz., but some of that goes to her foundation for breast cancer research. More info at her website...carenproducts.com

Of the two, I'd recommend that she try the Biotene for sure. I think it would really help.

Leslie/KS

When I had radiation therapy in that area it reduced my saliva production and made the mouth and throat tissues more sensitive. Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash were helpful to me, and they can be purchased in pharmacies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Biotene

Peg, where is she in Texas? When I had radiation they burned me badly on the next to last visit. Eucerin cream is great. I'd like a shower of really funny cards. You gotta keep a sense of humor.

Thank you very much for these additional ideas. I think I may order some Caren products for myself, too! Vannie, my sister lives in Orange, she will receive treatment in Port Arthur.

Hi peg08,

Would your precious sister appreciate some cards from KT folks?

Sometimes the awareness (and surprise) that strangers care gives one's spirit a great boost. Especially if one is feeling somewhat down in the dumps.

Sending good thoughts and hopes, plus some prayers, for your sister and family/loved ones ... and for you.

ole joyful