need gift ideas - combo sick/birthday

KatieintheCity

My Uncle (dad's brother) has just been diagnosed with a pretty bad form of cancer and started chemo this week. Next week is also his 70th birthday. I'd like to send something but am not sure what. Do men like flowers? I'm thinking he might be getting a lot of those though. My other idea was something like Omaha Steaks or Edible Arrangements, but might he be on some kind of dietary restriction with the chemo? Also to consider, my Aunt (his wife) is diabetic, so I don't want to send like, chocolates or something that she wouldn't be able to share. They are out of town so I can't just make something and bring it over.

Ack.  :-(

tmm140

This is a toughy...I immediately thought the Edible Arrangement for a man.  You could just send a basic fruit one.  I think that would be nice.

wittyschaffy

Food is always good - all the chemo patients I've known in my life have been told to keep their weight up so they respond better to treatment.  The tough part is that sometimes the chemo makes food-- unappetizing shall I say?  Maybe talk to your aunt to see how he's doing on that front and if anything has been limited diet wise.

juangela

This is definitely tough. Does he have any favorite foods? I agree with witty, maybe calling your aunt to see if he has any restrictions or even if there are things he is really craving?

Maybe a care package of some sort with snacks, a warm blanket/socks, a good book? I'm terrible at gift giving, but I would aim for comforting things that he enjoys.

munkii

Warm things like blankets and socks sound good--my aunt was always freezing during chemo.

Milliechel67

What about one of those microwavable heating pads?  I'm not sure what they're called -- you can often find them at malls and they're filled with rice and some essential oils or flax seeds.  They're nice for relaxing stiff/sore muscles which can also come with chemo side effects.