Gestures

Have someone close to your beloved take photos of any flowers or cards they receive, and get those photos texted to you. You can then text a couple photos to your beloved once a week during treatment, so they will experience a second boost and reminder that they are being remembered and cared for.

Send a list of movies or shows that you think your beloved might like. This can help them pass the time during treatment or distract them from worrying about cancer when it’s time to sleep.

Send a music playlist and give it a fun name you think your beloved would like.

Send an encouraging text message on your beloved’s chemo days and final radiation day. You might say something like:

Every chemo day is one step closer to protecting your health. I’m cheering you on!

* I’m thankful for all the people who have gone through cancer treatment before you that doctors have learned from, and I’m thankful for you. May today’s treatment go as smoothly as possible.

*Hooray, hooray, hooray! I’m doing a happy dance that you will finish radiation today!

Send a card or text message recalling a happy memory of your beloved. Include a few details, like where you were, the people who were with you, and what the weather was like or what room you were in. Give a few details about the memory, too, like what you could see and how you felt. Such a memory will allow your beloved to re-live it and soak up some pleasant, and maybe meaningful, emotions.

My healthy daughter got a blue wig to support me with my wig.

Don’t overthink your gift or gesture to the point you get stuck and fail to do anything.

  • Don’t make your beloved spend a lot of time helping you decide what your gift or gesture will be.

  • Don’t look for praise about it – being thought of is the actual gift and you know you did that.

  • Don’t expect any food containers back. Send food in disposable containers or include a note saying they should keep the containers.

  • Don’t worry if a bunch of time since diagnosis has already elapsed. Experiencing cancer is generally long and drawn out, and believe me, your beloved will still remember they had cancer! Your well-wishes will be appreciated any time.