My good friend who lives in another state was just diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Burkitts Lymphoma. Instead of?

sending him and his wife an ordinary basket my husband and I wanted to personalize it. For the next three months he will going through chemo and radiation. So far I got - SNL 25 years of laughs (his favorite show), aromatherapy candles, relaxation CD, a journal for his wife to keep, a sexy nurse's outfit (a joke), lemon drop candys, slippers and healing water that I personally got from Lourdes in Paris. I wanted to get some more things. I was thinking crosswords & Sudoku as well. If anyone has gone through cancer or had a significant other who did you would know things that you would have loved to recieve or had while going through it. I don't want to forget his wife either so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

The most severe problems cancer patients experience while being treated are extreme fatigue, nausea, loss of hair and loss of appetite (which leads to loss of weight).

Nausea is less of a problem now than it used to be. He will be given anti-nausea medications before chemo and a prescription to take some at home as needed. However, sometimes nausea is triggered by smells - not necessarily bad ones, just strong ones. So aromatherapy may or may not be appropriate. Who knows, your friend might not develop aversion to smells, but it does happen.

Fatigue: comfort measures are important. Recliners, pillows, blankets/throws... relaxation CD and slippers are both excellent. The best way to deal with fatigue is NOT to completely turn into a couch potato (this only makes it worse) but to pace yourself and whenever there's some energy, use it to do something fun. Simple non-exhausting activities keep mind and body in much better shape. What are his hobbies? Crosswords and Sudoku sound good, too.

Loss of hair is common but doesn't occur in 100%. Also depends on the treatment - the treating doctors/nurses will know, ask them. It is very individual how people deal with that. Usually they prefer to pick wigs/hats etc. themselves, unless you know the person's taste very well.

Loss of weight is something that is worth trying to prevent. (It's part of the performance status, also most treatment doses are based on weight). 2 problems usually contribute:
1. Loss of taste/appetite. There's no hunger and/or everything taste "like a cardboard." Some tricks are to serve several small meals instead of 3 large, food at lower temperatures to avoid strong smells, smaller drinks with meals (though it's important to drink enough, large drinks with meals take up too much space), serve protein-containing foods first, add protein drinks such as Ensure. It would help to figure out what the person's favorite foods are, especially protein foods or snacks.
2. Tenderness and/ore mouth sores may develop. It is recommended to use NON-ALCOHOL mouth washes (such as Biotene) and mild solutions of salt or baking soda to rinse mouth frequently, and only very soft, gentle toothbrushes.

I guess I didn't really siggest anything specific - if including a bottle of Ensure or Biotene seems too down-to-earth and practical, you might think of something else based on the possible problem list above. Call them ofthen - his wife will have plenty to share, and giving her a chance to talk about it will be very helpful.

Good luck to all of you, God bless!

This lymphoma occurs in Africa. Where does your friend live?

I did not have this type of cancer, but when I had cancer my work sent me a bouquet of flowers with a get well card and the church I was going to sent me a get well card with a Krogers gift card inside (for groceries...as I was not working while undergoing treatment). In the end, it is the thought that counts.

well y don't u get him things that he could do in the hospital when hes there and bored. Or get him things that he like to do for fun (e.x: if he likes sports get him a sports magazine) stuff to get his mind of cancer =) hope he gets better