When someone you love is going through chemo you want to help, you know ‘do something practical’. Man, I have a list that goes forever of practical tips but today we are talking *’CHEMOTHERAPY CARE KITS’.
When I was going through chemotherapy treatment I had plans of designing a kit like this, I tried lots of products and have my favourites, you know…the ones that make each day just a little more bearable and help with those freakin side effects.
Recently Sharon from ‘Practical Care’ contacted me ( I always want to hear about cancer related and wellness products) and she shared some information about her kits with me. I was intrigued but don’t like to endorse products until I’ve road tested them so asked her if she would like to send me one.
I’ve had this kit for over a week now and lots of reading material too and this kit gets my BIG tick of approval.
Sharon was an oncology nurse and her business partner Heidi nursed her mother through advanced breast cancer, these two ladies have also done extensive research and they’ve put a lot of thought into these gift packs. A percentage of sales go to various cancer charities and cancer projects and currently the ladies are working on a wig library (yeah they exist) for one of their local hospitals. I love a purchase with a ‘feel good factor’.
How much more ‘feel good’ can you get though than giving a loved one a gift to help them through shitty chemo…yeah I’m calling it, chemo is shitty. You can purchase a kit on your own or you can go in with a group of friends, family or co workers. This is the perfect thing to send to a co worker especially if it comes with flowers, a cleaners voucher or a weekend away.
Chemo has many side effects and some can’t be seen. You get ‘metallic mouth’, your skin is more sensitive, the scalp is sore, gums are sensitive, lips get dry, hands feel sensitive, feet puff and get tingly. You feel queasy, nails can fall off if exposed to sunlight, your tum is unsettled and drinking fluid can hurt the palette or make you feel ill.
These care kits come with tested and thoughtful products to help with these side effects. A satin pillow case and hair nets for that time when hair is falling out and the scalp is sore and tingly.
Socks for cold and tender feet…
Aloe Vera toothpaste, straws, and lip balm for sensitive mouths and dry lips.
Queasy drops and tummy wellness tea to help soothe away that nausea feeling. A few sick bags are included for peace of mind.
A heat pack and massage ball are both so practical and things that definitely helped me.
The massage ball needs to be inflated with a ball pump.
Cotton gloves for sore fingertips and aqueous cream for dry skin will also provide relief.
There’s even kits for kids which breaks my heart but also fills it with joy that they have been thought of and catered to also.
The list goes on, sure there’s a few things I might add but these kits are a solid, practical gift that will definitely help someone going through chemo. I’m sure if you had some specific requests Sharon and Heidi would add them to your kits for a fee. Kits start at $25 and go up to $120. I’d definitely like to see more Australian brands in these kits and maybe that’s something the girls will work towards, it would help with ongoing use of a product and Australia has incredible skin care companies.
If you are looking for a way to help someone through Chemo this is definitely something that will help…that and a hug.
Til next time,
Jen x
You can find PRACTICAL CARE online HERE
or on Facebook HERE.
or email them at info@practicalcare.com.au
*Product sent to me for editorial consideration and donated to someone undergoing chemotherapy.
Raychael aka Mystery Case says
March 11, 2015 at 7:32 amWhat a great initiative. It’s so hard to know what to do when your family or friends are going through Chemo, this is the perfect gift.
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 7:37 amThanks Raychael, it’s always good to give something practical that will bring relief 🙂
Tanya says
March 11, 2015 at 8:52 amhi Jen, my cousin could do with this kit very much she is going through the very tough journey of Breast cancer right now. I would love for her to receive this gift. It’s the little things just to put a smile on her face would be wonderful . Xxx
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 8:58 amThanks Tanya, strength and love to your cousin. Xx
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
March 11, 2015 at 9:02 amWhat a great practical caring gift for such a traumatic time in someone’s life!
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 11:30 amAren’t they awesome Ingrid! X
Tania says
March 11, 2015 at 10:50 amI wish I’d known about these products before i started chemo! About to have third treatment, and looking forward to it all being a distant memory!
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 11:31 amTania, these kits can help all throughout treatment. Good luck with the rest of your rounds, strength to you lovely xx
Nicole Collier says
March 11, 2015 at 11:19 amMy mother is currently undergoing chemo for bowel cancer, it’s obviously a very difficult time for anyone but I feel so helpless living in southern NSW whilst she’s up in QLD. I know a package like this would be the warm hug I wish I could give her.
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 11:32 amHi Nicole, it’s difficult when family live away, I have some tips on my blog and will be doing some more posts about how you can help someone you care for. Blessings to your mum xx
Maggie obst says
March 11, 2015 at 11:53 amWhat a very thoughtful gift. And yes AUSTRALIAN products would be lovely. Anything to help folk through a horrid time. What a wonderful world it would be if a cure could be found for Cancer.xxx
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 5:49 pmI spent the evening with researchers last night Maggie and the avenues they are heading down are inspiring x
Jo says
March 11, 2015 at 12:32 pmI am a friend of a friend who has throat cancer she needs to go thru chemo and more I cry for my friend who is staying positive for her friend Something like this would be a real treat for both of them
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 5:50 pmSorry to hear about your friend Jo, I’m sure you are a great support and of great comfier to your friend , even supporters need someone to support them.
Ann says
March 11, 2015 at 8:07 pmWhat a beautiful idea..and so sweet of you Jen, to share a care pack with someone else..xx
Charlie says
March 11, 2015 at 10:03 pmHey Jen I love the idea of this kit having lost my partner to cancer when he was just 25 and now watching a very close friend go through overian, bowel and liver cancer at the tender age of 26 (who would love this pack) I know how hard chemo can hit. Being a nurse myself and having been so closely effected by cancer it warms my heart to see such amazing products on the market. Thank you for being so brave I know from experience publicising your story isn’t always easy and i truly do appreciate reading the good and the bad.
Best wishes – frequent reader first time commenter xoxo
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 10:21 pmHi Charlie, what a tough time you have had I’m so sorry about the loss of your partner. Cancer is cruel and sadly everywhere, these care packs are needed and will help many x
Heidi medok says
March 11, 2015 at 10:07 pmMy Mum has battled Leukemia for the past 8 years and is based in Mildura, Vic while myself and siblings all live in Qld. Her recent oncology results and scans have sadly shown that her condition is deteriorating and chemo treatment is to begin immediately and will continue for the next four months. This care pack is a truly wonderful idea and a thoughtful, practical gift to give someone who we would love to be able to help and support in person, but circumstances prevent us from doing so.
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 10:19 pmSorry to hear about your mum Heidi, living far away can be tough. I’ve done previous posts on what you can do to help a cancer patient, it may help you. X
Heidi medok says
March 11, 2015 at 10:29 pmThanks Jenni…I just read your Round 1 Chemo post and I am in tears. Give me a week to digest Mums diagnosis and then I’ll read the rest of your posts. I’m sure they’re just as informative as the first one….you are an amazingly strong woman xo
Jenni says
March 11, 2015 at 10:52 pmOh, so sorry Heidi. please know…it was my personal experience and not everyone shares the same experience. x
Kylie says
March 12, 2015 at 7:42 amWhat a fabulous, and thoughtful gift idea – I had no clue they even existed until your blog post Jenni – thank you!
My best friend has been my bestie for over 25 years, so her mum has been like a second mum to me. Her beloved mum (also named Jenny!) has just begun her 3rd round of chemo last week, and as you know, that first dose is often the worst, so it’s been a really rough week. I would love to distract her with a care package like this. She is such a fighter, but I wish the fight wasn’t so gruelling. While there’s nothing I can do about her need to fight, I really think these products could help to ease the side effects.
Sending you love and light, brave lady. xo
Jenni says
March 12, 2015 at 7:47 amKylie I’m sending your second mum strength, it’s a difficult time for all. These kits are awesome, I’m sure they will brighten up a loved ones day and help ease and combat some side effects. X
Vicki | the fashionable mum says
March 12, 2015 at 8:37 amwhat a wonderful idea! I can imagine the recipient being over the moon with that. X
Jenni says
March 12, 2015 at 3:11 pmThanks Vicki, I get excited when I see great products like this 🙂
Bec nelson says
March 14, 2015 at 8:48 pmhi Jen. My most beautiful soul that I would love to get one of these boxes is my best friend across the country Paula. Paula already suffers many health problems due to a serious degenerative disease, her 2 young children both have their own issues including her young 5 year old daughter needing her legs set in casts every few months & she underwent her first bout of chemo last week. She has a wonderfully supportive husband who earlier this year lost his job so they’ve had to rely on her accounting business(of which she’s the only employee) to make ends meet. I can’t stand the thought of how tough they will have it over the next few months. 2 days before chemo she cut off her ‘down past her butt’ hair into a short style to help prepare herself mentally for the long road ahead. She is the most loving, gentlest & kind hearted person anyone could ever meet & my heart is strengthened just knowing her.
Jenni says
March 14, 2015 at 9:17 pmSo sorry to read about your friend Bec. Get her signed up for a ‘Look Good Feel Better’ workshop they are magic for a girl. did you know that Practical Care have taken 10% off ALL kits and FREE shipping until midnight Sunday? Just enter the discount code CARE10 at the checkout. Strength and love to your friend Paula x
Chrissy says
March 15, 2015 at 9:18 amJen I would love this for my girlfriend. She ended up with another lumpectomy instead of mastectomy purely for mental health reasons. She is 2 months shy of her 5 year clearance and this new onset sucks mega big time. She’s been on suicide watch, has 4 beautiful children and a hubby who has been in tears..I’ve felt completely helpless but your stories have given me purpose and direction to support her and her beautiful family. She starts chemo for the first time in 2 weeks, also will need hormone therapy and there is talk of another round of radiation. She would love this I’m sure if I can find the courage and right timing to give it her. X Chrissi
Jenni says
March 15, 2015 at 10:28 amOh no Chrissy! I’ve had so many people want the kit and it’s been allocated to someone now. The girls at ‘Practical Care’ have a special that ends at midnight tonight. Ten percent off ALL kits and FREE shipping. Might be s nice gift. Strength and power to your friend and to those who love her xxx
Sharon Schreurs says
March 17, 2015 at 11:26 amHi, Firstly, Thank you so much to Jenni for her review of Practical Care’s Chemotherapy Care Kits, I’m so happy you liked it.
I have been reading the comments on the Blog this morning and have been so touched by the stories, I would like to offer anyone who commented on this blog a 25% discount until midnight on Friday. Enter code CARE25 at checkout.
I wish we could offer more, but as we donate 10% of the retail price to cancer charity, it makes large discounts difficult for us.
You can find us at: http://practicalcare.com.au/shop/
I’m sure all your love and compassion will help your loved one get through this difficult time.
With our best wishes,
Sharon
Practical Care
Jenni says
March 17, 2015 at 1:03 pmWOW! That’s so generous Sharon, huge THANKYOU for your generous offer! Much love to you x
Prue boath says
May 1, 2015 at 6:21 pmWhat a great idea! I’ve been searching for weeks for an aussie company selling these types of kits! I ended up doing my own research and making one myself but would’ve much preferred something like this! There was a lot I didnt manage to include as I didn’t really know what would help. I’ll be reading your past blogs now that’s for sure thanks Jenni! My dad just had his second round of chemo and has another 4 weeks to go in addition to radiation daily. He’s been diagnosed with inoperatable oesophageal cancer. He’s so head strong and tenacious he thinks he can do it all on his own! He won’t tell us how it’s effecting him but you can tell he loses his voice easily, is tired and struggles to eat but that’s all not stopping him! Wonderful prize, great advice and kind words 🙂
Sharon Schreurs says
May 4, 2015 at 11:41 amHi Prue,
Thanks for your comment, I’m so pleased you like our packs. i’m sorry to read your Dad has been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and appreciate what a difficult time this must be for you and your family – although he sounds like quite a character. The main things I would say to watch out for during your Dad’s treatment would be, his mouth care, make sure he’s using his mouth washes regularly. His ability to eat and drink, perhaps cooking casseroles and thick soups may be helpful as they are easier to swallow, add as many calories as you like to foods to help maintain his weight – put cream in his porridge, use butter and add high protein drinks like Sustigen to smoothies. Make sure the skin around his neck area is moisturised, it is very common for the skin to become red over the area being treated with radiotherapy, for this I would recommend a water based emollient like Aqueous cream or MooGoo or a Lindi Cooling pad which can be placed directly on the treatment area (See our website). Fatigue is also the most common side effect of radiotherapy and it usually lasts some time after treatment has ended, taking a 20 minute walk outdoors has been shown in studies to help decrease feelings of fatigue.
I hope you have found this information helpful. If you would like to know more about ways which may help your Dad, please feel free to contact us at info@practicalcare.com.au or visit our website, http://www.practicalcare.com.au
Sharon
Practical Care