Despite all of the powers of modern-day medicine, cancer is one of those diseases that still presents doctors and patients with enormous challenges. On the one hand, great strides have been made in the successful treatment of many forms of cancer. However, depending upon the particular stage at which cancer was detected and the type of cancer it is, cancer can force a patient to fight hard for his or her life.

Cancer affects not only the patient, but also the caretakers, friends, family and colleagues in that person’s life. At the very least, being diagnosed with cancer will require that the patient go through one or more treatments to eradicate it from the body. Often, this process can be very involved and drawn-out. In fact, depending upon the type of treatment, the treatment process for cancer patients can be almost as brutal as the disease itself.

All of this can and should engender sympathy in the people that surround the patient, as well as a desire to help.

Knowing Someone With Cancer

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, your first impulse is probably to want to reach out a helping hand to that person. Or, maybe you just want to give him or her a hug and tell them everything is going to be okay.

In any case, it is not always easy to know how to reach out to this person. It can feel awkward to call them and ask how they are feeling. After all, how are they supposed to answer that question if they are feeling terrible that day? There are no easy answers.

Still, that doesn’t mean you should just not reach out. In fact, reaching out can be the best medicine for both of you.

Your Words And Actions Speak Volumes

Remember that making frequent contact with this person is one of the best things you can do to make them feel better. How – and how often – you should reach out depend on the situation. However, at the minimum, your words should express that you are thinking of them and that you care.
No matter what, any effort you expend to show the person you care will be well-received. Even if it feels a little awkward, writing a letter, calling or visiting the person will be appreciated. It is the best medicine.

And, if you have the budget, consider giving them a gift.

Get-Well-Soon Cancer Gift Baskets – 5 Tips

If you are thinking of giving a get-well-soon gift basket to a cancer patient you know, here are 5 tips for designing or buying the right gift:

1. Focus on their interests: The first thing to remember is that you are buying something for them, not yourself. Don’t be the gift giver that gives someone else the gift you secretly want for yourself! Instead, think about 2-3 things this person really loves.

2. Choose a theme and list out related items: Now, focus on a theme from #1 above (example: baseball, knitting, race cars, business, gardening, etc.) and make a list of at least 8-10 small, inexpensive items that reflect that theme for inclusion in your basket. Get creative!

3. Remain aware of their special dietary needs: Note: if you want to throw food items into the mix, be sure to check with the person’s doctor or spouse to make sure you are taking their dietary needs into account.

4. Keep in mind any restricted activities: Make sure that you are not buying items that they cannot use right away. For example, a new golf club or sports water bottle may not be the best choice – it could serve to just make the person feel frustrated that they are limited in terms of their physical range right now.

5. Keep an eye toward fun and amusement: This is a pretty serious time in this person’s life, so keep the theme light and fun. Think amusement, excitement, and entertainment. In the end, these are the things that brighten the spirit and lighten the mood.

Keep these 5 tips in mind as you design the right gift basket for a cancer patient you know.

Author Bio: Get more great get-well gift basket ideas for cancer patients at: Get-Well-Soon Gift Baskets.

Category: Cancer Survival
Keywords: Get-Well-Soon Cancer Gift Baskets , 5 Tips for get well gifts, purchasing a get well gift for cancer