Gifted product The number of cancer cases being diagnosed around the world is rising with each passing year. Cancer is an extremely ...
Gifted product
The number of cancer cases being diagnosed around the world is rising with each passing year. Cancer is an extremely complex condition and there are so many of different types of cancer. Based on the type of cancer, how far it has progressed and the chances of it coming back, determine the route of treatment. Chemotherapy is often used as a main treatment for certain types of cancers. It is also used in conjunction with radiotherapy at times. Chemotherapy works by stopping the cancer cells from reproducing but is also comes with its own set of side effects. Cancer on its own and the chemotherapy treatment for it often cause feelings of anxiety, depression and some fear. It has a huge impact on the patient as well as on their families and caregivers. Having seen two of my mother's close friends being diagnosed with Cancer and with one losing her battle, I can say that it is a life changing diagnosis for the patient and their near and dear ones. Family and friends need to rally around those diagnosed with cancer as social support does tend to lessen the depression and anxiety.
It is hard when a loved one gets cancer. And it is even harder to find the right words to say and offer support. But loving words, encouragement and simple gestures go a long way. They really do make a difference to the patient.
Dr Shara Cohen set up Cancer Care Parcel to bring back a bit of calm into the lives of people suffering with cancer and its treatment. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 she found there was very little time to just relax, take it all in and give herself some ‘me’ time. And that led to an idea and she set up Cancer Care Parcel, to enable children and adults with cancer to take some of the worries away and bring some calm back into their lives.
A Cancer Care Parcel is an ideal gift, to let people with cancer know that you are thinking of them. I was kindly sent one of their care parcels - the Comfort for Chemotherapy box - to review and here are my thoughts on the same.
What's in the box?
The Chemotherapy Survival Kit box has been put together with a lot of thought gone into the selection of the products. With useful and comforting items this box would make a nice gift for anyone undergoing chemotherapy. So, let's take a look at the products included.
For comfort
Super Soft Neck Cushion - Soft to the touch and filled with thousands of tiny microbeads which adjust to the user's neck shape, the cushion provides excellent support and would offer comfort during chemo or even at home or while travelling.
Teddy Snug - A warm and cosy blanket which is very comforting and can be used during chemotherapy, at the hospital or at home.
Bed Socks, Magic Gloves and Handwarmer - Cancer therapies can cause numbness, tingling and improper blood circulation in feet and hands. Most patients tend to face the problem of cold extremities (hands and feet) due to cancer therapies. To add a bit of comfort at such times, the box includes a pair of bed socks, a pair of gloves and a handwarmer. The fun hand warmer has a lovely knitted cover and contains a reusable click to heat gel pack. All these products are excellent additions to the box and protect the feet and hands from extreme cold.
To combat nausea
Cancer treatments can cause nausea and vomiting. While doctors do prescribe medicines to prevent and control nausea, there are other ways to minimise chemotherapy nausea. And hence the inclusion of these products in the box.
Sea Bands - The Sea Band wristbands included in this gift box for are a clinically proven, drug-free alternative treatment for the control of nausea. These bands need to be placed around the wrist (where there are some acupressure points) and the nausea symptoms are said to subside. A plus point is that there are no side effects.
Peppermint Tea - Peppermint tea is known to have a calming and numbing effect and has commonly been used to nausea. It can help relieve chemotherapy induced nausea too and thus makes for a comforting warm drink to add the chemo diet.
Ginger Chews - Ginger has been used since the ancient times as a traditional remedy for several stomach complaints one of them being nausea. Studies have also shown that it works for chemo-induced nausea relief. Made from pieces of ginger root, these ginger chews are contain natural active ingredients and are a great natural solution to fight off nausea. A good addition to the box!
For pampering
Malibu Lip Care - Chemotherapy (and radiation treatments) can cause severe dry lips and chapping as these therapies affect the skin’s natural moisture levels. As such this SPF30 moisturising lip protection makes for a very useful gift as it will soothe and protect dry lips.
For stress relief
Colouring book and pencils - Colouring books for adults have gained popularity in the recent times and rightly so because they are said to calm stress hormones and have a 'grounding' effect. For patients recovering from any illness or treatment, these books are a good way to relax and de-stress. It gives them something creative to stay busy and positive while they receive their treatment.
Other useful items
Cool Food Bag - A small cooler bag that is ideal for carrying nutritious snacks and drinks when travelling or heading for one's therapy appointments. The bag is lightweight, practical and robust enough for everyday use.
Water Bottle - Staying hydrated is very important when you are undergoing therapy for cancer. So this eco-friendly, and BPA free water bottle makes for a practical gift.
Earphones - Spare earphones that are easy to carry and can be used while travelling or in the hospital.
In addition to the above items, everyone who gets this box will also receive access to Cancer Care Parcel's cancer directory which was created to support people affected by cancer.
The 'Comfort for Chemotherapy' box is normally priced at £89.97 but is currently on offer for £69.97 which is a very good price considering all the useful products packed into the box. It is a premium box that would be useful as well as comforting to the receiver. Overall, I like the thought and the effort that has gone into the creation of these boxes.
With all the research happening into understanding and finding a cure for Cancer, hopefully we will see a treatment for Cancer in the near future. But until that is achieved, everyone who is battling Cancer needs all the support and comfort they can get. And this box does its bit by lifting their spirits during the trying times. Do check out www.cancercareparcel.co.uk to find out what they do and the different boxes they offer.
This box was sent to us for review. As always, all opinions are solely my own.
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