WAYYY OT - Need suggestions for sister

[The Captain]

My sister has been going through treatment for breast cancer since early December. She's had to do both chemo and radiation treatment and deal with all the crap that comes with it (hair falling out, body betraying you, etc.).

Through it all she has been pretty tough, but not surprisingly she had her bad moments (my job is to talk her off the ledge). So when she finished the chemo course I sent her a hurray! gift basket from yankee candle and had DD (sister's goddaughter) send her a big bunch of flowers. Both were a huge hit (especially the candle basket at that is her favorite!)

She's finishing radiation treatments on Tuesday and I want to mark it in some way special. Her hair is finally growing back and is now long enough to dye (it grew in completely white).

I want to send her something special and am a total loss, don't want to repeat the candle basket...

Any suggestions?

[Deleted]

A day at the hair salon giving her the most beautiful coloring.

BTW white hair on a youngish woman can look stunning!

[Deleted]

Get well wishes for your sister. Honestly, i think the best gift is just being there and listening and holding her hand. What other things does she like?

[The Captain]

She used to collect glass pumpkins but has stopped that since her current cat is a little clumsy

We live 8 hours apart, if I were closer (or thought more in advance) I would have gotten her a day spa package.

We're still sending flowers (her local florist is awesome and knows me by name!). I'm kind thinking some kind of necklace maybe?

[Colleenz]

What is her sense of humor like? In my family we would probably send a nice piece of jewelry with a note to the effect of "now that radiation is over this will keep you glowing". We are a bit on the irreverent side though

[The Captain]

She's hit or miss on the humor, but I do it anyway since she tends to be a bit too serious at times.

I like that idea and may do it!

[Deleted]

Jul 15, 2012 9:51:42 GMT -5 The Captain said:

She used to collect glass pumpkins but has stopped that since her current cat is a little clumsy

We live 8 hours apart, if I were closer (or thought more in advance) I would have gotten her a day spa package.

We're still sending flowers (her local florist is awesome and knows me by name!). I'm kind thinking some kind of necklace maybe?

My mother bought me a necklace shortly after my DH passed. It is a teapot and says on it; "Women are like tea bags, you never know how strong they will be until they are put into hot water."

www.catalogfavorites.com/itemdy00.asp?ID=1,1560&GEN1=Necklaces+%26+Pendants&T1=J62052&dispRow=398&srccode=


I found the message resonated and appreciated someone noticed the struggles I have faced. Maybe something like that would resonate with your sister?

[Deleted]

If she's strong enough to travel, can you get her to you for a few days? (Or vice-versa). And then go to a spa treatment / hairdresser together?

[NancysSummerSip]

I don't know if they make them, or if you'd have to have it custom-made, but a simple gold necklace with the word "Survivor" spelled out in a size that is small and tasteful, with maybe a diamond over the "i".

[Jake 48]

Jul 15, 2012 12:48:18 GMT -5 @hootieman said:

thebreastcancersite.com has all kind of clothes, jewelry, iphone cases, shoes, and tons of other stuff. I just google breast cancer survivor gifts. One is a simple multi-strand black chord bracelet with a pewter charm. It is imprinted with the words of Confucius. It says, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall.". There is a ring inscribe inside with what cancer cannot do.
Oooo they have very inexpensive amethyst earrings, and necklace made right here in the USA. They would look nice with white hair.

Every purchase helps fund mammograms for women in need.

[Works4me]

Also check with the Cnacer Society - they have a program called "Look Good, Feel Better" which helps with make up, hair, etc. They may also be able to refer you to a spa that has experience with survivors.

lookgoodfeelbetter.org/programs

[Deleted]

Having been through hair loss due to chemotherapy, I would advise against any haircoloring certificate. The chemo drugs wil likely stay in her system for up to 6 months, therefore it will be in her hair follices. It was recommended to me to wait at least 6 months before coloring.

I should have listed, but convinced my hair dresser to do it sooner.....I swear, I had the most beautiful florescent orange hair. The hairdresser quickly redid it and put in a lot of brown.....untimately I was a red head.

[Deleted]

I think the gift suggestions are wonderful!

Of course I don't know you or your sister's circumstances, commitments, job situations, kid situations, etc. So I don't know if it is feasible for either of you to travel to see the other. I also don't know if your sis is well enough to travel.

But ultimately if you can spend time together, to me, that would be the most precious gift of all, since you seem to be very close and to care about her a great deal.