For example, intensive care, oncology, and immunocompromised patients may receive gifts but not flowers or plants because they can harbor mold and water-borne organisms, which could cause additional infection and illness.
Can cancer patients have flowers? We advise against buying cancer patients flowers. “Why no flowers for chemo patients?” You may ask. Because flowers and plants carry bacteria and pollens; combined with the lowered immune system due to chemotherapy and cancer, flowers carry an increased risk of infection.
The obvious go-to options are flowers or fruit and whilst both are lovely gestures, they are a short term gift that only lasts a couple of days. You may not even be aware but many hospitals have banned flowers and fruit (especially wards treating cancer patients) because of the risk of infection.
Put together a pretty tote bag or gift basket of thoughtful items especially for cancer patients. Options may include ginger chews (to help with nausea), coloring books and colored pencils, handheld games or game books, lip balm, unscented hand lotion, magazines, healthy snacks (nuts, popcorn or granola).
The American Cancer Society recommends a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. The most advantageous way to eat dark chocolate without any added ingredients such as caramel, peanut butter, marshmallow, etc.
Short, planned delays in chemotherapy for good-risk GCT patients (less than or equal to 7 days per cycle) appear to be acceptable since they may prevent serious toxicity in this curable patient population. Delays of longer than 7 days are strongly discouraged except in extraordinary life-threatening circumstances.
A scientific instrument at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help create a noninvasive cancer treatment derived from a common tropical plant. Pancratistatin is a chemical compound found in the spider lily, a native Hawaiian flower.
Flower: White Rose
The white colour of the flower is what makes it so special and gets to represent the unique Cancers. White roses are the birth flower of all Cancers, as it signifies peace, imagination, positivity, emotion, and purity.
Fighting cancer
This is Catharanthus roseus or 'Madagascar periwinkle' of the Apocynaceae family. It is an evergreen subshrub or 'bush', with a small flower of five petals. This simple-looking plant boasts significant medicinal properties.
Safety concerns for partners
Be assured that it is not possible for your partner to transmit cancer through intimate activities such as kissing or intercourse. Sexual activity will not make cancer spread, nor will it make the cancer come back. Chemotherapy drugs may stay in your partner's body fluids for some days.
It is generally safe to kiss others after chemotherapy as long as no active infection is present. However, it is crucial to practice proper hygiene and avoid close contact with people who are ill, to reduce the risk of infection.
Don't let your pet lick your face.
Although pet kisses can be adorable, animal saliva can carry germs that cause illnesses. Avoid letting pets lick your face, especially your nose and mouth.
For most people the side effects were worst in the first few days after treatment, then they gradually felt better until the next treatment. Some said the effects were worse with each successive treatment. Most side effects don't persist and disappear within a few weeks after the end of treatment.
Some raw foods can contain germs that can hurt you when cancer or treatment weakens your immune system. Ask your health care provider about how to eat well and safely. Eggs can have bacteria called Salmonella on their inside and outside. This is why eggs should be cooked completely before eating.
Be careful when you have dairy products: All milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy should have the word pasteurized on their containers. Do not eat soft cheeses or cheeses with blue veins (such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Bleu).
Avoid milk, ice cream and puddings for now since they can upset your stomach. Yogurt, sherbet, cheese and custard may be tolerated since these foods contain smaller amounts of lactose.
Potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C and folate, all of which are most concentrated in the skin of the potato, which is left on in this dish. The roasted vegetables provide an opportunity to use what you have available.
Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way. Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy.
Games, puzzles and crafts.
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other games are a good distraction during chemo and can keep your mind sharp, which may help ward off chemo brain. You may want to bring a crochet kit to create a scarf or hat.