My Favorite Things

While music was definitely important, there were a handful of other small comforts that went a long way in helping me get through treatment. If you know someone going through chemo there are plenty of absolutely awesome and very affordable small pleasures you can offer that go a long, long way.
Here's a list in no particular order.
* Gum. Chemo can leave a nasty taste in your mouth that tastes like the Tin Man's underwear after a week of landscaping in New Orleans during the middle of August. There's this weird, inescapable metallic contingent that's hard to avoid. Gum can really, really make a difference. I'm not kidding.
* Sparkling water. It doesn't really matter what brand you buy, whether it's a well-known global brand or a store knock-off. Carbonated water really helps settle the stomach (ginger ale's a good go-to if you can't find it) and it's a low-calorie option that can help with bloating. At least it did for me.
* Popsicles. I will happily and eagerly shill for Edy's Fruit Bars (though I stick to the non-Splenda versions). There's something about their cooling ability and the feeling that you're getting at least little nutrition from the fruit. Chemo patients often have hot flashes and even fevers, and a water-based option like popsicles or fruit bars really help cool you off. Smoothies are another great choice.
* Netflix. I went on an epic movie-fest when it looked like I might go blind, but a gift subscription to Netflix is a terrific gift. They don't have to leave their house and can manage their queue from all over the place, and can watch whatever, whenever they want.
* Goals. Victories are small when you're in the middle of chemo or radiation treatment. You're exhausted, uncomfortable and feel like shit. Set small goals and try to meet them. It can be as small as getting out of bed and sitting in a chair for twenty minutes, or as big as taking a walk in the park. Make sure they're realistic, but also make sure you hit them.
* Friends and relatives. This is really the most important one of all. You need to have a support system, but be flexible. People you think you can count on will fail you, while folks you never expected will be absolutely awesome. Accept the positive and ignore the negative. There are a million reasons why people distance themselves, but they don't have anything to do with you. That's shit they have to deal with. It's not your problem and it's not you. Be open to meeting new people. You'll be suprised at the connections you form with old and new friends.
* Perspective. Even though it feels like it, this is not forever. Yes, the days are long, but treatment will end. And chances are that you'll still feel like complete shit when it's over. It takes a lot more time than it should to get better. But remember, you've had extremely toxic chemicals pumped into your system. You might have had colossal doses of radiation as well, but with none of the awesome superhero side effects. But the majority of the side effects will slowly fade. Really.