A care package is a fun and creative way to support a loved one through mesothelioma treatment, but what items should you include? I asked 4 survivors what items were the most helpful during their treatment.
Snacks
Cancer treatments sometimes change a person’s taste in food or can nauseate them. Asking what they can and can’t eat might be easier than guessing. Here are some ideas of stomach-friendly snacks for cancer patients:
- Hard candies
- Chocolate
- Crackers
- Tea
- Drinks
Kendra:
Alexis:
Tobyn:
Jill:
Toiletries
Many patients miss the nice toiletries they had at home and don’t want to spend a lot of money to buy them for the hospital. Be sure to avoid heavily scented and chemical-based items. Here are some toiletries cancer patients may appreciate:
- Moisturizers
- Nailcare
- Wipes
- Coconut oil
- Shampoo and conditioner
Alexis:
Jill:
Tobyn:
Comfort
Warm and comfortable gifts are a great idea for cancer patients to bring to the hospital with them. Many patients find themselves being cold during treatment, they may appreciate gifts like:
- Personal blankets
- Stuffed animals
- Slippers
- Fuzzy socks
- Microwaveable hot packs
- Knitted hats
Kendra:
Alexis:
Jill:
Tobyn:
Support
The best thing a mesothelioma patient can receive from family and friends is support. Show your support with a heartfelt letter or by helping them out with chores. Be wary of generic “get well soon” greeting cards because some can be depressing to a patient. Try making your own or finding a card that’s made specifically to cheer up cancer patients. Here are some gifts to show your support:
- Upbeat cards
- Letters
- Gift cards
- Meals
- Inspirational mugs
Kendra:
Stuff to Do
Mesothelioma patients spend a lot of time in the hospital for their treatments. They also spend a lot of time at home healing instead of doing their usual tasks. In a gift basket you can include relaxing ways to stay occupied. Here are some ideas:
- Crossword puzzles
- Books
- Journals
- Movies
- Coloring books
Kendra:
Alexis:
Tobyn:

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- The Best and Worst Gifts for a Cancer Patient: Tips From a Survivor. HealDove. Retrieved from: https://healdove.com/disease-illness/The-Best-and-Worst-Gifts-for-a-Cancer-Patient-Survivors-Tips. Accessed: 3/22/17.
- How to Create a Cancer Care Package. University of Utah Healthcare. Retrieved from: http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2014/06/061614_create-cancer-care-package.php. Accessed: 3/20/17.
Sources & Author

About the Writer, Jamie Iovino
Jamie Iovino is the senior writer at Mesothelioma Guide. She creates and edits pages to make sure mesothelioma patients and their families receive the newest and most accurate information about mesothelioma.