Best Gifts for Your Breast Cancer Warrior (And a Few to Skip)
Throughout my breast cancer journey, I have had the same thought many times and even attempted to make a deal with God about this thought. My proposed deal asks that I be the only one I ever know to battle breast cancer. I have weathered this storm for the better and worse, so please, spare anyone and everyone I could ever come in contact with from this disease.
I know this wish is inevitably doomed due to the risk of breast cancer (please check your boobs!), but I was hopeful. And then, a girlfriend of mine told me her mom was recently diagnosed. Damn it. My first reaction was anger. I didn’t expect the big C to come back around this close so quickly. I decided to get to work.
If you’ve been following my social media, you know I have the most insanely amazing cancer cheerleaders ever. I’ve received so much support and gifts throughout my journey from diagnosis to surgery to treatment.
I’ve put together the best gifts (and a few to skip) if you ever need to support a fellow breast cancer warrior in your life. Although my list is mostly tailored to someone getting surgery, these gifts could uplift any survivor.
LET’S GET COMFORTABLE, AF
Nodpod - This weight blanket for your eyes is a game changer. Truthfully, it’s best for laying flat on your back so for my new boob friends, this will be useful when you’ve transitioned from the lazy boy back to your bed. But trust me, it’s worth the investment.
Sleeping eye mask - Our survivor will be sleeping upright or in a recliner for the first few weeks, so to help her get some shut eye, invest in a quality sleep mask. Here’s a short list of the best.
Weighted blanket - I got a light weight, yet definitely weighted, blanket from a girlfriend and holy amazing. It was great for comforting me when touch was minimal and for sleeping in my recliner. Mine was from Anthropologie, but I don't see it listed anymore.
Eberjey PJ’s - I never had a real set of adult PJ’s until this time in my life and let me tell you, please do not wait until you get a crippling medical diagnosis to treat yourself to real pajamas! Whether you get her a short or long version, ensure you get the button up style for many days of no clothing going overhead to come.
Squishmallow - I’m aware this list is for someone over the age of 12-years-old, but I swear, this pillow is one of my favorite items I got post surgery. After a mastectomy, you will want to keep both elbows elevated while sitting on the couch, sleeping in the lazy boy or once you eventually move to bed. These guys are great to throw around and fun/funny to look at. Plus they are SO SOFT and once I was able to sleep on my side again, I hugged one to compress my chest a little more while I slept.
Candles - While she’s stuck at home, might as well make the place smell good, right!? My favorite candles have been from Anecdote, The Snarky Mermaid and Dirty Candle Company.
FOR THE BOOBIES
Mastectomy camisole - I know, it’s the hottest and latest fashion you’ve seen this week. I would wear my surgical bra and then one of these to keep the drains in. I hated the drains touching me anywhere, so these worked great for me to keep them off my skin. TIP: Ask the surgery center and insurance what/if they will cover purchasing of these or if they have a shop at the hospital that provides them for cheaper/under insurance.
Edible Arrangement - Skip the cookie delivery and send your friend something a little more balanced that includes fruit and chocolate!
Seatbelt cover - If you’re going to cover those tata’s, you might as well do it in style and support a fellow survivor. Check out these “ParkPuff” seat belt covers from fellow survivor, Rachel Park.
BECAUSE SHE DESERVES IT
Foot Massager - File this under gifts I wish I would have gotten! What a way to mentally getaway and relax while showering is limited in the first few days post surgery.
F Cancer Nail Polish - She won’t be going to the salon anytime soon, so treat her to a manicure at home with this nail polish that gives back to the breast cancer community.
Oversized, front closure, soft tops - I found my favorite oversized, soft as heck shacket at a boutique in Cincinnati, but I also shopped through Target’s selection to find anything soft and cuddly that kept me warm and feeling comforted through my post surgery days.
Cards - The consistent stream of snail mail I’ve had come through my mailbox has been extremely uplifting. Especially if your survivor gets medical bills or notices via mail, cards always add a nice padding of happiness surrounding those types of notes. The best cards are unique or funny!
Boob Necklace - I have gotten three (different) necklaces from GLDN personalized jewelry and love each one. They come in a gorgeous package and are delicate, beautiful and help me remember my boobs are beautiful no matter what.
Sephora or Lush gift card - Instead of grabbing the latest seasonal lotion off the shelf at Bath & Body Works, give her funding to go get the good stuff. Sephora and Lush carry brands that offer sensitive and safe products that she can pamper herself with while she heals.
Her favorite food gift cards - Ask her which restaurants/fast food or local spots are her favorite and buy a gift card. Your friend won’t be able to use her arms for many weeks, so taking the planning, prepping and clean up out of meal time is an enormous gift.
Blowout Gift Card - Have I mentioned our survivor friend will not be using her arms much after surgery? That means hair care (and cleanliness) will be pushed to the side. Treat her to a blowout (I personally love Drybar) and watch the glow return.
BECAUSE, F*CK CANCER
Badass gear - I beg of you to steer clear of ordering her any Amazon breast cancer themed apparel. She needs something that will make her feel empowered and badass. Look no further than Facing Fear with Sara Merch. :)
I want to preface this section by saying I am thankful for every single gift I’ve received. And gifts I found no use for or had duplicates of, I have gifted to my local cancer center or donated elsewhere. Here are a few gifts to skip in my opinion.
Coloring books and puzzles - Your new boobed friend will not be able to use her arms post surgery, so skip these activities.
Books about breast cancer - She already has enough Big C talk coming at her, instead get her a guilty pleasure book or something adventurous to take her mind off her current battle. She’s already surviving everyday, let her relax in the meantime. However, if I had to recommend just one very practical book for surviving, it would be this one.
Flowers - I might be an outlier on this one. They are beautiful when they arrive, but then we watch them die each day. Plus, it’s another object to take care of inside the house when already our survivor’s range of motion is going to be very limited. Replacement gift? See my note on Edible Arrangements above.
Amazon’s Mastectomy Pillow - I saw this recommended over and over, and I was given two. I tried to use one for a while but it never worked for me. Highly recommend the Squishmallows instead.
I hope this list helps you be the best cancer cheerleader for your fellow survivor. Afterall, gifts are amazing, but it’s been the people, love and support that have really gotten me through. Thank you for reading and being interested in supporting us warriors.
