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I have a very very dear friend in CA (she's just 50) that has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. I plan on making a couple of prayer pillows - hand sized with a wooden cross inside - but would like to add something to it and send to her ASAP. From what I understand she'll be spending a lot of time doing chemo and who knows what else. My heart is breaking for her and her family.

ASAP - not enough time to make a quilt - some quick and easy item would be nice.

Any ideas?

So sorry to hear. What about a cute bag to carry supplies with her to her treatments? You could even fill it with a few comfort items - water bottle (which you could make a cover for) a rice bag, magazines, books, etch.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: KBlue,

My sister liked to listen to books on tape. That was years ago, before ipods etc.

A friend whom not too long ago went through chemo said she was cold. Our guild had a member show us a fleece type of shawl. She had seen one on QVC. It had pockets on the ends for hands. This member also placed a hidden zipper pocket in hers. It went over the shoulders, but wasn't real long. Long enough to cover most of her arms. Not describing it very well. Sorry. Anyway, she made several to take to friends she had made during her treatments that were still taking them. She said that they just loved them.

A tote bag to keep packed with whatever she wants to take with her to the chemo sessions.

Maybe plan to fix her a meal for the day of her treatment. Maybe enough for 2 meals for her and her family. If you have some mutual friends, could divide that up. Cooking smells can play havoc sometimes. So something just to heat up, would be welcome.

You are a good friend to want to help your friend. Just be there for her. Best wishes for her beating this.

ETA: Sorry, didn't pick up she wasn't where you are located. You could still send her a shawl and tote bag. Leaving the food suggestion for others wondering what they can do for friends, neighbors, church members etc.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Strings,

So sorry to hear this news...hugs...she has a great friend in you.

Having been there...a nice tote to keep everything in would be very nice, not sure what type of chemo she will be having...but as stated bove...I froze, and I don't freeze normally always hot flashing...but I was very cold during that time...I also always needed to rinse out my mouth (due to vomiting)...so a water bottle and cover would be great...a scarf or something to cover her head might be nice (again not sure of the chemo and dosage) and a little kleenex cover filled with tissues would be most welcomed I'm sure. I was really weak and sick with chemo and so was my sister, and grandma so anything to make life easier would be fantastic, I carried a small little pail everywhere I went (it had a lid), and kept it tucked inside a tote bag and always had extra plastic bags to line it...

I'm sure just you caring will go a long way...

ETA: cooking smells do wreak havoc with a topsy turvy tummy, and tastebuds go all wacky...everything tasted like metal, and foods I normally loved tasted horrible...I craved sweet items, especially sweet tea and ice cream which are really bad...because cancer feeds off sugar

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kentucky_Sunshine,

do you have time to make a quillow - they are pretty fast and can be used either as a pillow or as a blanket

I've made this Cozy Shoulder Fleece Wrap for elderly friends in nursing homes:

http://www.nancysnotions.com/j...creative&intcmp=FFCK

Scroll down to the link where the woman is pictured in the blue shawl. You can sew that up very quickly -- nothing to it. You can alter it to add pockets, make the sleeves shorter, whatever.

I've also given travel-size pillows with homemade pillow cases. I use that "burrito" method of construction that keeps the trim seams inside, and I French seam the side seams to encase them.

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. How about a pillow case or two to give her comfort each time she lays her head on it. I also like the idea of the quillow.

Wonderful ideas - I'm thinking one or two items a week or so so she has things to look forward to. Everyone loves getting packages

I'll visit Joann's this weekend and pick up some fleece for the shawl - that looks like it won't take much time at all - have to remember to add extra for some pockets.

Followed by a quillow, the covered water bottle (I'll have to find some instructions for that)

Followed by the tote bag to hold all the books she will be picking out on my account on Paperback swap.

You all rock!! I think my brain just froze just thinking about it.

I just finished a rag quilt for my neighbor that going thru chemo. She said she was cold all the time. I used good flannel 3 layers and cut 10 inch squares sewed them all together put quilted X across each block and fringed the edge. Took me 2 days. I was able to give it to her on a day that she had to go for treatment. She loves it and takes it with her for her chemo days so she can wrap up in while having the treatment. I also have plans to make her a few chemo caps.

Royalboomer, My heart goes out to you as you comfort your friend. I'm pr@ying for healing miracles.

1. She will 'live' in tank tops for awhile... keep your eye out for nice soft ones.
2. Besides pillowcases, you might consider making a 12" width wrap that slips over the bed pillow & cover... something in a fleece perhaps?
3. A Shrug is an excellent idea. I made several over-sized ones for my sister.
4. Socks!
5. Your friend will be taking in lots of water, so perhaps a water bottle with a homemade wrap.

And, lots and lots of beautiful messages.



Editing: Pillow Wrap (make without adding the button)

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/...llow-bands_ss31.html



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This message has been edited. Last edited by: jessicasews,

In the latest newsletter from Carewear.org (available online at www.carewear.org ) there's an easy crochet pattern for handwarmers or muffs for chemo patients. In the past my DS said that her hands ached with the cold. Carewear also provides patterns for chemo caps.

My best wishes for your friend. My DS in the UK undergoes surgery again next week for lung cancer and it breaks my heart that I can't physically be there. One of the things I have done for her is given her an Itunes gift card for some new music to listen to.

Eye covers are great for when you want to rest or no one bothering you. Find some fun fabric to keep spirits up.

How about a mug rug for that water bottle? Again with fun fabric.

For the covered water bottle you could use the pattern from the recent PJ party. If you don't want to use salvages you could just cut your favorite fabric. They sew up really quick.

So sorry. My Mom had lung cancer, and beat it!!! So I know how your friend feels, and you.

Something I don't see here are rice bags!!!! 20 seconds warmth.

Here's some hot water bottle covers....more instant warmth.

http://tipnut.com/hot-water-bottle-covers/

The PJ Party bottle carrier was definitely great. You might want to check it out. Use the lining fabric as your pattern.

Here's another pattern.

http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com...ater-bottle-carrier/

Check out the hot water bottle cover for using old sweaters. You can do something like that for the bottle cozy also. Practically instantly made.

Will keep good thoughts for you and your friend.

quote:

Originally posted by jessicasews:
Royalboomer, My heart goes out to you as you comfort your friend. I'm pr@ying for healing miracles.

1. She will 'live' in tank tops for awhile... keep your eye out for nice soft ones.

I've never heard of that...but both me and my sister had chemo ports in our chest, so it was easier to wear a button up top then, just have to undo a button...but yes nice soft comfy clothes are so appreciated when everything else aches and hurts...

I loved hats...I had such a collection of them!

I was just looking at some patterns for warm clothes and saw a picture of a hand muff. What about one of those. You could make a tube of some kind of cute fabric and line it with either flannel or fleece, or make it from two pieces of fleece.

You can also make small pocket size rice warmers. They could be used in the muff or in a pocket.

Another item might be leg warmers made from old sweaters.

http://www.firefliesandjellybe...armers-from-old.html

Mom never complained about being cold, just that her food tasted like brass.

KS - Yes, for the ease of the port. Sister wears both, often layered. One of the first things that I bought was a pretty pajama set, but found out that because it had no stretch to it that it would be awhile before it would be used. I now keep in mind Stretchy & Soft!

I agree with all the ideas shared, they are gifts that would be used daily!

Adding:
My heartfelt pr@yers go out to you (survivors and family members of those, giving support).



.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jessicasews,

Not something you can make, but when my husband and my friend were going thru chemo their taste buds were off but they both liked to have a plain Hershey bar around. My husband liked his frozen. Not sure why, but it seemed to be something they could eat without developing the odd tastes they got from other foods.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis. That type of news just sends you into shock.

You have received several great ideas that will certainly keep you busy. A few already mentioned following the tutorial that sewloves2quilt did on the selvage water bottle cover in the PJ Party last Friday. Using regular strips of fabric or just a cute, bright print would be even faster. I haven't made one of those yet, but have it on my project list after a few other things have been completed.

Not sure how much garment experience you have, but someone made some fleece hospital type gowns for my mom. They were with our favorite college logo and had little snap closure flaps for the area where her port was. I don't have any pattern references, as I don't know who even made them for her, but they were much appreciated.

The pillowcases are a great idea. I made a standard size pillowcase for my mom too and she could have a comfortable pillow with her in the hospital. All of the nurses and other staff members commented on how pretty it was and she had something cheery with her.

Whatever you do for her along with your thoughts and prayers will surely be appreciated. Just the process of making those things and thinking about her all the while will be a comfort to you too. ((HUGS))

I'll check out Jean's instructions and see if she has loaded the instructions on there. I had wanted to "attend" the water bottle cover pj party but, as usual, missed it.

There are so many wonderful ideas here - I can't thank you enough. I hate being so far away. It breaks my heart that she has to go through this. Sheand her husband have had a very tough 4 - 5 years financially and things were just starting to look a little better. They were planning on moving and won't be able to for awhile now. She has finally found a doctor she trusts and has a clue....I can't tell you the junk they've had to deal with in emergency rooms, etc. the past few months - all because no one thought to do a thorough test to begin with. It just makes me livid.

Sorry - we now look forward. I have my list for Joann's tomorrow after work to get supplies (you'd think I'd have enough but no) for some of the projects so I can choose which to work on when I get a free couple of hours.

Thank you all so much. As always, you ROCK!

One thing that is always so important, is support!!!! I'm sure you will provide all you can.

Both my g od daughter and I continued to tell my Mom that we weren't finished with her yet so she'd just have to hang around. I lived in CA and went home for about 2 months and then I had to go back to work. The support continued even from long distance. I like to think it helped her defeat her lung cancer.

I don't know if she has family nearby that can help but I set up meal deliveries from Meals on Wheels and got her housecleaning help. Mom resisted for a while and then finally accepted she needed help, Dad was none. That's something you might see if it can be provided. Takes those concerns away.

So very sorry to hear about your dear friend having lung cancer. Thoughts & more pr@yers are being sent to you & her.

I was thinking about a pr@yer shawl you could make. Wouldn't have to be fancy.

Hugs to you & your friend.
Gina

I've been thinking about this the past day or two and thought of something that was very easy to do. Could you send cards about once a week or so? Give them something to get in the mail besides more Dr. bills? Sue did that for a friend of hers and when I chatted with her, she mentioned how nice it was to get those cards with encouragement in it. Can you Skype? that would also be a morale booster. Prayers for your friend and her husband. Pat

My son is part of the email/cell phone generation. But once a year I get a handwritten letter from me thanking me for our support of his family. It's hard to be career mi1itary without help. I treasure those letters that he sends on the anniversary of the day he left home. I have a stack of handwritten notes of appreciation from ex-students. It makes us feel good to know people love us enough to handwrite a note and put a stamp on it. Collect some silly cards, stamp and address them do it'll be easy to mail. Such a great idea!

Found some perfect fleece to put together the shawl for her this weekend and mail on Monday. And...the softest "stuff" to use for the inside of a hand muff. She had her first treatment today - I think the idea of chemo was more frightening than the actual activity based on her quick email. Isn't she sweet - she knows I'd be wondering how she did and sent a short email before she went to lie down - all the stress tired her out.

I think making all the little goodies will help me deal with not being able to be there with her. I will pick up a box of cards and send them sporadically as well...good idea.

Thank you again for all your suggestions, I truly appreciate it.

Continued good wishes for your. Post photos of your projects when finished. Keep us posted.

I can only imagine how helpless you felt when you got the news of your dear friends' diagnosis.
Our friends here, as always, have rallied with support and suggestions. I'm taking notes, and at the same time, hope I won't need them.
Prayers for your friend and all those caring for her.

Good for you, Royalboomer.
Let us know if you'd be open to us PMing you with any helpful information as your friend goes through her treatments. Just know you are being lifted in pr@yers as you help her.

Wonderful ideas ladies.

Royal-I know your friend will appreciate everything you do for her. Just the little things mean so much.

Sending T's & P's up for your friend and her family.

Pam

Any direction will be a blessing...feel free to PM me anytime.

I heard from my friend today with some "good" news - I could almost feel her joy....the MRI showed the cancer has not spread to her brain. We're definitely celebrating each piece of good news.

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

Absolutely fantastic news!!!!!

I know how much the good news counts.

Maybe you could make her some quilted postcards? Send pictures with a fun story attached by e-mail?? Ones of you and her having a good time. Those are the kinds of things I'd appreciate. Anything home made would be sure to please. Glad to hear the positive news about your friend. Pat

This message has been edited. Last edited by: patty j,

That is Happy News!

Have you ever made a Dotee Doll, Royalboomer?
I just had this idea as I was reading the new comments.

I've never made one - I thought about trying when there was a swap some time ago but didn't. I don't do well with tiny things...I inherited my father's sausaage fingers Bless his heart! I hope to be able to find an easy hat for if her hair does fall out...she said she won't know for about 3 weeks. I hope to have something done to arrive at abot the 3 1/2 week point. If she doesn't need it - she can donate it to someone who does...and if she does it will be timely.

What wonderful news about your friend! Certainly big news to celebrate that the cancer has not spread to her brain.

Will keep watching for updates.

Good luck on the projects!

Royalboomer - My first thought is to say, 'You have friends here that would help you make a Dotee Doll!!", but you have a great list of things lined up to sew!

I bought a McCall pattern #2485 (older pattern) for the Hat #A and #B pattern... it's like a Scoodie. Keeps the neck warm! Looks like this: http://www.ehow.com/how_8663944_sew-scoodie.html


Simplicity #1958 is a CUTE boot/slipper/ugg-style boot for leisure.
http://www.simplicity.com/p-6633-misses-slippers.aspx

I have a store-bought Scoodie (I never knew it was called that) - it's perfect in the winter when the wind is a blowin' She's in southern CA - that may be a little warmer than she needs but I'm going to try and make one to actually match my own coat for next winter

I made one of those the last winter I was in Alaska and made it sooooo long that I could wrap it around my neck to bring the scarf forward and put pockets on the ends for my hands. lollll Made it for visiting the Ice Festival and it did it's job, very well.

Royalboomer, you could make one of those from a lighter weight fabric like jersey. Don't know where she is in So CA but the winds do blow down thataway. And if she does have hair loss it might be nice to have.

Good idea Paus...I'll try that.

Weather changes brought on migraines most of this weekend so I didn't spend much time doing anything. I did get a prayer pillow done for her...it is made from leftovers from her B-W&Yellow string quilt I sent her some time ago. Here's a pic of the pillow - there are 4 of the tiny wooden crosses inside wrapped in batting.

It's really blurry - I apologize