Back
Comforting a cancer patient: Gift cards and casseroles may not be welcomed, but there are thoughtful ways to express care
Apr 5, 2025
On top of dealing with what may be painful and stressful medical treatment, cancer patients sometimes find themselves befuddled and burdened by awkward gifts or gestures from friends and family members.
Loved ones may fumble while trying to express care, like by sending meats and cheeses to a vegan patient or gift cards that are difficult to redeem. But being mindful of a patient’s needs can help guide the gift giver.
Ray Scott had never imagined he’d be diagnosed at age 52 with a cancer typically found in infants.
“Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, type B,” he recalled. “My diagnosis came out of the blue; my doctor dropped the bomb on the phone in the middle of my workday.”
Scott is among the nearly 4 out of 10 people in the U.S. who will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
For him, the worst parts of his treatment from 2022 to 2023 were the monthly visits for a lumbar puncture, when the medical team would insert a needle into his back to collect cerebrospinal fluid and administer a chemotherapy treatment directly into his spine.
Intangible gifts
Scott said his family and friends gave him many intangible gifts throughout his cancer journey.
“My wife, friends, daughters … they gave me the gift of their presence,” he said. “They would all take turns sitting with me in the hospital, sometimes staying days and overnight. I was so terrified, but thanks to them, I never felt like I was dealing with cancer on my own.”
7Shares
0Comments
4Favorites
6Likes
No content at this moment.