Care package for friend having surgery for bladder cancer

Hi @2gallonhabit, What a great idea! St. Mary's has a really nice gift shop which may be a good start. Here is a patient story that may give you some ideas --- ‘Cancer Care Kits’ Are a Gift of Caring From One Who’s Been There: https://intheloop.mayoclinic.org/2017/01/03/cancer-care-kits-are-a-gift-of-caring-from-one-whos-been-there/

Mayo Clinic Rochester has two gift shop locations - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/gift-shop/tab/location-information/

@johnbishop Thanks so much for the link to the article - great ideas! Have a great weekend.

@2gallonhabit, so thoughtful to ask others who have experience with bladder cancer and caring for someone with bladder cancer what you might bring to a friend having surgery. What a friend indeed!

I'm inviting fellow members @kathrynmc @blades @sue225 @plugger @sepdvm @texascitylady to offer what they would have appreciated either as patient or caregiver to someone having bladder cancer surgery. They may also have tips about visits.

I'll start the ball rolling. My tip would be don't forget the caregiver. Your visit alone may just be the right gift for the care partner. It might be a chance for them to head back to the hotel for a shower or a nap while you visit with your friend.

My husband had a bladder removal/neobladder creation in December at St. Mary's and it was a very traumatic surgery. Covid was limiting visitation at that time so caregivers were limited to the same two. I would agree that giving the main caregiver time to return to the hotel for a time is very helpful. As for the patient, reading material including newspaper, ear plugs, comfortable pillow, bland foods/snacks as the variety in the hospital is limited. Flavored water was something my husband appreciated, as he found it difficult to consume enough fluids with plain water. Something home cooked, as simple as mashed potatoes, can be heated in the microwave on the floor and tastes so much better than the hospital food. I hope recovery is going well. We found that the complications could be a challenge. Don't give up. ....Sue

I was in the hospital for a week with an infection. Extension cord for phone, etc.; fresh underwear; pen and paper,; toothbrush/paste/mouthwash; maybe bring in some Starbucks tea if allowed. Toiletries, essential oil (lavender?) to calm, cream for hands. Banana or other fresh fruit, was welcome. Consider a teddy bear or other stuffed animal for surgical patients.