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Birthday ideas for sister in law seriously ill

(60 Posts)
Blacktabby2 Thu 31-Aug-23 18:03:56

Hi everyone. My sister in law was told today she has lung cancer that has spread . It looks like there are no treatments that will help. She will be 73 in 2 weeks time. She lives alone. She can't do much now, like walking or driving. Her time sadly is limited. Her appetite is extremely poor too. No interest in food at all. I am extremely stuck on what to buy for her birthday in 2 weeks. She's doesn't drink now, or eat much, everything seems to have stopped in her life. Please give me some ideas. I apologise if l don't answer straight away. Thankyou so much. X

SuperTinny Sun 03-Sept-23 16:23:22

Some great ideas posted. I know this an old fashioned concept but how about a bed jacket?

Blacktabby2 Sun 03-Sept-23 16:30:36

Great idea. Thankyou xx

Sarahr Sun 03-Sept-23 20:29:58

Is there something she has always wanted to do, like a ride in a posh car or motorbike? Facebook is a wonderful place to ask for someone for things like that. Recently a call went out for someone with a motorbike to visit an elderly gentleman on his Birthday. Over 500 turned up making his day.

Aldom Sun 03-Sept-23 21:26:28

If it's not too expensive, a cashmere poncho would be nice.

tobyianathekid Sun 03-Sept-23 21:31:12

A nice big cake and some nice smelling luxury bath products

Summerfly Sun 03-Sept-23 21:39:50

So sorry to hear your sad news Blacktabby.
Lots of good ideas on here. I think lounge pj’s would be a good gift. Easy to wear and wash. I’d steer clear of anything perfumed.
When my brother was very ill, he couldn’t bear any scents or perfumed cleaning products. I’m sure whatever you choose, your SIL will appreciate it. 💐

Doodledog Sun 03-Sept-23 22:00:38

I second Glorianny's suggestion of a heated throw. They are very cosy, and if she's too tired to do much except watch TV she might appreciate one.

I also recommend sleep headphones, so she can listen to music, books, hypnosis or other sound apps in bed or whilst having chemo. This sort of thing. I love mine, and listen to an app with rain sounds which helps me sleep, as I feel snug and dry listening to it. I sometimes play audiobooks, too, but you can choose anything you can play on your phone. You bluetooth them to your phone or iPad/laptop, and once they are set up they are very easy to use (setting them up is easy too, but if she's not used to Bluetooth you could do it for her).

Blacktabby2 Mon 04-Sept-23 09:39:01

Thankyou everyone. A great response from you all. Very grateful xxx

JLR1220 Mon 04-Sept-23 15:14:15

Wonderful, thoughtful gift ideas! A little gift bag with a nail color, lotion, life savers, magazine, Hershey kisses…. give her a mani…