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Support & Gift Ideas for Men with Cancer OCTOBER 15, 2024 / ADINA BAILEY / 
I think a lot about my dad this time of the year. His birthday was September 20th and Thanksgiving will be 10 years since he died of cancer. I love when his photo pops up on my Facebook page. Even at the treatment center, he could muster up his memorable grin.
My dad had already been on my mind when I saw someone ask this question in The Lazy Genius Collective Facebook group (the best problem solving group on the internet in my opinion).
What can I get or do for our 70 year-old male neighbor who started chemo today?
The answers people provided were incredibly helpful. Someone shared a video by Hank Green where he describes what helped him the most during his cancer treatments. My oldest son and I are HUGE Hank (and John) Green fans! Hank's answer to this question was delightfully frank in pure Hank Green style. His video on this topic also affirmed what we've been told, when asking the same question of our Take Them A Meal users over the years.
This is how our users, the FB group, and Hank Green (someone who has been there) answered the question.
Check in Consistently
Your friends and loved ones with cancer often feel bored and isolated. While you don't want to drop-in by surprise, ask if you can bring them something when you're in the neighborhood. If it's a good time, you might even be able to chat for a bit. Have a normal conversation and joke around as you usually would. If they bring up their illness, feel free to listen, but that doesn't need to be the topic of conversation. Consistent calls and texts are great too!
Don't Ask, Do
When our loved one is facing such a difficult time, we find ourselves wanting to do something to help. To best care for them, ask a simple question like...
Meal Deliveries
Aside from hearing from friends, meal deliveries are the most appreciated support. You could create a meal schedule and send it to other neighbors. When preparing or ordering a meal for your neighbor, be sure to ask what ingredients to avoid. Hank mentioned how helpful it was to receive meals in disposable dishes like aluminum pans, and we agree!
Gas Cards and Ride Offers
Traveling for treatments can get expensive and lonely. If you can, drop or send a gas gift card, or offer to take your neighbor to an appointment.
Gift Ideas
Hank says to give gifts that imply "I should be focusing on myself." He suggests blankets, pillows, lotions, and oil for a bald head. Give the coziest blanket you can find. Silk pillow cases are soothing for the hair and skin. Find skin care products with natural ingredients. Flowers are great, but too many can come at once during the first few weeks. Wait until two months or six months have passed, and then send a cheerful bouquet!
Avoid Advice
Deciding on the best treatment is hard, and unsolicited advice will often make your friend or neighbor doubt themselves. It's best not to give advice unless you have had specific experience with the same medical condition. Even then, you will want to ask before offering opinions.
Many thanks to Hank Green from the Dear Hank and John podcast for sharing his helpful answer to this question and to our users as well who consistently share their own suggestions with us.
 #1: These Cheeseburger Sliders are the perfect meal to take that the whole family can enjoy! They can be pre-made, covered, and refrigerated, so all the recipient needs to do is stick them in the oven for fifteen minutes!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#2: Looking for an easy side dish to send along with a meal or make for the upcoming holidays? These Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan are quick and easy.
#3: Check out our most recent Meal Tip Tuesday! These tips and guidelines help guarantee success and avoid stress for you and the recipient!
#4: Make taking a meal extra fun with this Chicken Pot Pie! It's easy to make and a creative way to get in the Halloween spirit!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#5: Salads can be a meal by themselves or a wonderful side to another main dish. On Pinterest we've compiled some of the best salads and side dish recipes to make your meal extra special.
Read other recent articles by Adina Bailey:
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Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
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