In 2008 I was diagnosed with an advanced and aggressive form of breast cancer. At times I look back and wonder how my family and I made it through in one piece. My faith in God is at the top, but we also had a very loving and giving support system.
It is hard to watch someone going through treatment. We wish we could take away the pain and suffering of our loved one. Since we can’t take it away we decide to lighten the burden by offering practical help. People want to do something.
My support system provided amazing FOOD. We received meal after meal during my year of treatment. From my best friends, family, dance Mom’s, neighbors, MOPS mom’s, my husband’s co-workers, and other people I hardly knew. It was incredibly nice not to have to think about cooking. My husband was so busy caring for me when needed, and the kids. I love you all. Thank you so much.
These amazing people showed so much love and grace with my family when planning and delivering our meals. I know it wasn’t easy, I mean, there are six people in my family! So, I want to share what I observed along with some tips of my own for providing meals for YOUR loved ones going through cancer treatment.
It can be a bit tricky providing a meal for a person/family going through cancer treatment. Each step of the journey brings with it different appetites, literally. Below are seven tips to think about as you plan and prepare a meal for your loved one.
1. Check in with your loved one’s caregiver(s) or meal organizer if there is one to find out any food preferences.
2. How many people are you providing food for? Make sure to include caregivers, family/friends staying over, and children. It is important to include everyone unless you’ve been asked not to. If you’re signing up for a meal using a website or phone app, make sure you read any details the meal organizer included.
3. Does anyone have food allergies or are they vegetarian? Any other specific preferences? Make sure to ask!
4. Do they have a freezer? This is important in case they happen to not eat the meal on the same day or have leftovers which are helpful for the future! It is a great idea to include gallon size freezer bags with your meal that can go directly into the freezer.
5. Include paper plates, napkins, and plastic cutlery. SO helpful!
6. Try not to bring a meal in your own dishes. Put it in a foil pan, etc. It is difficult to keep track of whose dishes are whose and even more difficult to return them. (If you’re still missing a dish from say, ten years ago, you know where to find me!)
7. If there are kids in the family, consider their age, and add a treat just for them. They need the attention, so do something special. It doesn’t even have to be food. It can be a stuffed animal, gift card, etc. depending on their age.
Thank you ahead of time for loving your loved ones by sending meals/food. They will appreciate it more than you know!
Blessings,