Chemotherapy Care Package

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My Mother-in-Law is currently going through Chemo following surgery to remove a 20 lb mass (think bowling ball) found to be ovarian and uterine cancer. I wanted to send her something to help her get through the tough times. Since her grandchildren are her pride and joy, I decided to make a photo quilt. Her favorite color is yellow and she absolutely loves smiley faces. I couldn't find smiley face fabric anywhere, so I ended up using Ink Jet Dark Tee Shirt Iron on Transfers to make my own smiley face fabric squares. And for the Grandma word art and photos I used Ink Jet Light Tee Shirt Iron Transfers.

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I wanted to send a few extra things too and ended up putting together a whole package and making a Butterick See & Sew B5741 Tote to match the quilt. I used stiffer interfacing than the pattern called for. I also layered clear vinyl over the bottom piece to protect the fabric from getting dirty when the tote is set down.

I gathered Care Package item ideas by Googling "Chemo Care Package" and found many discussion forums filled with tons of suggestions.

This is what I ended up sending:

• Gold Bond Sanitizing Lotion
• Snuggly Slipper Socks
• Sudoku Book w/pencil
• Journal w/pen
• "Eating Well Through Cancer" book
• Kleenex Tissue Wallet Packs
• Pamper's Kandoo Unscented Flushable Wipes
• Lemon Drops
• Thera-Breath Mouth Wetting Fresh Breath Lozenges (mandarin mint)
• Ginger Tea
• Travel Size Gold Bond Lotion
• Travel Size Hand Sanitizer
• Travel Size Carmex Stick

I ironed on smiley faces to a yellow neoprene pencil pouch to hold the lozenges in the tote and put some lemon drops in a yellow bar soap travel container.

I also made a Chemo Care Package card that we all signed.

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I stuck Post-It notes to each item with a note on why it was included (since I won't be there to give it to her). I printed the notes on my ink-jet printer. Below are instructions on how to print on Post-It / Sticky Notes with your printer.

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I just know she is going to be thrilled when this package arrives :)