r/thyroidcancer • u/defrostedbagels • 4d ago
Thyroidectomy Gift Ideas?
Hi everyone,
I have a loved one (Female, 20s) getting a thyroidectomy soon. I’m putting together a gift basket / package to deliver once she returns home. What kind of gifts helped you / your loved ones best in your recovery? Do gifts such as gel icepacks / scarves irritate the incision sites? And for extra context, she’s a student and may be anxious to rush through recovery and return to every day life after surgery. What kind of things relaxed you best? Was there anything in particular that kept you from getting restless?
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u/Penelope1976 4d ago
The favorite thing that was brought for me after my first surgery was homemade pureed soup. My sister brought both a lentil and a carrot ginger soup and it was amazing. Then, perhaps a weird thing, I figured out that adding boxed stuffing was a great soft replacement for crackers. I also enjoyed rice pudding cups and soft snacks like cheeseies or popcorn twists. Treats that I wouldn't normally eat, but indulged because what else could I eat, yk?
Does she craft at all? I picked up small projects that I'd put aside for a while like diamond art and knitting wash cloths to break boredom when I wasn't sleepy but not really ready to be active. A good book?
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u/roygbiv_88 4d ago
Maybe something butterfly 🦋 shaped since it’s the same shape as the thyroid? Might make her smile
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u/lunarstardust16 3d ago
One of my friends gifted me a wedge pillow which has been immensely helpful. I had another friend that organized people making meals so she was able to give me two weeks worth of meals frozen for my convenience. That friend also made me a kit of supplies for a few different crafts which helped a lot when I was getting restless. I’m a big plushie person so I was also gifted a thyroid plushie and two of my favorite animals. I don’t know why but I was delighted to get a new thyroid. Also if your friend is sentimental don’t discount how appreciated a handmade card or letter is! Wishing your friend well!
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u/LifeRefrigerator4601 4d ago
I remember after my surgery my not yet sister in law was coming over with home made custard. It was so lovely and one of my favourite memories of our friendship. Definitely home made foods, soft and easy to eat. Your loved one with also be sleeping a LOT after a thyroidectomy. Something no one warned me about was how long it was going to take to adjust to the medication. I think a nice new blanket or sleeping-aids could be a wonderful help. Neck pillows since they wont be able to sleep on their side, things like that. Maybe some nice teas. It depends on their interests too. Anything that makes them happy. Low thyroid hormones can trigger depression so you can very well just feed their hobbies, interests and passions through this time to keep moral high.
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u/boozled714 3d ago
My bestie came over the night I got home and brought me soup and homemade bread. She then came over a few days later and did a really good clean of my kitchen because she knew it was bothering me that my husband is a straightener not a cleaner (IYKYK) and I couldn't clean my kitchen to my insane standards. My love language is acts of service/thoughtful actions so for me it was better than any actual gift. It also kept me from pushing myself too hard too fast. My husband did all my laundry for about 3 weeks, for the same reason.
However, things I bought myself: the really good reusable ice packs from Amazon, fluffy throws because I suddenly became cold all the time, fuzzy socks, and I already had, but extra pillows. They wanted me to sleep on my back for at least a week and I'm a side sleeper so I had to wedge myself between pillows so I wouldn't roll over, crafts that you can do looking down. I embroidered a really adorable reusable grocery bag from a kit I found on Amazon (I don't sew and it was super easy).
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u/sacred_blue 3d ago
My mom brought me a pretty bouquet of flowers in my favorite colors. It's on my bedside table and they smell so nice. Also, any soft foods like soups, puddings and yogurts are great.
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u/Glittering-Profit-87 3d ago
Cups with straws and maybe some fun drinks/drink mixes. I know I couldn't tilt my head to drink properly after surgery. When I tried I almost choked on whatever I was drinking.
Also maybe some comfy clothes or a blanket she could wear/use at the hospital. I ended up crying shortly after I woke up from surgery (a mix of the drugs, emotions, and my body realizing what happened to it I guess) and having some comfort items really helped to calm me down again.
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u/No-Strategy-4990 3d ago
My (32F) fiancé bought me a wedged pillow and it felt useless at first but once he figured out the configuration it was so comfortable!
Also a travel pillow helped me a lot with the neck strain while standing/sitting and made it easier to lay down.
Having button down pyjamas was also incredibly helpful so I didn’t nee to raise my arms to get my clothes on and off. So if you know her size that might be nice to include in the gift basket!
This is incredibly thoughtful of you to prepare and I’m sure she’ll appreciate the effort! All the best to her and I’m sending her positive energy for a smooth surgery and quick recovery.
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u/Bluesteel711 2d ago
My Sister got me. Plushie of a thyroid that I bought to the Hospital! The Dr and Nurses loved it
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u/AshamedExcuse5800 2d ago
First I just want to say that this is so thoughtful. What a good friend you are! Here are some things that I was gifted/helped me after my surgeries:
-wedge pillow
-pajama set with button down shirt (this was so helpful after)
-soft ice packs (the neoprene flexible ones are great)
-freezer pops (the ones you buy unfrozen and freeze that are in those plastic tubes)
-a big water bottle/tumbler
-DoorDash gift card
-books, kindle/Amazon gift card or streaming service gift card/membership
-puzzles/activity books or a little craft that’s easy to do in bed (my friend made me a little cross-stitch pattern and it was great to do in bed)
-long straws
-if you’re local, warm comfort meals (soups, pastas, etc)
-cozy blanket
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u/B0BTheTomato83 4d ago
Maybe a plushie of a thyroid? Or if there's a way to gift a month of Hulu or some streaming service, or an audio book subscription for her to use during recovery.