Hobby / Craft Ideas During Chemo

MaryB2

I was recently diagnosed with cancer and will be starting chemo soon. I hear my energy will be down and I may not feel like doing much. I've always kept busy by playing pool, riding dirt bikes and other things I probably won't feel like doing. I know to stay positive I will need to keep my mind busy and my nephew came up with me doing a craft.

I've never really been the creative type. Does anyone have any good craft or hobby ideas?

whierd

Knitting was the first thing that came to mind. Or you could do something more productive, like learning a second/third language, researching something you've always been interested in but always considered frivolous, origami, etc.

MaryB2

Knitting was the first thing that came to mind. Or you could do something more productive, like learning a second/third language, researching something you've always been interested in but always considered frivolous, origami, etc.

Both good ideas! Thank you!

whierd

Or how about taking a few online classes with the end goal of a degree to further your career goals? That should be fairly non-physical.

Factory_Reset

Sorry you have to endure chemo. My mom took up crocheting/knitting when she did chemo. She also got into audio books since she would get tired trying to read regular books. The one thing she did every chemo session and than eventually everyday was journaling. It seem to give her peace of mind getting all her thoughts down. On the first day of chemo she would sometimes scrapbook too. She usually had a bag of things to entertain her. Good luck!

MaryB2

Or how about taking a few online classes with the end goal of a degree to further your career goals? That should be fairly non-physical.

I'm actually registered for 2 classes :drinker:

Sarauk2sf

Unfortunately I have nothing constructive to add but wanted to wish you luck with your treatment.

MaryB2

Sorry you have to endure chemo. My mom took up crocheting/knitting when she did chemo. She also got into audio books since she would get tired trying to read regular books. The one thing she did every chemo session and than eventually everyday was journaling. It seem to give her peace of mind getting all her thoughts down. On the first day of chemo she would sometimes scrapbook too. She usually had a bag of things to entertain her. Good luck!

Thank you! Journaling will probably help through a lot of this. Taking a variety of things to chemo is a good idea. My first day will be 4 to 6 hours and the last 2 days will be 1 hour each.

MaryB2

Unfortunately I have nothing constructive to add but wanted to wish you luck with your treatment.

Thank you

billsica

My aunt did Origami and made everyone Christmas ornimates. I am glad she did.

MaryB2

My aunt did Origami and made everyone Christmas ornimates. I am glad she did.

That is an interesting idea :-)

Derpina7

Best of luck with your treatment *hugs*. Perhaps painting or drawing (if you can't get in with a workshop to teach you, there are plenty of great tutorial books out there to also help you get started), learning a different language, photography, graphic art/design, or picking up an instrument.

angel79202

I'm so sorry for the chemo, my mom battled breast cancer..
what about joining one of those groups who makes the bandanas for the cancer patients? My mom found it empowering during her treatment..to still be able to help others.
Good luck!!!

jenilla1

I like the idea of doing crafts, but I suck at it. I have a digestive disorder where I go through cycles of being sick and low energy and not being able to be physically active like I normally like to. It's a lot of laying around not feeling well. The only crafty thing I have been able to successfully do is cross-stitch. It's super easy (you're just making x's) and it's something you can easily take breaks from and not have a big mess or lose your place. Just set aside until you're ready to come back to it. It's kind of relaxing and meditative as well. Just an idea. Wishing you well again soon! :flowerforyou:

MaryB2

Best of luck with your treatment *hugs*. Perhaps painting or drawing (if you can't get in with a workshop to teach you, there are plenty of great tutorial books out there to also help you get started), learning a different language, photography, graphic art/design, or picking up an instrument.

Thank you! Photography would be a lot of fun! I wonder if that gets expensive.

MaryB2

I'm so sorry for the chemo, my mom battled breast cancer..
what about joining one of those groups who makes the bandanas for the cancer patients? My mom found it empowering during her treatment..to still be able to help others.
Good luck!!!

I had never heard of groups that do that. I'll look into it. I used to be pretty heavy into dog rescue and miss volunteer work, rescue is unfortunately a very physical thing to do

MaryB2

I like the idea of doing crafts, but I suck at it. I have a digestive disorder where I go through cycles of being sick and low energy and not being able to be physically active like I normally like to. It's a lot of laying around not feeling well. The only crafty thing I have been able to successfully do is cross-stitch. It's super easy (you're just making x's) and it's something you can easily take breaks from and not have a big mess or lose your place. Just set aside until you're ready to come back to it. It's kind of relaxing and meditative as well. Just an idea. Wishing you well again soon! :flowerforyou:

Considering my creativity level cross-stitching might be a good place for me to start at. :blushing:

nz_deevaa

A good friend of mine does dialysis for 7hrs three times a week.

She watches movies on her iPad. Some days she's very tired so she listens to audio books or she reads, but if she's feeling sick and/or tired she listens.

There is an online class that I did that I recommend as fun, but not taxing, it's called 'the art of silly' ... It cost $15 or something and its fantastic!

http://www.carlasonheim.com/

I just looked on her site and she's got some new lessons out. If you emailed her and told her your situation, she might have some recommendations.

nz_deevaa

Also, I purchased Carla's book on mixed media, and it's a fantastic art/therapy resource I'd you are new to being 'creative'.

Here is an example of the tutorials. Honestly anyone can do them!

http://www.carlasonheim.com/go-blob-hunting/

1horsetown

I'll second (or third or tenth) the knitting. It's portable. You only need to know 2 stitches to create most things. I got back into knitting a few years ago when I needed something to 're-center' myself. Too many funerals.

Join Ravelry. Millions of patterns, many of them free, yarn suggestions, and free advice from very experienced knitters around the world.

Cross-stitch is good. I've done quite a bit of that. It tells you what color to use and where. Good for those of us who are challenged that way. I strongly recommend a floor stand for your stitching frame. Makes life so much simpler. This is strictly an 'at home' hobby.

I also agree with audio books. You can borrow books on tape from the library if you're short on funds (cancer is expensive). I'm really enjoying them and they keep the rest of your brain entertained while you knit or cross-stitch. I'm currently listening to !the Game of Thrones' by Martin.

Best of luck to you.

MaryB2

A good friend of mine does dialysis for 7hrs three times a week.

She watches movies on her iPad. Some days she's very tired so she listens to audio books or she reads, but if she's feeling sick and/or tired she listens.

There is an online class that I did that I recommend as fun, but not taxing, it's called 'the art of silly' ... It cost $15 or something and its fantastic!

http://www.carlasonheim.com/

I just looked on her site and she's got some new lessons out. If you emailed her and told her your situation, she might have some recommendations.

WOW! 7 hours is a long time. I'm off dialysis now but I was doing 4 hours 3 times a week, even that amount of time was rough.
I'll look into that website. Thank you!

nz_deevaa

Yeah, she really needs a new kidney.

MaryB2

I'll second (or third or tenth) the knitting. It's portable. You only need to know 2 stitches to create most things. I got back into knitting a few years ago when I needed something to 're-center' myself. Too many funerals.

Join Ravelry. Millions of patterns, many of them free, yarn suggestions, and free advice from very experienced knitters around the world.

Cross-stitch is good. I've done quite a bit of that. It tells you what color to use and where. Good for those of us who are challenged that way. I strongly recommend a floor stand for your stitching frame. Makes life so much simpler. This is strictly an 'at home' hobby.

I also agree with audio books. You can borrow books on tape from the library if you're short on funds (cancer is expensive). I'm really enjoying them and they keep the rest of your brain entertained while you knit or cross-stitch. I'm currently listening to !the Game of Thrones' by Martin.

Best of luck to you.

I would do cross-stitching so I'm glad you mentioned it being an "at home" hobby. Someone else brought up taking my craft to chemo with me which I think I should do.

I read A LOT, is it hard to get used to audio books?

MaryB2

Yeah, she really needs a new kidney.

Is she on a waiting list for one?

nz_deevaa

I do lamp working which is NOT a portable craft, and I listen to audio books while doing that. It doesn't replace reading for me, but it's great for taking your mind off things, or when your not feeling well.

nz_deevaa

Yeah, she really needs a new kidney.

Is she on a waiting list for one?

Yes, she's been on it for 3yrs now. She's O neg, so it's tricky. I'm O neg and willing to donate, but because I have HBP and am obese they won't do the compatibility testing. As soon as my weight is lower and I'm off the BP meds, I'll get the full bloodwork started.

MaryB2

I do lamp working which is NOT a portable craft, and I listen to audio books while doing that. It doesn't replace reading for me, but it's great for taking your mind off things, or when your not feeling well.

Thanks. I'll try that because reading knocks me out if it's close to my pain medicine dose"

MaryB2

Yeah, she really needs a new kidney.

Is she on a waiting list for one?

Yes, she's been on it for 3yrs now. She's O neg, so it's tricky. I'm O neg and willing to donate, but because I have HBP and am obese they won't do the compatibility testing. As soon as my weight is lower and I'm off the BP meds, I'll get the full bloodwork started.

That is a great thing you're wiling to do for her! She is lucky to have you in her life!

Good luck!

MelisRunning

My first idea was painting~but that is probably because I paint in oils and I love doing it.

I am sorry for your diagnosis and that you have to endure chemo. Rest assured you will be in my prayers as you and your family go through this. Hugs, Prayers, Happy Thoughts...coming your way immediately!!!

MaryB2

My first idea was painting~but that is probably because I paint in oils and I love doing it.

I am sorry for your diagnosis and that you have to endure chemo. Rest assured you will be in my prayers as you and your family go through this. Hugs, Prayers, Happy Thoughts...coming your way immediately!!!

Thank you :flowerforyou:

sarahrbraun

I vote for knitting or crocheting. Once you get the hang of it, you can make hats, shawls or lap blankets for use during treatment. You might even be able to donate them to the clinic where you get your treatments!