Hobby / Craft Ideas During Chemo

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  • MaryB2
    MaryB2 Posts: 331 Member
    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!

    I was thinking a hat might be a good idea for if I lose my hair.
  • pixietoes
    pixietoes Posts: 1,591 Member
    I will be undergoing radiation starting in January which will not be the same as chemo but you have my good thoughts and understanding to some degree.

    I actually do a lot of handwork because I am a quilter. One thing I have found very fun and ridiculously easy because it does not have mistakes that shut you down from doing the project at hand is Zentangle. I was not one to draw or paint before I got involved with Zentangle. It started for me a few years ago and I did it when I was bored, in margins of pages or backs of envelopes. Now I carry a small sketch book and a fine sharpie pen with me (it sits neatly in the ring binder) in my purse and I can take it out anytime I like.

    You can google Zentangle and find some info and see lots of examples. I have not updated my blog since September but the last thing I put in was a few pics of my sketchbook: http://quiltconfessions.blogspot.com
  • bsuew
    bsuew Posts: 628 Member
    I'm sorry that your going to have to go thru chemo. I love to do so many crafts. Crocheing is something that you can do. Stamping like making cards is fun also. Go on the web site Pinterest and put in DYI or crafts in the search bar. Lots and lots of interesting ideas.
  • MightyMae1
    MightyMae1 Posts: 208
    FYI: If you decide that you're interested in learning to knit or crochet (personally I prefer crocheting), there are a lot of tutorials on youtube. That way, you can pause, rewind, and see it again as many times as you need to. I learned the basic single crochet stitch that way first, and then went back and learned more complex stitches that way too.
  • ColorfulWeirdo
    ColorfulWeirdo Posts: 113 Member
    So sorry to hear about your Chemo but I love that you're getting into the spirit of things. If animals are a favorite of yours, I know the shelter I volunteer at is always looking for people to bring in blankets and the like. You can often get a lot of fleece on sale and they are quick and extremely gratifying. Plus, your furry friends will love them!

    Best of luck to you.
  • SwimFan1981
    SwimFan1981 Posts: 1,430 Member
    There's an online pictionary style game called isketch, it is really addictive though. I wish you the best with your treatment and hope for a speedy recovery for you x
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I have a knitting loom set; it's a super easy way to knit, portable and inexpensive. You can pick up the set at Wal-Mart or any craft store for around $20. There are tons of patterns online, and some things on their website..
  • HeyHeyLynn
    HeyHeyLynn Posts: 31 Member
    I found during chemo that I had great trouble concentrating on anything: I couldn't remember dates, had trouble reading and remembering the plots in books from one sitting to the next. I definitely would not sign up for any courses in anything either; some days it's an effort to just get up and get dressed to go someplace. When I went to chemo treatments, I had my "Cancer World" bag always packed with a sweater, a light blanket, a bottle of water, a granola bar or some snack, several magazines, and crossword puzzle books. Of al the suggestions I think knitting or crocheting would be the best.

    Good luck with the journey. : )
  • CharityD
    CharityD Posts: 193
    I knit and crochet...if you take one up, crochet is much easier to learn and things are made up quicker. It's all about the instant gratification! Good luck. :flowerforyou:
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    Good luck with the chemo. :)

    Could try various things to see what you enjoy. Also consider something like digital photography. Or even keeping a blog or video diary.
  • nursedonnaj
    nursedonnaj Posts: 57 Member
    I agree with journeling and knitting or crocheting. FaveCrafts.com has a bunch of crafts on it. I love that you've already signed up for classes. You Rock! Sending love and hugz! May God Bless.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I find beading and jewelry making to be very relaxing. It's the perfect combination of keeping the hands and mind busy... and you end up with some pretty sweet jewelry at the end of it.
  • loadsandloads
    loadsandloads Posts: 353 Member
    Like so many others Knitting or Crocheting would be my suggestions. I love to crochet and like to make the little amigurami animals. Nice little projects to do. Cross stitch also very portable.

    Good luck with your treatment.
  • consumone
    consumone Posts: 139 Member
    I did counted cross stitch and puzzles. UGH I hated Chemo - Lemons will help you through the naseua or at least they did me. You smell them and it helps settle the tummy.

    Good luck!
  • EmilyOfTheSun
    EmilyOfTheSun Posts: 1,548 Member
    Well it's not a craft but...video games!! Or reading. I wish you the best of luck with your treatment.
  • Skratchie
    Skratchie Posts: 131 Member
    I sort of take offense to the guy who implied crafting is not "productive". LOL I disagree - I turn out some beautiful quilts, and I think the time spent on them is VERY productive.

    And quilting can be quite portable - there's no reason why you can't hand sew the pieces together; after all, that's how it was done prior to sewing machines. It's easy to learn, and in the end, you have a beautiful, useful item to give to someone, or to keep for yourself.

    No matter what you do, I hope your treatment goes well and is as easy as possible on you. :-)
  • cessnaholly
    cessnaholly Posts: 780 Member
    I found during chemo that I had great trouble concentrating on anything: I couldn't remember dates, had trouble reading and remembering the plots in books from one sitting to the next. I definitely would not sign up for any courses in anything either; some days it's an effort to just get up and get dressed to go someplace. When I went to chemo treatments, I had my "Cancer World" bag always packed with a sweater, a light blanket, a bottle of water, a granola bar or some snack, several magazines, and crossword puzzle books. Of al the suggestions I think knitting or crocheting would be the best.

    Good luck with the journey. : )

    My husband has an infusion each month for his ms. Not the same as chemo I know. But I agree with this poster. Take a comfy blanket, a sweater, snacks and drinks.

    For stuff to do maybe take a walk through a craft store to see what small things they have. Good luck.
  • coliema
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
    Knitting, scrapbooking, sewing a quilt, read books, do jigsaw puzzles, learn to play an instrument.
  • 1horsetown
    1horsetown Posts: 247 Member

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

    I wasn't sure I'd like audiobooks. I used to read 100 books a year. If the narrator is good, then the book is good. iTunes and Audible have samples you can listen to before you buy. I've found reviews on the narrators pretty useless. The ones that have reviewed the worst were the ones I liked best.
  • Phoenixchichima
    Phoenixchichima Posts: 416
    c ard making?

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