Books, Reading and Amazon Vine

I am lucky to be part of the Amazon Vine programme. Each month, I am emailed a newsletter and I am able to select two books from it. They are sent to me free of charge, some are uncorrected proofs and others are published, all I have to do is read them and create a review.

Since I began my fight against Breast Cancer, I have taken refuge in my books and reading so the Amazon Vine programme has been a life saver for me.

I enjoy reading very much and the programme enables me to read books I would not normally have chosen. I have read young adult fiction, childrens books, poetry and fiction. I noticed the book shelf option on one of my friends blogs and I thought "what a wonderful way to share my experience and passion". So, the gadget has been added!

The only book I would really recommend to all those fighting cancer is by Debora Hutton and is called "What Can I Do to Help?". It is written by a person who is terminal and is packed full of wonderful and very useful ideas for those caring for loved ones with cancer. Contributions have been made by Sir Elton John, Ruby Wax, Hugh Grant to name but a few.... I bought the book myself, and loaned it to family and friends with great results.

I have made my own notes on the book. Here are some of the gifts I have found useful;

Eye drops - soothing for chemo eyes

Fruit smoothies - great for when you really dont want to eat

Diet Ginger Beer - satisfies the thirst and settles the tummy

Luxury face & eye cream - for that chemo skin

Talc - really nice ones, I found this useful when I lost my body hair

Scarves - a necessity when you lose your hair

Warm and soft socks - for cold chemo feet

Fleece blankets - to combat that chemo cold

Pretty PJ's - helps lift your spirits when you feel rubbish

Boiled sweets - to suck when your mouth is dry and has a horrible taste

Bone China Mug - to really enjoy your cups of tea

Smoothie Maker - so that you can make your own smoothies when you dont feel like eating

Relaxing CDs - self explanitory really

Soups - great for slurping when you dont fancy food

Pretty jewellry, makeup and nail polish - all helps to make you feel nice

Here's my list of things people have done to help me;

Collecting kids from school

A cup of tea in bed

Prayers - lots of them

Messages of support and kind words

Friday Shoot Out

Blogging

Face book

Somebody to do the ironing

Somebody to make meals

Help with my animals