Let Love Bloom: Giving and Receiving Flowers During Cancer Treatment
- Surviving Breast Cancer
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Laura Carfang
When words fall short, flowers often speak for us. A bouquet can say what we may not know how to put into words. For those navigating cancer—whether as a patient or caregiver—flowers can bring a moment of peace amid uncertainty, a reminder that life still holds color and renewal.
Flowers and Emotional Health
Three studies by Rutgers researchers in 2005 explored the impact of flowers on mood and social behavior. The researchers found that flowers “have immediate and long-term effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors and even memory.”
For someone facing a cancer diagnosis or caring for a loved one through treatment, these small emotional boosts can make a meaningful difference. The fragrance, color, and beauty of fresh flowers can soothe anxiety, ease loneliness, and even help rekindle optimism during tough moments.
During my own cancer treatment, I experienced this in a way I didn’t fully understand until much later. During the six months I was in chemotherapy treatment, my husband William brought me flowers every single week: lilies. He’d place them in the living room, right next to the couch where I spent most of my days drifting in and out of sleep. They were always there. Quietly. Consistently.
It wasn’t until near the end of my 16 rounds of chemo that I suddenly saw them. I remember looking over and thinking, Those are so beautiful. When did we get flowers?
William said, “I’ve been bringing them home every week.”
That moment stopped me.
Chemo fog is real. It narrows your world to the immediate—the fatigue, the nausea, the appointments, the next hour. You don’t always have the capacity to see what’s around you, even when it’s lovely. Even when it’s love. But then, slowly, the fog lifts. And you start to notice again.
Flowers as a Form of Connection
Cancer can at times feel isolating. Treatments, hospital visits, and the physical and emotional fatigue can make social interactions harder to sustain. Flowers can bridge that gap. They sit there quietly saying, “Someone thought of you today.” And on hard days, that matters more than we realize.
For caregivers, giving flowers can be a small, heartfelt way to express empathy and support—which William had been doing every week for six months. For patients, receiving them can feel like a breath of fresh air—a symbol of care, renewal, and hope. Flowers can prompt conversation, evoke memories, or simply bring a smile during a difficult day.
Mindful Giving
If you’re thinking of offering flowers to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, consider practical details too. What kinds of flowers are best for their situation? When are flowers not the best idea for someone going through cancer? And what are some alternative ideas?
Every situation is different, and in many cases flowers can be a great option. In general, here are some things to keep in mind:
If someone is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, they may experience changes to their sense of smell and become highly sensitive to fragrance, thus making flowers unpleasant. Check with them before sending flowers.
Low-pollen options such as orchids, roses, or succulents may be safer choices for allergy concerns.
Consider low- versus high-maintenance flower arrangements, especially if the person is experiencing fatigue.
For those undergoing inpatient treatment at a hospital, flowers may not be allowed in their hospital room. Verify the hospital’s policy before sending flowers.
For those living with metastatic disease, receiving flowers can be emotionally difficult because of their finite nature and possible associations with funerals. It may be best to forgo flowers altogether if you think they could be triggering for the person.
In circumstances where fresh flowers may not be the best option, dried bouquets or artificial arrangements can carry the same emotional impact.
The gesture doesn’t have to be elaborate. A single stem in a mason jar or a handmade paper flower from a child can convey immeasurable warmth. What matters most is the intention—to brighten someone’s day, to remind them they’re loved, and to connect through beauty.
Receiving Flowers with Gratitude
If you’re on the receiving end, allowing yourself to accept such gifts is equally powerful. Flowers can be a gentle reminder to embrace moments of joy. Whether they grace a bedside table or a kitchen window, flowers invite us to pause and breathe. They remind us of nature’s quiet promise: growth and beauty persist, even through seasons of hardship.
Read More:
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
You’re Not Lazy: The Real Science Behind Cancer Fatigue
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