what to bring for chemo treatment

What to Bring to Chemo

• Comfortable Clothing. Wear a short sleeve or V-neck shirt to make it easier for the treatment technician to put an IV in your arm or a port in your chest.
• Comfy Socks. ...
• Hat, Scarf, or Beanie. ...
• Pillow or Blanket. ...
• Fluids – Especially Water. ...
• Snacks. ...
Skin Care. ...
Nausea Combatants. ...
Entertainment. ...
Organization. ...

Full Answer

What to send to someone who is going through chemo?

Jan 20, 2021 · Here’s what to consider packing: Reading materials. This could be a book of poetry, the latest novel, a prayer book or devotional or even an audiobook. Music. Create a playlist of your favorite music and bring earbuds so you can jam out. You can even download a guided... Games. Download a few games ...

What to eat before chemo?

Mar 01, 2022 · Chemo can increase skin sensitivity, so you may want to choose soft, natural fabrics. Warm items like socks, a hat, an extra sweater, or even a blanket may help you stay warm and comfortable. Summary Chemotherapy treatments can be disruptive to your normal routines. Some people experience side effects like nausea or hair loss.

What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?

Feb 12, 2018 · What to Take to Chemo: 9 Must-Haves for a Chemo Treatment Bag 1. Entertainment. Boredom is a specific side-effect of a hospital stay. Bring some things along with you to keep you... 2. Comfortable Clothes. You should be prepared to stay in the clothing that you wear to the appointment. Wearing ...

What are some good gifts for chemo patients?

WhatNexters bring a blanket and/or pillow to chemo for function and for comfort. Patients often say they get cold during chemo so it helps to cuddle up with a blanket. It also makes you feel more comfortable to bring an item from home. Hint: fleece blankets are very warm! via shaniemcneil.blogspot.com 5. Sleeping Mask

What to eat during chemotherapy?

Snacks. Eating adequate amounts of calories and protein is also important during chemotherapy. While your cancer center may have light snacks such as soup or crackers, you may want to bring something that you particularly like.

What to wear to a doctor appointment?

Comfortable clothes. More than likely, you’ll be able to stay in the clothing you wear to the appointment. Think about wearing comfortable clothes, such as sweats or yoga pants. Also consider bringing a hat or zip-up hoodie to keep you warm.

Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?

If it’s your first session, you might be even more nervous not knowing what to expect or even what to bring with you. Advertising Policy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

How to prepare for chemo?

Other ways to prepare for your chemo treatment include: 1 Getting enough sleep the night before your appointment 2 Eating a healthy meal before your treatment, keeping in mind that chemo may make you feel nauseous. Something light is best. 3 Making arrangements for someone to drop you off and pick you up

What is the treatment for cancer called?

Understanding Chemo. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses one or more drugs to kill cancer in your body. It is often called “chemo” for short. Cancer cells in your body grow and multiply very quickly, and chemo slows this process. The drugs used in chemotherapy block cancer cells from being able to split and multiply.

What to wear to chemo?

Make sure what you wear is comfortable. If you do need to change into a hospital gown or other attire, you’ll want a comfortable change of clothes in your chemo bag to put on when you leave. Make sure your outfit is easy to get on and off in case you feel tired after your treatment. ‌.

How long does chemo last?

Your doctor determines the type and dosage based on your overall health and the severity of your condition‌. ‌. Chemo usually lasts for six to twelve months. You’ll have periods of rest between treatment sessions so that your body can recover.

Does chemo kill hair roots?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a chemo treatment that targets cancer cells exclusively. So, chemo may also kill your healthy cells that grow quickly like your hair roots and those in your intestinal lining. ‌. You may receive your chemo drugs using an IV inserted into your veins or pills that you swallow.

What to do if you don't feel like reading?

Music. If you don’t feel like reading, listening to music is a great way to keep your mind off your treatment. You can include a music listening device in your chemo bag, or use the music player on your phone or tablet.

How to feel better after chemo?

When you are going through chemo treatment, staying hydrated can help you feel better. Try to avoid caffeinated beverages like soda, energy drinks, and some teas. Instead, pack water, fruit juices, or decaffeinated tea. ‌.

What to bring for chemo?

There are also some essentials to bring for chemotherapy that shouldn't be forgotten, such as your insurance card, recent lab results and medical records, your phone and address book , a bucket or bag for the ride home (just in case you develop chemotherapy-induced nausea ), and most importantly, a friend. Just in case you're thinking of doing ...

What to do with chemo infusions?

Crafts. If you're a craft person, bringing small projects to your chemo infusions can be a great use of your time. Small knitting projects such as hats and scarves or other needlework projects are easy to pack, unpack, and load up again when the infusion is done.

Do you need to bring snacks to chemo?

As noted, most infusion centers carry a variety of beverages and snacks to help you stay well hydrated and nourished during your chemotherapy session. That said, if you have strong preferences it may pay to bring your favorites from home. For those who cringe at the amount of plastic consumption seen in the hospital, bringing your own fluids in a metal water bottle may help you reduce waste, while avoiding the endocrine disrupting chemicals present in many plastic beverage containers.

Does ginger help with nausea?

4  Bringing your own homemade crystallized ginger, ginger ale, or ginger tea may help reduce nausea in addition to being a pleasant reminder of home.

Is journaling good for cancer?

After all, research is telling us that silver linings, or the way that cancer changes people in positive ways (something that has been termed posttraumatic growth) are common. There may even be physical benefits related to journaling, especially journaling that focuses on the positive aspects of the cancer experience.

Can you have a poke in a chemo port?

If you don't have a chemotherapy port or PICC line and will be having an IV inserted for each infusion, the repeated pokes can be uncomfortable. Many people think that the discomfort of having an IV inserted is minor relative to everything else a person goes through during cancer treatment, but there are a few reason to take notice of these more minor discomforts. One is that things add up, and just as the saying goes about breaking the camel's back, the sting of a needle poke may just be the last straw in your daily coping with cancer.

What to bring to chemo?

Blanket and Pillow. WhatNexters bring a blanket and/or pillow to chemo for function and for comfort. Patients often say they get cold during chemo so it helps to cuddle up with a blanket. It also makes you feel more comfortable to bring an item from home.

Why would One WhatNexter bring nurses baked goods?

One WhatNexter would occasionally bring nurses baked goods because giving to others made them feel better. It could be a kind thing to do that might brighten your own day (only do something like this if you feel up to it).

Why do people wear slippers in summer?

Especially in the summer if you are wearing sandals to treatment, you might want to bring something to cover your feet.

Can you bring snacks to chemo?

You can bring your own snacks to chemo or there may be some provided at the infusion center. It looks like the woman in the photo below has a pretty nice spread, but you can bring anything that you personally enjoy snacking on.

Is it better to be safe than sorry?

It may be better to be safe than sorry; maybe someone can drive you home from your first treatment so you can gauge how you feel afterwards. Also, if you live alone you may want to have a friend "on call" in case you are too tired to do things around the house.

Is it okay to wear sweatpants during chemo?

Some WhatNexters say chemo is a good excuse to dress in sweatpants or yoga pants. It might be good to dress in layers since you can' t predict the temperature of the room or what you'll be feeling yet. A lot of patients like hoodies because it can keep their head and neck warm.

What to bring for chemo?

Bring a Blanket or Throw. Chemo treatment centers typically have recliners for people receiving chemotherapy. Sometimes, centers or hospitals will also have hospital beds for people who need them, such as those at high risk of infection. Centers will also have blankets available, but you can always bring a favorite of your own plus a pillow ...

What to bring to chemo appointment?

Talk with your doctor or oncology nurse before your first chemo treatment. Ask if there is anything else you should bring to your appointment. They may ask you to bring all of your medicines and supplements. They may also have other supplies they would like you to bring. After your first appointment, you may only need to bring the medicines you take to treat or prevent side effects.

How long does it take to get chemo results?

Whatever the setting, a chemo appointment can take some time. The total time for chemo appointments can range from an hour or less to several hours. Your appointment may or may not start with lab tests. If so, the staff needs those results before they can ...

Who is Sarah Lewis?

Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

Do chemo centers have TVs?

It’s likely that your chemo treatment center will have TVs and magazines. Some may even have individual TVs for each recliner or station. If that’s enough to keep you occupied, then you’re in good shape. If not, find out what other resources might be available to you.

Can you bring snacks to chemo?

Most centers allow people to bring snacks and drinks of their own. They may even have a microwave or refrigerator available for patient use. Chemo centers will typically ask you to avoid bringing foods with strong smells. This could be difficult for other patients struggling with nausea and vomiting.

What to put in chemo room?

Pillow or Blanket. A pillow and blanket will come in handy if you want to sleep during your treatment. The chemo room is usually temperature controlled and having your own blanket will allow you to stay warm when necessary, while making you feel more comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable place.

How to get rid of a dry mouth after chemo?

A toothbrush and toothpaste or a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash may be helpful for chasing a bad taste away. You can purchase gels, oral sprays and Soothease™ Natural Chemo Drops to minimize the discomfort of a dry mouth. Body lotion can soothe irritated skin. Look for products that are recommended for sensitive skin or products for cancer patients. If smells bother you, stay with unscented products.

Is chemo fun?

We all know chemo isn’t fun, but if you can think ahead and pack your chemotherapy tote bag with things that will make you feel more comfortable, then treatment will be easier for you. And every little bit helps!

Can you buy a chemo tote bag?

If you haven’t received a chemotherapy tote bag as a gift, there’s no reason you can’t buy one for yourself. Our own Chemotherapy Gift Tote will jump start your preparations, so you arrive at your chemo treatment appointments with supplies to keep you comfortable, well-nourished and entertained.

What to wear to get IV in arm?

Wear a short sleeve or V-neck shirt to make it easier for the treatment technician to put an IV in your arm or a port in your chest. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt that you can take off or put back on quickly in case you get cold during treatment.

How to make your head feel more comfortable?

Protecting your head from weather changes while keeping it warm in an air-conditioned treatment facility will help you feel more comfortable while you’re there. A hat, scarf or head turban can also be a colorful fashion accessory to cheer you up when you’re not feeling particularly cheerful.

Does drinking water help with headaches after chemotherapy?

Some patients get headaches during treatment. If you’re dehydrated, the intensity of your headache will likely be magnified. Drinking water or juice will keep you hydrated. It’s also a good way to flush the residual chemotherapy toxins out of your bloodstream faster.