what to bring to your first chemo treatment

Other items for your first chemo appointment You’ll also want to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, alcohol-free sanitizer, bottled water, tissues, lip balm, and a small bucket or bag (in case of nausea). Use this list as a starting point to decide what things will make you the most comfortable during chemotherapy — then pack them up!

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What to send to someone who is going through chemo?

Jan 05, 2020 · The personal items you wish to pack in your tote will be different for everybody, but a few things to consider include: Your toothbrush (especially if you are using a soft toothbrush due to chemotherapy) A scarf or hat when you have no hair (it gets cold) Lip balm Your medications (make sure to ...

What to eat before 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 expect on your first day of chemotherapy?

Oct 20, 2017 · Things to Bring to Chemo: Prepping for Your First Appointment Dress comfortably. Chemotherapy can make your body temperatures swing from cold to hot and back again during the same... Bring a security blanket. Choose items that will give you physical relief as well as sentimental comfort. A light... ...

What are some good gifts for chemo patients?

May 18, 2020 · Most treatment areas are cold, so bringing a blanket is a good option since you will be attached to your chemotherapy infusion making removing and adding clothing difficult. You may also want to bring a lip balm or lotion with you to keep your skin hydrated.

What should I pack in my chemo bag?

What to Pack in Your Chemo BagReading Materials. During long days and treatments, reading materials provide you with entertainment outside of your cell phone and an opportunity to get your mind off your diagnosis. ... A Jacket. ... Snacks. ... A Pen and Journal. ... Unscented Lotion. ... Headphones. ... Coloring Pages and Crayons. ... A Blanket.More items...

What are good snacks for chemo patients?

Some quick-and-easy snacksCereal (hot or cold)Cheese (aged or hard cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and more)Cookies.Crackers.Dips made with cheese, beans, yogurt, or peanut butter.Fruit (fresh, frozen, canned, dried)Gelatin made with juice, milk, or fruit.Granola or trail mix.More items...•Mar 16, 2022

How do you prepare your body for chemotherapy?

Stay healthy and strong.Take it easy.Don't compare your body to how it was before chemotherapy.Drink lots of water.Go for a walk every day, if possible.Try to eat something. ... Read the provided handouts regarding chemotherapy and its side effects.Try acupuncture to help alleviate pain and nausea.More items...•Feb 4, 2014

Why can't chemo patients have ice?

However, it can continue and cause laryngeal spasms, which may make the patient feel like their throat is closing, or have difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, jaw spasm, or abnormal tongue sensations. (Ixnay on the ice, okay?) Because this can start quickly, avoid cold drinks even during the infusion.Jan 16, 2015

Can chemo patients eat ice cream?

Eat high calorie foods: milkshakes, ice cream, sauces, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, and Boost. These foods replace the energy your body is using to fight the cancer cells. Stay away from fatty, fried, and greasy foods. Your appetite will come back in 2-6 weeks after your chemotherapy is over.

Do you eat before chemo?

Before chemotherapy begins, a person should eat a healthy diet and try to maintain a moderate weight. A healthy diet should include various fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and legumes.Jul 29, 2021

How soon after chemo Will I lose my hair?

Hair usually begins falling out two to four weeks after you start treatment. It could fall out very quickly in clumps or gradually. You'll likely notice accumulations of loose hair on your pillow, in your hairbrush or comb, or in your sink or shower drain. Your scalp may feel tender.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•May 5, 2021

What to do with friends during chemo?

Friends: Conversations with friends can often ease the realities of chemo. So ask your favorite pal to tag along, hold your hand, talk and, most importantly, listen. 11. Board games or mind games: Pass the time by playing board games or puzzles.

What to do for a cracked smile after chemo?

Chapstick: Certain chemo drugs can cause mouth sores and chapped lips. Lip balm will help soothe the most cracked smile. 14. A designated driver: You’ll be exhausted after chemo, so bring someone who can take you to and from chemo.

How to get rid of chemo toxins?

Bring snacks to be prepared for all possibilities. 5. Water: Headaches are common during chemo, and many can be linked to dehydration. So make sure you drink plenty of water. It’ll also help flush those nasty chemo toxins through your body. 6.

What to wear to a port?

2. Socks and/or close-toed shoes: The hospital or clinic will be chilly. Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes and or slippers with a hard sole. If you insist on open-toed shoes, bring socks just in case. The softer and fuzzier, the better. 3.

Does hard candy help with chemo?

It might even help keep your mind sharp and alleviate chemobrain. For extra fun, consider inviting your fellow cancer fighters to play along. 12. Hard candy: Dry mouth can be a side effect from treatment, but hard candy can help.

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.

How to keep your hands warm during chemotherapy?

Some cancer centers also have an art therapy program, which can improve emotional and physical healing. Beverages. It’s important to stay hydrated during chemotherapy.

How to dress for a port infusion?

Pillow or blanket. Bring a small blanket or a special pillow.

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 chemotherapy scary?

Going to chemotherapy can be a daunting experience. You might feel anxious, sad or afraid – all of which are normal. If it’s your first session, you might be even more nervous not knowing what to expect or even what to bring with you. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What to bring to chemo infusion?

Most treatment areas are cold, so bringing a blanket is a good option since you will be attached to your chemotherapy infusion making removing and adding clothing difficult. You may also want to bring a lip balm or lotion with you to keep your skin hydrated.

What to expect when you are done with chemo?

When you are done your first day of chemotherapy you may be emotional, exhausted, overwhelmed or ecstatic. You won't know exactly what to expect until you are living it. Once you are home, it is important to follow any instructions given to you. Take your medications on time, rest, hydrate, and eat.

What to eat in an infusion suite?

Some good snack ideas include: nuts, whole grain crackers, hard cheese, hummus, granola bars and fruit.

Do you have to fill out paperwork for a blood work appointment?

Arrive on time for your appointment. You may need to fill out paperwork and you will likely have blood work drawn prior to your treatment. The results of this blood work may influence your treatment, so there will likely be a delay after the blood is drawn while the team awaits the results.

Can you wear a shirt up with a port a cath?

If you have a port-a-cath in your chest that will be accessed for your treatment you want to wear a top with a loose fitting neck line or you can pull your shirt up while it is being accessed and then put your shirt back down once you are attached to your treatment .

How to get hydrated after chemo?

Staying Hydrated by Drinking Fluids. Chemotherapy drugs are very drying to your body's tissues, and the drugs will be going to every cell you have. Right after an infusion, drink 8 ounces of water every hour until bedtime. Avoid caffeine, as it is also drying (it's a diuretic) and may cause you to feel worse.

How to recover from chemo?

Remember that chemo affects every cell in your body. Stay well-hydrated by drinking lots of water or juice . If you feel ​​ fuzzy brained from the medications, try a hot tub soak.

How long before chemo do you eat?

Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Chemo drugs tend to slow peristalsis (digestion and bowel processes), so whatever you eat may be in your digestion for longer than usual and will dry out. 1 

Why is drinking water important for chemo?

A benefit of drinking enough water is that it will help your body to process and flush the chemo drugs out of your system sooner, so you can start to recover sooner, too.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

If you have side effects from chemotherapy that are bothersome, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, swelling, or unusual pain around the injection site, write these down. Your doctor or nurse will need to know how often you're having problems, how severe they are, and how you're coping.

What blood test is done before chemo?

Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy. Your red blood cell count and hemoglobin are looked at to see if you have anemia.

What is the blood test for chemo?

Before you have each round of chemo, you will have a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). Your CBC provides a reading on all of the types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow which can be affected by chemotherapy.

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.

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.

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!

Is it possible to know how long chemotherapy will take?

It’s impossible to know how long your treatment will take, anticipated wait time for labs and chemo, and how warm or cold the treatment room will be. We all know chemo isn’t fun, but if you can think ahead and pack your chemotherapy tote bag with things ...

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.

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 do before starting chemo?

Before Starting Chemotherapy. If possible, ask your healthcare provider for a tour of your infusion center. Some cancer treatment centers have private rooms for chemotherapy; at others, patients are in a common area. Seeing the space in advance will help you prepare mentally—and decide what to bring along during chemo sessions.

What to do during first chemotherapy infusion?

During Your First Chemotherapy Infusion. Plan to spend the day at the hospital or treatment center. When you arrive, a healthcare provider will check your vital signs, height and weight. You’ll probably have blood drawn as well. This information helps the healthcare team provide the proper dose of chemotherapy drugs.

How long after chemotherapy do you feel better?

Still, you should plan for someone else to drive you home. Side effects don’t typically hit until 4 to 6 hours later—and in some cases, not until a day or two later. A member of your healthcare team will probably call you the next day.

How is chemo administered?

Types of Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can be administered via pills, capsules or medicated liquid. It can also be infused into the bloodstream via an IV or injected directly into the body. You and your doctor will discuss which chemotherapy drugs and administration process is most likely to successfully attack your cancer.

Can chemo cause hair loss?

Nearly everyone knows chemo can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss and other unpleasant side effects. But your doctors and treatment team will guide you through the process and help you manage these symptoms. Learning more about chemotherapy drugs, how they’re administered, and chemo side effects may help put your mind at ease as you prepare ...

Can you use perfume on chemo?

For instance, it’s now common for patients to receive anti-nausea medication before undergoing chemo. Don’t apply perfume or cologne on treatment days. Chemotherapy can alter the sense of smell, and you don’t want to unwittingly cause extra discomfort for anyone (including yourself).

Can you feel routine chemotherapy?

Report your side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out how to manage any uncomfortable symptoms. While it will never feel routine to receive chemotherapy, in time, the process will become less scary and more familiar.