What I pack for chemo
- Comfortable clothes: Chemo can last anywhere from one to eight hours and may involve overnight hospital stays.
- Socks and/or close-toed shoes: The hospital or clinic will be chilly.
- A warm blanket: There’s something about cuddling up with a nice blanket that brings instant comfort.
- Your favorite snacks: You may get hungry.
Full Answer
What to send to someone who is going through chemo?
Dec 23, 2016 · Comfortable clothing and footwear. Take layers of clothing because you can get warm and cold during the chemo depending on the drugs - a cardigan or fleece that you can take off before and put round you if you get cold. Wear warm gloves and keep warm before the treatment as it helps them to find a vein.
What to eat before chemo?
One thing that many people like to bring to chemotherapy is a warm blanket. Sure, you could get a blanket from the staff at the clinic but your own personal blanket that you enjoy will make you feel much more comfortable.
What to expect on your first day of chemotherapy?
Jan 14, 2021 · Below are seven must-haves to pack in your chemo bag: Healthy snacks and water. Bring a water bottle, as staying hydrated can help flush toxins out of your body and combat chemo side effects like nausea, constipation and fatigue. Bring snacks (e.g., crackers, fresh fruit, chicken broth, ginger tea) to stay nourished.
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 pack in chemo bag?
Your chemo center may have comfortable recliners, tables for medicines and magazines, small TVs, and a mini-refrigerator full of drinks. Sometimes patients may bring plates full of snacks to share, and the nurses may have crackers and cookies on hand. It will likely be a comfortable setup, ...
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.
Why do women look back on chemotherapy?
The real reason is that many women look back on their chemotherapy infusions fondly; remembering them as times where they could spend (mostly) quality time interacting and catching up with friends. Yet there are many nonessential but often priceless items to include.
How long can you leave numbing cream on clothes?
That said, the patches can often be left in place for up to 8 hours, so if you talk to your doctor ahead of time, you may even be able to apply them before you leave home. Applying plastic wrap, medical adhesive tape, or an occlusive bandage to prevent the numbing cream from getting on your clothes may be wise.
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.
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.
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 take with you during chemo?
Calories and protein help your body replenish healthy cells that are killed during chemo. You can also include things like lemon or ginger candy to help prevent nausea. . Comfort items. If you have a favorite pillow or blanket, bring it with you.
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 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.
How to feel more at ease during chemo?
When you go to the hospital for chemotherapy — or chemo — your appointment may take a while. Packing a bag with necessities and comforting items can help you feel more at ease during your chemo.
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.
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 to a long day of treatment?
Bring along books, magazines or any other reading materials to help fill some of the treatment hours.
What is a chemo bag?
A chemo bag helps provide entertainment and comfort, ensuring you have what you need throughout the day. Apart from essentials such as your insurance card, driver’s license and medical records, you’ll want to pack your bag with items that help pass the time and keep you comfortable. 1. Reading Materials.
How to get the most out of chemo?
Picking the right chemo bag can help you get the most out of it. Choose a bag that has multiple compartments to keep you organized. You can store books, games and activities in one compartment, your jacket or blanket in another and your essentials such as a wallet and cellphone in another.
How to avoid feeling bored during chemo?
With a little preparation, you can avoid feeling bored or restless during your time in the hospital. Bringing along activities and comfortable clothes can help you pass the time and remain positive during treatment. That’s why many chemo patients pack a chemo bag — a bag full of essentials to help them throughout the day.
How to keep your brain sharp during cancer treatment?
Mind Games. Brain teasers and mind games can be a fun way to pass the time during your treatment. Plus, they can help keep your brain sharp. Brain games can help you stay focused and avoid chemo brain, the brain fog induced by cancer treatment.
Why do hospitals wash their bags?
Hospitals can be filled with germs, and being able to wash your bag between sessions can help keep you as germ-free as possible. From there, picking a bag is all about what speaks to you. Get a bag in your favorite color or one that is for your favorite sports team.
How to help with cancer treatment?
Research shows music reduces stress and promotes calm. During cancer treatment, music can be an especially powerful tool for mindfulness and increased positivity . Bring along headphones so you can listen to your favorite music and help bring joy into your treatment.
What to pack for Chemo
I am expecting to start Chemo for breast cancer in the new year and Im anxious to know what I should take with me as I understand it could be a long session. I was very surprised to see "chemo packs" for sale onAmazon and other sites all containing lots of lovely things and lots of lovely big prices.
What to pack for Chemo
Hello Nanny22, I had chemotherapy from October 2015 until February 2016, I didn't get any chemo packs. I had FEC-T, six cycles. What are having?
What to pack for Chemo
About to go into cycle 4.Each of my sessions lasted 4 hrs or so. A book, a tablet with a few games on. packet of sweets and a couple of bottles of water.
What to pack for Chemo
Hi Nanny Depends on the hospital but some have free wi-fi so you could take a tablet. Otherwise i would suggest a book, magazine some puzzles if you like them. Drinks and snacks. You wont be allowed out of the ward but anyone you take along can come and go so they can always get stuff from the cafe or shop if there is one.
What to pack for Chemo
I'd never heard of them till I read your post - just looked on Amazon and what a load of tosh!
What to pack for Chemo
Thank you Audrey. I meetwith the oncologist in January... taking it from there
What to pack for Chemo
Thank you Grahamtheseagull. Yours looks a pretty concise list. Many thanks.
What to pack for chemo?
Below are seven must-haves to pack in your chemo bag: Healthy snacks and water. Bring a water bottle, as staying hydrated can help flush toxins out of your body and combat chemo side effects like nausea, constipation and fatigue. Bring snacks (e.g., crackers, fresh fruit, chicken broth, ginger tea) to stay nourished.
What to bring to chemo patients?
Chemo can cause dry mouth and taste changes so bring mints, lemon drops, ginger chews or hard candies . Books/tablet or magazines. If you’ve been wanting to escape into a new book, reading is a good way to stay calm and pass the time during chemo.
How to calm your mind during chemo?
Bring a sketchpad to draw or doodle. Adult coloring books can help calm your mind as well. Games, puzzles and crafts. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other games are a good distraction during chemo and can keep your mind sharp, which may help ward off chemo brain.
Is it normal to feel nervous when starting chemo?
If you are about to start chemotherapy treatments, it’s normal to feel a little nervous as you head to your first infusion appointment. You’re hoping for a comfortable experience, but you may be there for up to several hours — it all depends on your individual chemotherapy plan.
Does chemo make your lips dry?
Chemo can make your lips and skin dry, so bring lip balm and/or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic hand lotion. Relaxation tools. Pack items that ease stress and help you relax, such as peppermint essential oil, a neck pillow or an anti-nausea acupressure wristband.
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).
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 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.
How to keep hydrated during chemo?
Drinking water or fruit juice will help keep you hydrated while having the chemo. It’s also a good way to flush the residual chemotherapy toxins out of your bloodstream faster.
What to do for a metallic taste after chemo?
Patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently complain about a metallic taste and dry mouth after treatment. It is recommended to use toothpaste, oral rinses and gels, which may help alleviate the discomfort.
Is chemo hard?
To say chemo is tough, would certainly be an understatement. We know that chemotherapy can be a long, gruelling and tedious process, so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible during your time in hospital. If you can think ahead and pack your chemotherapy tote bag with things that will make you feel more comfortable, then treatment will hopefully be easier for you.
Can you use body lotion on your lips after chemo?
Your skin may start to feel dry and irritated during chemo. Body lotion can soothe irritated skin. Look for products that are recommended for sensitive skin or products tailored for cancer patients. Your lips will also feel extra dry, and may become chapped, so a tube of lip balm will be handy too.
