what to take to chemo treatment

• 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 bring along any vitamins, as well as herbal or nutritional supplements you have been using)
• Hand sanitizer
• Soft, fluffy socks
• Lotion

Full Answer

How should I eat before starting chemotherapy?

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 is good to eat and drink after chemo?

Jan 20, 2021 · It’s important to stay hydrated during chemotherapy. Your infusion center may provide beverages, but this is a way to make sure you have something that you enjoy drinking. Try a sparkling water with cut up pieces of fruit added in or decaffeinated tea. Snacks. Eating adequate amounts of calories and protein is also important during chemotherapy.

What precautions should you take during chemotherapy treatment?

Aug 06, 2015 · 13. 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. 15. Inspiration: Chemo can be tough, but staying positive can make a big difference. Write motivational sayings on index …

What are some treatment options besides chemo?

Dec 23, 2016 · Take a Kindle or a book with you, don't drink too much or you'll need to drag your drip into the loo and as others have said wrap up well as many chemos make you very sensitive to cold. The hospital usually provides anti-nausea pills. The …

How do I prepare for my first chemo treatment?

Before your first chemotherapy infusionLet your oncology care team demystify chemotherapy for you. ... Keep your other medical care up-to-date. ... Eat well now and later. ... Arrange for help at home and work. ... Ask someone to come to your first appointment for support and company. ... Prepare a bag to bring with you.More items...•Oct 18, 2017

What helps chemo patients feel better?

Here's what they had to say.Get some rest. ... Stay hydrated. ... Eat when you can. ... Create a sense of normalcy in your routine. ... Look to your support and care teams to have your back through treatment. ... Keep things around that bring you comfort. ... Stay ahead of your nausea. ... Stay positive.More items...•Jun 21, 2019

How do you pass time during chemo?

Bring along some games or puzzles to occupy yourself during an infusion. If you have an electronic device, you can load your own games on it. If you're not a geek but prefer more intellectual entertainment, get a book of word puzzles or number games like Sudoku.Sep 23, 2020

What vitamins should I take while on chemo?

In these cases, your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to support your bone health. Also, some chemotherapy can lead to decreases in potassium and magnesium, so those may also be supplemented during cancer treatment.Jun 5, 2019

What are the signs that chemo is working?

Complete response - all of the cancer or tumor disappears; there is no evidence of disease. A tumor marker (if applicable) may fall within the normal range. Partial response - the cancer has shrunk by a percentage but disease remains. A tumor marker (if applicable) may have fallen but evidence of disease remains.

Can you use your phone during chemotherapy?

Can I use my cell phone while in the chemotherapy suite? Cell phones are not allowed in treatment areas to protect the confidentially and privacy of others.

Do and don'ts during chemotherapy?

Take care not to get infections for up to one year or more after your chemotherapy. Practice safe eating and drinking during cancer treatment. DO NOT eat or drink anything that may be undercooked or spoiled. Make sure your water is safe.Jun 2, 2020

What can you not do during chemotherapy?

A person undergoing chemotherapy should avoid eating undercooked or raw food, interacting with actively infectious people, overexerting themselves, and consuming too much alcohol. There are also things that a person can do to minimize risks during chemotherapy.Sep 13, 2021

What to pack for chemo?

The personal items you wish to pack in your tote will be different for everybody, but a few things to consider include: 1 Your toothbrush (especially if you are using a soft toothbrush due to chemotherapy) 2 A scarf or hat when you have no hair (it gets cold) 3 Lip balm 4 Your medications (make sure to bring along any vitamins, as well as herbal or nutritional supplements you have been using) 5 Hand sanitizer 6 Soft, fluffy socks 7 Lotion

What to do when you forget to pack address book?

Now that you have your address book packed, add some note cards and stamps. If you forget to pack these, many hospital gift shops carry them. You may wish to seek out some of the cards sold by cancer advocates to raise money for cancer research.

Can you pack a chemo infusion in a tote?

This item you can't pack in your tote, but inviting a friend or loved one to join you for your chemotherapy infusion is the most important item on your list. Nobody should face cancer alone.

Is it good to have a Kindle?

If you have a Kindle or tablet, all the better since you can have instant access to books you wish to read. You won't necessarily read your books, but it's nice to have them should you want the time to relax. Chemotherapy is a good time to develop friendships, but you will likely feel tired and want a chance to relax.

Is it a good time to read a book?

Many of us long for a chance to read a good book, and this is a good time to start. Novels can take you out of your current situation and allow you to be someone else for a short while, someone who is not going through chemotherapy.

Do you need to keep a copy of your medical records?

While most oncologists and cancer clinics keep electronic medical records, it's still a good idea to keep a copy of your medical records for yourself. This is especially important if you will be having medical care for your cancer at different locations, for example, some people see an oncologist at a cancer center in one location and then return home to have chemotherapy at their local clinic or hospital. You do not need to carry a copy of every consult and study you have had done, but it may be helpful to have a summary of your diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as copies of any recent lab or imaging studies.

Can you eat ginger ale while on chemotherapy?

Most infusion centers provide snacks and beverages, but if there is a snack you particularly like, pack it. Some people bring ginger ale or other forms of ginger since ginger may be of some help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. 5  Many people find that sucking on hard candies helps as well.

How long does chemo treatment last?

What to Take to Chemo Treatments. Chemotherapy treatments can vary in both length and abundance, with sessions lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours. That’s a lot of downtime which could lead to crazy amounts of boredom if you’re not fully prepared!

What to eat when you're nauseated?

Consider keeping a supply of specific candies that help your nausea, such as lemon drops, ginger chews, and hard candy. Toiletries.

What to do when you are peckish?

Water and Juices - But especially water and plenty of it! Staying hydrated is key to your overall health. Snacks - Bring a few of your favorite snacks in case you feel peckish. Salty, sweet, and preferably healthy treats are ideal (but not necessarily required).

Does chemo cause dry mouth?

Toothbrush/Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth/Gums - Although chemotherapy will not take all day, dry mouth and sensitive gums/teeth are another side effect you may experience during or right after. Your Medicine. Hand Sanitizer. Lotion - Dry hands is another side effect of chemo. Lotion will help soothe your skin.

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.

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 bring to chemo?

A pillow is a good item to bring to chemo to make yourself more comfortable, but some even bring a neck pillow like the ones you take on an airplane. It makes it easier to rest in the chemo chair comfortably.

Why do people bring heating pads to chemo?

One Facebook contributor would bring a heating pad to chemo because he experienced back pain; it also helped keep him warm. Check with your care team before you use a heating pad during chemo.

Why do parents take pictures of their kids?

Some parents say that it helps them to take pictures of their kids to remind them why they are fighting and to keep them positive when they get discouraged during chemo.

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.