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. ...
What to bring on your first day of chemo?
Feb 28, 2018 · We recommend bringing or wearing warm socks and slip-on shoes during your chemotherapy sessions. These are cozy and perfect options that will keep you warm and your feet covered, especially if you want to take a walk around the hospital or need to go to the bathroom. Heavy socks are great because you can wash them between treatment sessions.
Can you wear Jewerly while on chemo?
Apr 03, 2018 · Bring a jumper or cardigan that you can take off or put back on quickly in case you get cold during treatment. Comfy socks and slippers will also keep your feet warm and cosy. If your chemo drugs cause you to lose your hair, it’s really important to keep your head warm with some sort of headwear like a beanie or woolly hat.
What are some good gifts for chemo patients?
Be Prepared: 22 Things to Bring to Chemo 1. Book. A lot of WhatNexters pass the time with a good book. You could even start a new series. One WhatNexter started... 2. IPod or Music. Some WhatNexters like to put some headphones in and listen to …
Should you wear a gown to disconnect chemo?
Things You Need for Chemo Treatment Comfortable clothes. . You’ll likely be allowed to wear your clothes from home during your treatments. Make sure what... Other medications. . If you’re taking any medications, be sure to pack them in your chemo treatment bag. It’s important... Drinks. . When you ...
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 should I take to my first chemo session?
Items To Bring To ChemotherapyA loved one. “Bring somebody,” Ruiz says. ... Snacks. At Henry Ford, crackers and juice are often available, but patients are encouraged to bring their own. ... Hard candy. ... Lip balm. ... Laptop, iPad or iPhone. ... Knitting. ... Pillow and blanket. ... Reading materials.More items...•Mar 12, 2019
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
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
How many days after chemo do you feel better?
You may experience nausea (feeling like you might throw up) and vomiting (throwing up) after your last chemotherapy treatment. It should go away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your appetite may continue to be affected due to taste changes you may have experienced during your treatment.Feb 7, 2022
How do you feel after the first chemo treatment?
The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.Mar 9, 2022
Why do you have to flush the toilet twice after chemo?
Small amounts of chemotherapy are present in your body fluids and body waste. If any part of your body is exposed to any body fluids or wastes, wash the exposed area with soap and water. People in your household may use the same toilet as you, as long as you flush all waste down the toilet twice with the lid down.
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
How long is a chemo session?
The length of time for chemotherapy regimens can range from 5 minutes to 8 or more hours. It all depends on the chemotherapy. Throughout the chemotherapy, your nurse will come in and check your vitals and make sure you aren't reacting to the medications.Mar 8, 2013
Can you drive yourself after chemo?
Most people can drive themselves to and from chemotherapy sessions. But the first time you may find that the medications make you sleepy or cause other side effects that make driving difficult.Mar 22, 2022
Can I drink on chemo?
Summary. There are potential risks to mixing alcohol with chemotherapy. While alcohol does not appear to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy, it can lead to side effects when combined with certain chemotherapy drugs and/or drugs used to support treatment (such as painkillers and anti-nausea medications).Feb 17, 2022
Can you live a normal life while on chemo?
Some people find they can lead an almost normal life during chemotherapy. But others find everyday life more difficult. You may feel unwell during and shortly after each treatment but recover quickly between treatments. You may be able to get back to your usual activities as you begin to feel better.
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.
What to wear for radiotherapy?
What to wear when you’re having radiotherapy. If you’re having external beam radiotherapy, wear clothes that are comfortable and made of soft fabric, such as cotton or bamboo. Choose clothes that are easy to take off, since you may need to change into a hospital gown or show the area that is being treated. Also, do not wear jewellery, talcum ...
How long does cancer treatment last?
Cancer treatment can go on for months or even years for some people. That’s certainly a long time to wear flimsy and uncomfortable hospital gowns or struggle with unsuitable clothing during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or after surgery.
How long does an IV last?
For some of you, your sessions can last up to 3 to 4 hours, so it’s important that you’re wearing practical and comfortable clothing. Wear a short sleeve, low neck or button-up shirt to make it easier for the treatment technician to put an IV in your arm or a port in your chest – ask your nurse or doctor in advance where your port will be.
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 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 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.
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. .
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.
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 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).
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.
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 wear for chemo?
Many times it's nice to have a support person with you during treatment as well. Wear comfortable clothing . If you will be getting chemotherapy, it is best to wear comfortable clothing .
How to prepare for chemotherapy?
If you are the person responsible for meals, consider making some meals before you begin chemotherapy and freeze them in containers that offer the correct portions.
How to help someone with chemotherapy?
Consider help at home . Many times, your friends and family members want to know what they can do to help you during your chemotherapy. Give them a job - it will help both of you. Some ideas include: 1 Helping with meals 2 Helping with child care 3 Helping with house cleaning 4 Helping with transportation 5 Running errands 6 Keeping you company
