Chemo Essentials

In the last post I shared 10 Great Gift Ideas for giving to loved ones in cancer treatment. In this post I am introducing the 10 essentials to bring or use during chemotherapy. Here is a link to the page: 10 Essentials to have during Chemotherapy. These are all items that I found helpful during chemotherapy treatment whether it was part of the recovery or items I would bring to the infusion center.

 As I mentioned before, my chemo infusions typically lasted 6-8 hours, mostly due to using the Cold Cap, which turned it into an all day adventure. For chemo I would bring a small roller suitcase filled with all the items that I needed. A few items that are not included on the list are snacks, reusable water bottle, a good book, music, movies or shows on your table or laptop. I also recommend bringing a phone charger with a very long cord and charger for your computer or tablet.

Thinking of you blanket

The items I share are all items I have used or purchased myself to help me through my chemo infusions. The above blanket image is one example from my Chemo Essential list. I was gifted this blanket that and think of my friend who gave it to me every time I use it. Blankets are always a great way to send a hug. Here is the link to see the rest of the items included on my list.

Do not feel embarrassed by bringing in a small suitcase or several bags with your stuff, trust me there will be other patients doing the same thing. Especially if you do cold cap, that stuff will take up their own bag. It is important that you feel as comfortable as you can during your chemo treatments. For me I found comfort in being able to bring my own blanket, headphones and snacks. 

The goal of this post is to share with others items that I found to make the chemo infusions a bit less miserable. 

Thank you for continuing to follow my journey. Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

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    Chemotherapy? Don’t Leave Home Without These Essentials.

    10 Essentials to Bring to Chemo Treatments

    In the last post I shared 10 Great Gift Ideas for loved ones indergoing cancer treatment. In this post I will be sharing items that I found helpful especially during chemo treatment.

    As I mentioned before, my chemo infusions typically lasted 6-8 hours, mostly due to using the Cold Cap. For chemo I would bring a small roller suitcase filled with all the items that I needed. A few items that are not included are snacks, reusable water bottle, good book, music, movies or shows on your tablet or laptop. I also recommend bringing extended cord chargers for your phone and computer or tablet. 

    Thank you for following my journey through cancer treatment. Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season!

    Aquaphor Healing Ointment: 

    Everything for me was super dry and Aquaphoe was the only thing that helped. Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant, Dry Skin Body Moisturizer, Multi-Purpose Healing Ointment, For Dry, Cracked Skin & Minor Cuts & Burns, 14 Oz Jar. 

    Slip Pillowcase:

    These have been a game changer for me and I will not sleep with one. The goal of silk pillowcases is to reduce the friction and tugging on your hair, therefore limiting the amount of hair loss. This is great for people going through chemo or even after chemo as they are trying to reduce hair loss. I mentioned these in my last post as their are a favorite of mine. 

    Silk Sleep Mask:

    Great to have one at home at your bedside and another in your chemo bag for the much needed chemo naps.

    Contains 2 100% Real Natural Pure Silk Eye Mask with Adjustable Strap. 

    Fleece Lined Beanie: 

    There was no better feeling than being able to remove the cold cap. My hair would often still be damp and my head sensitive, so wearing a warm fleece lined beanie felt amazing!

    Reusable Cold Therapy Socks & Boots:

    A lot of people highly recommended I use cold therapy for my hands and feet during chemo. Similar to cold cap, this is used to reduce or eliminate neuropathy that can be a side effect of chemo. Neuropathy is weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage. Here is a link from Cleveland Clinic to learn more about neuropathy. 

    This package comes with a pair of mittens and a pair of sock booties. It also comes with 6 reusable gel packs for the socks and 4 reusable gel packs for the mittens. 

    Humidifier:

    During chemo, one of the main side effects I suffered from was dryness of my sinuses and nose and nose bleeds. Using a humidifier during the day and a night was very helpful. I like the Leviot because you can control it from your phone and has options to set the level of humidity and flow.  I still use mine almost every night, especially in the winter with the cold dry air.

    Aveeno Baby Shampoo & Body Wash: 

    Aveeno baby shampoo and body wash was my favorite to use during chemo on my hair and body. The scent was mild and very gentle on my hair and body, while still moisturizing. During cold cap is important to use a shampoo that does  NOT contain sulfates, phthalates, paragons or any other harsh chemicals. 

    Journal:

    Keeping a journal or notebook was very helpful to me. I used one to track any new symptoms or medications, especially since I didn’t have the brain capacity to keep track on my own. I like this one because you can choose if you want it ruled, blank, dotted, or squared and the pages are numbered. I chose a size that was easily carried in my bag. 

    Over the Ear Headphones:

    Over the ear headphones were something I brought with me to every chemo infusion. Over the ear was much easier to use during cold cap as I was not able to use earbuds or inner ear headphones since the cold cap covered my entire head and ears. I highly encourage watching a movie or favorite show to help keep your mind distracted and pass the time. 

    It is not essential to get this particular pair of headphones, but these happen to be the newest version of the ones I have. Cordless is very helpful, so you don’t have to worry about another cord tangling in the IV line. I also really like that they are noise canceling, so you can really tune out the infusion clinic noise.

    Thinking of You Blanket:

    Show your loved ones you are sending them a big cozy hug. This blanket is super cozy and great for someone while they are resting at home on the couch or something they can take to chemo and think about the family and friends who support them.

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