What to Take to Chemo: 9 Must-Haves for a Chemo Treatment Bag

Caregiver & Patient Support

February 12, 2018

Chemotherapy can be scary. As you approach your first chemo treatment, you will have a hundred things running through your mind. How short or long your chemo session will take varies from patient to patient. There is no way of knowing how long your particular treatment will last. It is important to come prepared with your handy chemotherapy bag, full of things to keep you occupied and comfortable.

1. Entertainment

Boredom is a specific side-effect of a hospital stay. Bring some things along with you to keep you occupied. This could be a board game to play with visitors, a game to play on a tablet or phone, a book to read, a coloring book or sketch pad, music, movies, or anything that you may find entertaining.

2. Comfortable Clothes

You should be prepared to stay in the clothing that you wear to the appointment. Wearing clothes that you are going to feel comfortable in will make your session more enjoyable. Sweatpants and a sweatshirt are the ideal clothing combo to wear. You should also consider the fact that some infusion medicines can make you feel chilly. Pack a warm hat and bring a few extra layers to throw on in case you begin to get the chills during your stay.

3. Pillow or Blanket

It would be smart for you to bring along a blanket and pillow from home. This will ensure your comfort when resting. Surrounding yourself with a pillow and blanket from home can make you feel more at home in the hospital while also keeping you warm and comfortable.

4. Hard Candy

Chemo treatment can cause you to have dryness in your mouth. Hard candy is a great way to combat this issue! Ginger candies and lemon drops are a great way to moisten your mouth while also satisfying your sweet tooth and battling against nausea.

5. Snacks

You are going to get hungry. There is a chance that you may not enjoy any food that the hospital has to offer. This is why bringing snacks along that you enjoy is important. This will help to cure your hunger with something that you personally enjoy.

6. Water

After your chemo treatment, you may begin to experience headaches and dehydration issues. Water can help to lessen the headaches by keeping you hydrated. Water will also help your body to naturally flush out the toxins that are present in chemo drugs.

7. Dental Hygiene Products

Chemotherapy can easily cause mouth dryness along with leaving a horrible taste in your mouth from the treatment. A toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash can help to wash out the nasty taste in your mouth.

8. Lip Balm

There are some specific chemo drugs that are notorious for drying out your skin and lips. Chapped lips can be painful and just flat out annoying! Help yourself out by bringing along some lip balm to help out those dried lips.

9. Body Lotion

With dry skin being a potential issue for you as well, you may want to bring some body lotion. Make sure to look for lotions that are recommended for sensitive skin. This will help to soothe your irritated skin.

Chemotherapy is scary. Knowing what to bring to your treatment will help you feel more prepared for the unexpected. Follow these tips on what to bring, and you will show up to your chemo treatment with a little more peace of mind.