What to Bring with You During Your Chemotherapy Treatment

By Carole McCue

2 min read

Having a cancer diagnosis has been the most frightening event of my life. Even as an experienced RN, I did not know how to prepare for or what to expect. After the initial physical assessment, my oncology nurse started an IV. If I had a port, she would have accessed it for the IV infusion. Pre-medications for anti-nausea, steroids, and other medications to reduce potential side effects may be administered. The following are suggestions that I found helpful and included in my chemo bag.

Wear comfortable clothing

Choose clothes that allow access for the IV insertion, this may be your arm or chest for a port. Consider bringing a sweater, shawl, or blanket as you may feel chilly. I loved bringing a personalized blanket that had pictures of my family. Some patients may bring a small pillow. This was helpful as I would fall asleep after receiving some of the premeds.

During this “downtime”, one can utilize things that relax you. For me, classical music and my favorite music can help calm my nerves. I have a lovely canvas tote with pictures of my granddaughter that I decided to use as my “chemo bag.” I included my iPhone and air buds to which my son was kind enough to download my music. Consider any activity that you find calming. These may include puzzles, crossword puzzles, playing cards, or adult coloring books.

Reading materials

Consider taking your iPad, tablet, laptop, or favorite book. I found reading romance novels enjoyable and it would transport me to an imaginary seaside location.

Journaling or writing may help pass the time which can last for several hours as the chemotherapy infuses. I chronicled my cancer journey, documented my feelings, and hopes as well as including things that I would like to do. Such a list also helped with my chemo brain, as at times I could not remember details.

Companion

I was fortunate to have my husband available to drive and accompany me during my chemotherapy sessions. This was a positive result of the loss of his job. You may choose a friend or close family member to accompany you. Friends and family often welcome any opportunity to help.

Healthy snacks and personal items

Cafeteria food may not be the most appealing. I would bring my favorite snacks. Interesting how I never lost my appetite or a pound. You may like ginger ale and bottled water. Hard candy and Chapstick may help dry mouth or lip sores. Other items you may consider include a toothbrush, soft fluffy socks, lotion, or a scarf.

The above actions helped make my monthly chemotherapy more comfortable. I hope you find them helpful.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Blood-Cancer.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
We mustn't forget those electronic devices. My tablet was my go-to, as the time pushed through.
Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3639606" username="Carole McCue"/> excellent choices. We also brought a laptop and a recharging cord for our phones. Thanks for sharing.
Ramae Hamrin Moderator & Contributor
All of these are very helpful. I mostly just brought my phone, a book, and a water bottle, but when I first went to infusions, I heard about breast cancer patients who were bringing in freezer packs to put on their hands and feet to prevent neuropathy. My oncologist didn't think it would work for my type of chemo (Velcade), but I figured it was worth a shot. Every infusion, I would freeze my hands and feet for 20 minutes before the Velcade injection and 10 minutes afterward. Although it may not have been a coincidence, I never did get peripheral neuropathy, like so many Velcade patients do!
Carole McCue Moderator & Contributor
Ramae, What a great idea. Thank you for sharing. Stay well🙏🏻
Dennis Golden Moderator
Here is what i found to be helpful - 1) My I-pad loaded with a few books 2) a set of headphones 3) My cell phone and along with a music subscription -4 ) A lot of patience 5) and a few snacks . It's amazing how quickly time passes when you listen to music and close your eyes. Dennis( <a href='https://blood-cancer.com' target='_blank'>Blood-Cancer.com</a> TEAM)
HopeAllGoesWell51 Member
I chose to tell my boss, HR and a fellow co-worker that I worked closely with. I spoke up shortly after I was hired on. I did this in preparation that my CLL wait and watch would no longer be that. So within four months of me being at my job. The aforementioned wait and watch had come to an end. As I started chemo everyone was so understanding. I would get chemo one day and show up to work the next. I would endure bone marrow injections and still show up to work the next day. I would get bad news and still show up to work the very next day. I was a loyal employee. I would always show up. And with a smile. All while being exhausted. Apparently, all was not well with me being ill and coming to work still doing my job. What gives? Did they really not want me there? Did they hate seeing me? Was I not welcomed anymore? Please give me a clue. What may have I did wrong? So after all the pats on the back, sympathy smiles and the you’re gonna be ok’s. My boss found a way to pushed me right out of the door. He came to me one day while I was working on a printing machine and said ‘work is slow’. So we all know what that means. Layoff! This man fake layed me off, just so he could fire me in a nice decent way. So that he wouldn’t feel guilty (I guess). I was devastated! So I pushed through. I had to survive off the savings I had. I could not find another job. While still doing chemo, hydration and injections. I am still to this day unemployed and it’s been a whole year since. So I ask is it really worth telling the truth and being loyal?
Trout guy Member
I went through 6 cycles of R-CHOP for DLBCL. The first session I brought my IPad, a book and some fishing magazines. I didn’t know I would be given a very strong Benadryl. The result was that I sleep for most of the next 6 hours. The same thing happened with the next session. With the next four sessions I gave up on reading a book and simply tuned into my IPad and a fishing magazines. I didn’t know not attempt to read anything that required concentration.