My Chemotherapy Essentials 2020
*Making this post because over the years I’ve been asked my opinions about what to do/have/give to/for someone going through chemo. My hope is this is helpful and can be used as a checklist. It is a “living” list that can be modified to your liking.
*FYI I had chemotherapy treatments once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, from July 12, 2012 - October 25, 2012 (which was almost 8 years ago 🙌🏾). I will also say I believe I still have “brain fog” aka “chemo brain” sometimes I forget things. But I hope this list is thorough enough and provides good tips!
**These are my views/recommendations and yours could vary. I also added commentary with my tips 😉**
*My Recommendation: all items should be fragrance free and all body products should be free of chemicals; the key is simple ingredients and “7 free” items - avoid harsh chemicals!
*FOR BATH/BODY & CLOTHES (Accessories):
**Wear what makes you comfortable**
•Lip gloss or balm (fragrance free) - i.e. Burts Bees original or Chapstick brand original (I preferred cherry just because I that was always my go it)
•Vaseline
•Aquaphor ointment
•Bio Oil
•Soap (fragrance free) - I preferred Dove brand
•Sunscreen - SPF 50 or above
•Body Pillow (mine was ESSENTIAL, amazing and a huge comfort)
•Slippers “house shoes” (with grips, comfortable and open or closed toe)
•Wig(s) - (if preferred, but hot flashes or scalp irritation could occur) - I had 2 wigs I barely wore because of those things but I wanted the option.
•Hats (Baseball caps “Dad hats”, floppy hats, your choice)
•Scarves or head wraps (for if/when you become bald) - soft materials/washable
•Zip Hoodie and or open front jacket (Long story short - despite my hot flashes I had on with me for ALL my Doctors appointments and treatments at the hospital. I always carried one because those places are notoriously cold and my Mother would always recommend it (she never left home even when it was over 80 degrees, lol!)
•Lounge wear - especially pants, leggings, joggers (Comfortable/cozy/soft/loose)
•Tank Tops - (I hoarded Old Navy ones 😬) - because of hot flashes I wanted to wear as less clothes as possible and they were affordable and carry a variety of patterns!
•Button up/front shirts or jackets (easy on/off)
•Uggs (“Baby Clouds are what I called them) - easy to wear and comfortable outdoor shoes
•Sneakers (tennis shoes) - slip-ons are great, comfort is key!
•Socks and or Slipper Socks (soft, comfortable)
*Pajamas: (separates or one pieces, gowns) cotton, satin, or silky materials - button front, shorts or long pants
*FOOD & DRINKS:
**Be mindful that taste buds can/will change and your mouth may be sensitive, sores could form**
•Large stainless steel water bottle (i.e. Bubba or similar brand, I carried around a purple 64-72oz Bubba water bottle jug)
**You have to stay hydrated! Drink LOTS of water!**
•Reusable Straw - metal/glass
•Apple Sauce
•Saltine Crackers
•Peanut Butter Crackers
•Jello/gelatin
•Shaved Ice/Italian Ice
•Pudding
•Comfort Foods (whatever makes you feel good & full) I loved carbs! My favs were mashed potatoes, pasta, soup and also turkey sandwiches 😋
•Nothing raw (fruit & veggies NEED to be thoroughly cleaned)
•Avoid porous foods (fruits and veggies - i.e. strawberries) that aren’t easy to be cleaned
•Ginger ale
•Apple Juice (100% juice)
*Orange Juice (100% juice)
•Mints (soft or hard)
•Candy (something to combat dry mouth) - nothing spicy or sour!
•Protein shakes (fruit and or plant based)
•Ensure (or similar)
*FOR YOUR COMFORT:
•Soft blanket (fleece or Sherpa)
•Portable/Table Fan (and a mini one for your bag i.e. battery operated or hand held, accordion - “Asian/Chinese” fans were my go to)
•FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT:
•iPad/tablet (for games, reading or watching movies)
•Books (Bible, Inspirational, Self Help, Humor)
•Magazines
•Laptop
•Movies: DVDs, streaming services (Netflix, HULU, etc.)
•Music (your favorite variety): music player, stereo, Alexa or similar device
•Headphones - wireless are great, ear pods (AirPods or similar)
•Journal/Notebook with ink pen (put your thoughts, prayers, hopes & dreams on paper)
•Adult coloring books (colored pencils, markers)
•Encouraging words: greeting cards or letters from family or friends, scriptures, posters, etc.
*Keep a positive attitude, prayers, sense of humor and FAITH!! All those things got me through; as well as my strong support system. Know that you GOT THIS!! I’m rooting for you!! 🙏🏾❤️
~Jess
5.12.2020
(*Sidenote: Happy Birthday to my big bro!! One of the awesome members of my support system and my first best friend EVER! Love you SMS jr.!!)