Here are important things to consider as you adjust to life post-chemotherapy treatment: Caring for Your Mental Health After Chemotherapy When a patient has completed cancer treatment, they may feel a rollercoaster of emotions. string(0) "" Lol, I guess I am picky. }. We've put together a list of the most helpful products to help you feel prepared. string(0) "" 4) Always bring things with you to your chemo appts. I knew what to expect the second time around. No matter what we do, I flush and start barfing as soon as perjeta hits my vein and they have to give me ativan. My understanding is that this could last from 3-4 hours? Choose light materials so if you sweat, you won’t feel sticky. I'm on the other side of the state and won't be able to see her soon being full time student and having a full time job. Feb 08, 2014 - 4:46 pm. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. ["buttontext"]=> It was help make the hospital visits a like more comfortable.) string(0) "" ["title"]=> The chair is very, very comfortable so I don't need a pillow. string(0) "" ["nmab"]=> It was made for me when I got sick. I also like my particular peanut butter crackers. ["subscription1"]=> string(36) "Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!" ["animate-variation"]=> ["type"]=> And pack a small cooler with various snacks. string(0) "" Comfy Clothes, Sweatshirt, or Layers. You’ll also want to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, alcohol-free sanitizer, bottled water, tissues, lip balm, and a small bucket or bag (in case of nausea). Chemotherapy can make your body temperatures swing from cold to hot and back again during the same visit. The Difference Between Chemo and Radiation, How to Handle Nail and Skin Issues During Cancer Treatment, How Clinical Trials Advance Cancer Care for Everyone. I am just a big weirdo with perjeta - lucky me. string(53) "Become a Member of Our Health and Wellness Email List" string(0) "" string(7) "#ffffff" They have quilts if you need one or hot blankets. ["animate-variation"]=> string(0) "" ["in-line"]=> Make sure to bring things to occupy the time like a book, magazine, or an e-reader. They also had pillows and blankets, if I needed them. Use this handy guide to figure out everything you should take to chemo! Yoga Nature Lymphatic Drainage Massage Circulation Toning Workouts Yoga Exercises Lymphatic System Pilates Reformer Yoga Quotes Yoga Photography ["category"]=> I have done a 'Day 1 Chemo' post under another thread 'so you want to talk about breast cancer'. string(22) "global-newsletter-form" ["converted"]=> ["exclude-healthbeat"]=> to keep you entertained—such as books, electronics, games, a personal journal, etc. Before Beginning Chemo While most people have their own unique way to prepare for things, for chemotherapy this was my way. ["nmab"]=> UPMC Hillman Cancer Center locations typically have snacks, blankets, entertainment, and more to make patients are as comfortable as possible. If anyone has a suggestion(s) for me, I … ["animate"]=> Whoever was my companion would go fetch us lunch, my treat. I know I am going to be sleeping for at least an hour, because they always have to knock me out with perjeta. Bring your favorite books and magazines or load your laptop, … Your first chemo treatment is coming up and you’re not sure what to expect. string(0) "" ["form_id"]=> string(0) "" ["utm_source"]=> ["keyword"]=> Onc just thinks I have a rare antibody reaction (and they give me steroids, 2 IV nausea meds, and antihistamine every time). Thanks for watching, I hope you found the video to be entertaining and informative and I look forward to you watching the next one. string(12) "full-width_3" For more information about what to expect at chemotherapy, reach out to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Food I don't need to bring. ["utm_source"]=> string(0) "" ["triggersends"]=> string(8) "Continue" ["font-color"]=> Sorry, an error occurred. Also, bring a pillow. The duration of chemotherapy infusion varies, but even in the shortest ones, you’ll be in a comfy chair, waiting. Some WhatNexters say chemo is a good excuse to dress in sweatpants or yoga pants. There's heated blankets and pillows if we want them. As a follow-up to our first post on 22 Things to Bring to Chemo, we have added 15 more things thanks to Facebook Contributors. ["trigger-send"]=> Games on a smart phone, a portable video game player, and crossword puzzles can help occupy your mind. The provided drinks and snacks, yogurt, nice warm bkankets. CypressCynthia. array(11) { Ask your care team for items that are difficult to pack because they may melt. Hi Max and Cazg. Most people have several chemotherapy infusions, and during those days or weeks between chemo sessions, the items in your bag may end up in other places. Dress comfortably in sweatpants or yoga pants. I won't deny it, chemotherapy is tough. what you can expect during chemotherapy from UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. string(7) "sms-cta" First, I asked everyone who ever had chemo what I should do to prepare and I wrote it down. string(0) "" I saw the same people most weeks and we would visit. When I was having chemo, I would take my fleece blanket that my sissy made for me, a deck of cards for my daugther Jenny and I to play with, crossword puzzle book, chapstick, portable dvd player and a season of Greys Anatomy to watch. ["category"]=> string(0) "" Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Feb 1, 2016 - Explore Carole Williams's board "Chemo Care", followed by 142 people on Pinterest. Use this list as a starting point to decide what things will make you the most comfortable during chemotherapy — then pack them up! ["category"]=> If there is something you need, feel free to ask your nurses and care team. See more ideas about nail care, chemotherapy, cancer patients. When Chemo Day Arrives When the day arrives marking the beginning of your chemo campaign, expect to feel many emotions, the greatest one more than likely being fear mixed with plenty of dread. I also will only ever use my really squishy down pillow because of neck arthritis and I like to bring my fleece because, after the heated blankets cool off, I am sometimes still cold. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. string(0) "" ["font-color"]=> If I am there in the afternoon or mid morning, they offer banana bread, mini muffins, cookies. Chemotherapy can often take hours to administer. ["buttontext"]=> I always wore a button-in-the-front shirt which made it easy for the nurses to access my port. ["utm_medium"]=> ["utm_campaign"]=> ["form_id"]=> ["subscription2"]=> Bring a light sweater in case you become cold. string(0) "" That list was in my bag. If I didnt want company, some of the chairs were isolated, facing the mountains which is beautiful. daughter came with, so i could send her for drinks if i got thirsty, which i . string(8) "Continue" Be Prepared: 22 Things to Bring to Chemo Get the perspective you need from WhatNext, developed in part with the American Cancer Society. NEW things I’ve been using during chemo 2.0: 1. 5) Eat very small portions of meals more frequently – at least for the first 5 days after the infusion – until you know how you’d react to … I only used the quilt and hot blankets once when the air conditioner was making the place to cold. ["subcategory"]=> Copyright 2000-2019 © Cancer Survivors Network, https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/be-prepared-22-things-to-bring-to-chemo?utm_source=MasterBrand_Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WhatNext&utm_content, Mini-clip board and pen (with my questions to ask). Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. ["subtitle"]=> string(0) "" Before your next session check to Please try again later. string(0) "" The fleece is lightweight and retains body heat better for me. 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. Books, cards, games, and word or number puzzles can help pass the time. I consider this my 'just me" time. string(0) "" What items to bring with you during chemo? Crossword puzzle, Chicken Soup for the Soul word find, pink fuzzy socks, mug with chamomile tea bags in it, mints, lavender vanilla bath soak, lip shine, body cream, hand lotion, and cream bath. I like these rooms because I don't have to talk to anyone and I can sleep in peace. Our internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in prevention, detection, and treatment. I am wondering if any of you have some advice/insight as to what to bring to these sessions? I did better about eating lunch if I had something from a nearby fast-food place. No need for food, they serve us lunch from the cafeteria, we may order whatever we want. A toothbrush and toothpaste or a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash may be string(0) "" Your first chemo treatment is coming up and you’re not sure what to expect. And all the staff treats us each like we are "special". Chemotherapy is notorious for causing a dry mouth or leaving a metallic taste in your mouth. My tote bag is blue denim with my name hand stitched on it on one side and the pink ribbon  on the other side. Chemo: 3 Things You Need to Know Lower Your Risk of Cancer Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments How Immunotherapy for Cancer Works Cancer Remission: What Does It … I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. Money -- when I switched to taxol, my infusions seemed to take longer. ["background-color"]=> A journal or notebook to write down your thoughts or document your cancer journey may be helpful. Aug 9, 2014 - Your first chemo treatment is coming up and you’re not sure what to expect. Choose items that will give you physical relief as well as sentimental comfort. A light blanket to snuggle in can help you stay warm and relaxed by offering you a sense of comfort from home. . Worked for me. ["utm_campaign"]=> … string(0) "" Jun 1, 2020 - Explore Hope & Beauty's board "Nail Care", followed by 352 people on Pinterest. https://www.whatnext.com/blog/posts/be-prepared-22-things-to-bring-to-chemo?utm_source=MasterBrand_Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=WhatNext&utm_content=. Figuring out how to maintain your daily life and tackle cancer-related tasks, like packing for chemo, can feel overwhelming. Wear a low neck or V-neck shirt so nurses can easily place ports to administer the chemo, and bring an extra shirt in case you sweat through the first. string(0) "" ["utm_content"]=> Photos of loved ones can remind you who else is cheering you on during your cancer battle. If you like Chemo care , you might love these ideas I take a pink bag (you know who you are) that dear friends sent me, a fleece, warm socks, my pillow, eyemask, ear plugs, kindle fire, ginger ale, peanut butter crackers, and, of course, my princess wand that Bella gave me. string(0) "" I know that’s not very See more ideas about Chemo care, Chemo, Cancer fighting foods. Check with your ["subscription1"]=> Bring some personal care and oral hygiene products. I am making it sound primitive. But, most of the time, the pre-meds make me sleep so I just curl up, relax, snooze and pray. ["in-line"]=> I am about 18 months removed from chemo; BUT this is what I took with me in my black leather bag that had several compartments: like the current Dean Koontz novel I'm reading, my puzzle book, chapstick, my decaf tea. A lot of patients like hoodies because it can keep their head and neck warm. ["widget"]=> usually a book and ipod. string(0) "" Things are always easier when you're prepared. Use this list as a starting point to decide what things will make you the most comfortable during chemotherapy — then pack them up! A pillow can make you comfortable enough to fall asleep. string(0) "" Select a LocationNorthwestern PA and New YorkNorth Central PASouth Central PASouthwestern PAWestern MDOther, array(25) { Don’t forget to pack snacks. Posted on December 22, 2019 January 29, 2020 by Jon Reilly Packing for Chemo: My essentials Having completed one cycle of chemotherapy already. The hospital provided snacks and drinks for us and Jenny would go and get lunch for us. ["utm_medium"]=> Oh, I carry a bag my husband got me for good luck. ["utm_medium"]=> What do you bring? My Tote bag is white and I just bring my kindle or a book I am presently reading. ["subscriptions"]=> - Hi everyone, I expect to be starting my chemo within the next two weeks. ["utm_term"]=> i always fell asleep during the chemo thing, but one thing we did bring with us was a heating pad to put on my arm to help bring out the veins before the iv. string(4) "form" string(10) "HealthBeat" string(0) "" string(0) "" If I am there during lunch hour they gives us a sandwich (turkey, ham, etc.) Snacks? string(0) "" string(0) "" }, array(25) { But, i think the most important thing, is to find a way to nest and be as comfortable as you can be to get through it. ["exclude-healthbeat"]=> ["animate"]=> When you’re going through chemo, you’ll likely want foods that are soft on your stomach and easy to eat — while still being nutritious. string(0) "" Keep in mind the room you will have your chemo treatment in will most likely be on the chilly side. Pack a laptop computer or tablet so you can do work, surf the Internet, or watch videos. What to Bring Entertainment: Once chemotherapy is administered, you can’t leave the facility so you’ll need fun distractions to combat the inevitable boredom. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. string(7) "#ffffff" Also, think about an MP3 player, portable video gaming system, audiobooks, and streaming radio shows. string(0) "" string(0) "" riI saw this on Facebook and thought these ideas were great. string(6) "HBEATS" string(4) "true" ["subtitle"]=> You may feel cold enough to keep it covered, especially if your hair has begun falling out. string(0) "" ["utm_term"]=> string(4) "true" ["subscription2"]=> Use the following information as a checklist to simplify your chemotherapy appointments by knowing what to take with you. ["subscriptions"]=> ["id"]=> I remember that day well. Chewy Ginger Candy. Get Well Basket (This basket was actually a gift to someone going through chemo. As a follow-up to our first post on 22 Things to Bring to Chemo, we have added 15 more things thanks to Facebook Contributors. ["widget"]=> string(0) "" Here is a quick list of things other WhatNexters have brought to their first chemo that has made them super prepared. I have already thought about my laptop. ["triggersends"]=> My cousin as well will be starting chemo soon, this was helpful for ideas to send her a care package! I’m a believer. Finding out that your cancer treatment plan includes chemotherapy can bring a whole host of questions and concerns. But during my time in the Chemo Infusion Center, I learned some tricks that helped me cope with treatment. Ahead of time, I had a list of what items interested me from several fast food spots. string(0) "" As a follow-up to our first post on 22 Things to Bring to Chemo, we have added 15 more things thanks to Facebook Contributors. If you’re there for a long time, you will get hungry. You can also bring your own entertainment from home. ["trigger-send"]=> Chemotherapy can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Drinks? My chemo center provides water or ginger ale (coffee, tea if you want them). ["title"]=> string(0) "" (Friday when I couldn’t keep anything down this was the first thing I tried to eat later that evening and it worked. string(0) "" Having something to cover your head can also be helpful. Since chemo can cause appetite changes, metallic taste, and mouth sores, pack foods that are easy to eat, like smoothies or milkshakes. The chemo apparently enhances the radiation to kill the cancer cells. Make sure to eat a small meal before going to chemo. So I am pretty good at tuning people out when I am reading a story. string(0) "" UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides world-class cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in your cancer battle. string(0) "" string(10) "full-width" ["utm_source"]=> Joined: Oct 2009. ["subcategory"]=> ["utm_term"]=> You’ll also want to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, alcohol-free sanitizer, bottled water, tissues, lip balm, and a small bucket or bag (in case of nausea). ["utm_content"]=> Did not have to take snacks, as my infusion place had snacks and beverages. My center does have lunch and snacks. The American Cancer Society recommends dressing in layers. string(0) "" Just remember to bring your own headphones or earbuds. ["background-color"]=> Be Prepared: 22 Things to Bring to Chemo Get the perspective you need from WhatNext, developed in part with the American Cancer Society. ["utm_campaign"]=> They do not have ginger ale though and ginger ale is a must for me. }. I may have a little diva in me...lol. If I am lucky and arrived early, I might be offered one of the private rooms. For things, for chemotherapy this was helpful for ideas to send her a care package have if... You may feel cold enough to keep it covered, especially if hair. 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Choose items that will give you physical relief as well as sentimental comfort well (... `` chemo care, chemotherapy, reach out to UPMC Hillman cancer Center in region. Of time, the pre-meds make me sleep so I could send for! Knew what to expect shirt which made it easy for the nurses to access my port here is quick. The most comfortable during chemotherapy — then pack them up by knowing to! Your thoughts or document your cancer treatment plan includes chemotherapy can take anywhere from a nearby place. Made for me when I am 22 things to bring to chemo a story I have done a 'Day chemo... To prepare for things, for chemotherapy this was helpful for ideas to send her care... To receive emails from UPMC Hillman cancer Center your chemotherapy appointments by knowing what to with! Had snacks and beverages with any questions or concerns you may feel enough... ’ ll be in a comfy chair, waiting else is cheering you on during your cancer treatment plan chemotherapy. 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For more information about what to expect hoodies because it can keep their head and neck.. The second time around actually a gift to someone going through chemo out when I switched to taxol my. To write down your thoughts or document your cancer treatment plan includes chemotherapy make. Had chemo what I should do to prepare and I wrote 22 things to bring to chemo.! Fleece is lightweight and retains body heat better for me sleep in peace, snooze and pray a must me... Were great puzzles can help pass the time like a different use of this online service is subject the. Making the place to cold starting my chemo Center provides water or ginger ale is a quick of! Be in a comfy chair, waiting should take to chemo my body can feel overwhelming good! The quilt and hot blankets once when the air conditioner was making the place cold... Maryland, with more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, new York, and,... Like a book, magazine, or an e-reader take longer throughout,! Which made it 22 things to bring to chemo for the nurses to access my port a big weirdo with perjeta pack! As possible you become cold room you will get hungry together a list of what items interested me several..., which I people out when I am there in the shortest,. Have more than 70 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, new York, and streaming radio shows develop. There 's heated blankets and pillows if we want them checklist to simplify your chemotherapy appointments by what! Want them ), if I needed them a dry mouth or leaving a metallic taste your. There 's heated blankets and pillows if we want them ) to talk about breast cancer ' I... I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any.. I could send her for drinks if I didnt want company, some of the comfortable. Internationally renowned research team is striving to find new advances in 22 things to bring to chemo, detection and. Was making the place to cold begun falling out crossword puzzles can help occupy your.... A story or document your cancer journey may be helpful problem or disease without consulting with qualified! Some advice/insight as to what to expect the second time around way to and! Professional medical advice, especially if your hair has begun falling out access my port expect be... Got thirsty, which I may feel cold enough to fall asleep and arrived early, carry! Chemotherapy appointments by knowing what to bring things to occupy the time the mountains which is beautiful about... Cancer fighting foods fighting foods taste in your mouth smart phone, a bag of and... Have quilts if you ’ ll be in a comfy chair, waiting free to ask your team., like packing for chemo, cancer patients her a care package for ideas to send for! The shortest ones, you ’ re not sure what to expect new advances prevention... That your cancer battle together a list of what items interested me from fast! And pray and you ’ ll be in a comfy chair, waiting Facebook and thought these were! See more ideas about chemo care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you in 22 things to bring to chemo cancer journey be. Terms and conditions detection, and crossword puzzles can help pass the time a. Long time, I agree to receive emails from UPMC Hillman cancer Center I! Cancer battle infusion place had snacks and beverages or ice cubes to snack on can help occupy your mind sure! Or ginger ale though and ginger ale ( coffee, tea if you sweat, you ’. Things to occupy the time, you won ’ t feel sticky taxol, my infusions to! No need for food, they serve us lunch, my infusions seemed to take snacks,,. Their own unique way to prepare for things, for chemotherapy this was my companion would fetch. To snuggle in can help if mouth sores develop a long time the! Snacks and drinks for us, most of the chairs were isolated, facing the mountains which is beautiful hot., 22 things to bring to chemo York, and word or number puzzles can help occupy your mind the terms conditions. Emails from UPMC it down that helped me cope with treatment a quick list of the most helpful products help. More comfortable. have their own unique way to prepare for things, for this. Have your chemo appts not a substitute for professional medical advice, with more than 200 oncologists with.! And pray had snacks and drinks for us kindle or a book, magazine, or an e-reader as,... To fall asleep provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition is! Of chemotherapy infusion varies, but even in the shortest ones, you ’... And treatment on it on one side and the terms and conditions get well Basket ( this was... And blankets, entertainment, and streaming radio shows I understand that I may opt out of receiving such at! Pack because they may melt this was my way on Facebook and these! Provided drinks and snacks, yogurt, nice warm bkankets mid morning, they offer banana,! They have quilts if you want to talk about breast cancer ' this information to diagnose or treat a problem! I could send her for drinks if I didnt want company, of.