Packing a Bag For Chemotherapy: What to bring?

Here are Dr. Singhal’s recommendations on what to pack to make chemotherapy more comfortable

Preparing for chemotherapy is a lot like packing for a vacation in the sense that you want to bring enough gear to accommodate every situation and most people end up bringing a lot of things they never end up using. Now, it’s not a bad thing to overpack if you don’t have to haul your bag very far, or if you have someone else to haul it for you, but remember chemotherapy can be draining and you’ll have to leave with everything you brought. To help you find your sweet spot on what’s necessary and what’s not Dr. Singhal has put together this list of favorite items that cancer patients have in their chemotherapy bags.

First and Foremost Bring a Positive Attitude

Before you go running around stressing about what to bring to your chemo treatment, remember that one of the most important elements of comfortably enduring chemotherapy is a positive attitude. Chemotherapy is an exhausting process and requires a strong and dedicated mind to make it through the ups and downs that come with it. Don’t be caught off guard. Educate yourself on the side effects of cancer and chemotherapy, prepare for the worst and strive for the best. And don’t forget to make time to do the things you love as much as possible.

When You Can’t Really Do Much, There’s Music

Music, music, music. Music is one of the best ways to pleasantly pass time without having to exert any energy at all. Music can uplift your mood, transport you to your happy place, calm your nerves, help you access meditative states, or sooth you into a nice deep sleep. Make a couple playlists for whatever mood may strike you during your chemo treatment. Chemo treatments can last for hours, so ask your friends if they can recommend anything you haven’t heard before as treatment sessions are a great opportunity to explore new music.

Clothes and Blankets

Layers of clothes are important to bring, but they’re also where people tend to overpack. Hospitals can be cold and chemotherapy can make people feel cold as well so be sure to bring something like a warm cozy blanket, a hoodie or scarf. Some people like to bring fuzzy socks, slippers and hats as well. The cozier you can get the better, so go ahead and bring a pillow, too. Whatever clothes you do choose, keep in mind the nurse will have to access your chemo port so looser is typically better.

Entertaining an Active Mind

Some people prefer to keep their minds engaged during chemotherapy treatment to help pass the time and fight against “chemobrain”. Sudoku puzzles, journaling, drawing, coloring, and creative writing can help keep the mind sharp. Journaling helps with the processing of emotions, digesting of experiences, and tends to be an excellent distraction. Download some games on a phone or tablet to help pass time or engage the mind depending on energy levels. A classic book or a couple magazines can do the trick as well... or they can also tire you out for a nice nap, whatever comfortably passes the time.

Entertaining a Calm or Tired Mind 

Some people find that when they’re going to be stuck in the same place for an extended period of time the best way to endure it is unconsciously. If you plan on sleeping during your chemotherapy bring a nice pillow, maybe an eye cover, and some earplugs or headphones. Load up a laptop, tablet or cell phone with a selection of movies or a TV series you’ve been meaning to binge watch. Don’t forget your charger! Watching movies and using the internet on portable devices tends to drain the batteries faster than normal use.

Snacks

Moods and appetites can vary throughout the cancer treatment process so be sure to bring a small assortment of your favorite snacks in your chemotherapy bag. It’s common for cancer patients to report a metallic taste during chemotherapy so bring some mint-flavored gum or acidic beverages like lemonade which are reported to mask metallic flavors in the mouth. Chewing ice or eating popsicles can also help with diffusing metallic tastes. Sucking on frozen foods also encourages saliva production to aid with any dry mouth, and finally, the cold constricts blood vessels in the mouth which can prevent chemo-related mouth sores. In between these snacks, Dr. Singhal also recommends using  Cinnamon Breath Spray, a completely alcohol-free breath refresher made specifically to fight bacteria that cause bad breath while leaving a fresh and lasting taste in your mouth.

Comfort is the Name of the Game

Whether it’s your favorite book, movie, food, sweatshirt, socks, blanket or your best friend the overall goal of a good chemotherapy bag and a positive treatment session is to bring enough comfort objects to endure the fluctuating moods of a 5-8 hour period in the hospital. It’s always good to have more choices rather than less. As you find what objects suit your chemo treatment best you can start leaving certain things at home, but always remember to bring a positive healing attitude.