What is in your chemo bag?

[hollyblueivy]

I’d like to buy some things that will be useful helpful or just nice for them to have during chemo treatment. What is in your bag?

I know they have their own blanket already. I was going to get some cuticle oil for nails and a dry mouth spray. What about lip balm or snacks or sweets to help with dry mouth or sickness?

Thanks

I was about to start a thread asking the same, I want to get friend something useful and just to let her know I’m thinking of her at this horrible time.

i have heard black nail varnish can help protect the nails but will also get the cuticle oil.

I’ve been looking at the frozen gel socks and gloves but I am not sure whether they would use these.

From personal experience, I finished chemo in January, it can be really hit and miss what people need or fancy!
For example, my nails fared absolutely fine whereas I know others who lost some.
Some sweets my mum got me just made me feel even more nauseous.
It really does depend on how well you know this person and their likes during treatment.
I got a couple of puzzle books, which is something I’d never normally do but I couldn’t focus on anything else like a book for long.
I also had quite strange taste buds but that also changed with each cycle.
Maybe ask your friend/relative?

You also have to be careful with mouth sprays etc and generally go with those recommended by their treatment team.

Someone bought me some moogoo toiletries which have been great.

It’s all very individual and changes cycle to cycle. Mouth rinses etc are generally provided by the hospital.

Why not ask the person themself, as everyone is different.

I’m on chemo and it’s battering me. You need to play it by ear.

I would be careful with nail varnish, I wasn't allowed to wear it during chemo. Lemon barley water is my biggest tip - chemo made weeing painful but lemon barley water helped. Also second asking the person, I have tonnes of stuff still hanging around my house that was gifted to me by well meaning friends x

Different chemos have different side effects and varies by person what they get and prefer to take. I was on one which caused neuropathy so I took ice, frozen peas, ice lollies, special gloves and socks, coolbox but other than that just took hand gel. Food and drink was provided. Didn't use nail varnish and had no issues, though did have ice on hands. Anything medical is best with oncologist or professional advice. I would ask them. Our hospital was also incredibly hot so no blanket needed. Had chemo caps but very individual.

Sometimes people appreciate something they would normally like so you see them as a person not a chemo patient. Some don't like too much at chemo as it can bring bad associations but others bring loads.

I found hand and body creams quite good for use at home. I was quite drowsy during the actual chemotherapy. Lovely of you to think of you friend. The nicest thing for me was when people asked how I was feeling and just listened without being positive or that sounds like it's going well phrases. Though take your cue from them if they are talking very positively then do the same. If not then listening and kindness is good, just sorry it's so awful. I found wildlife like puffins at the time of mine which was similar time of year.

A decent water/drinks bottle. I have to drink alot.

Comfy socks?

Perhaps a hamper of quality biscuits? My appetite is up and down but have to eat something before taking meds and ginger biscuits meet this brief..

Someone sends me a book every month. I love them for that.
Someone drives me to hospital on Weds - I enjoy our chats.

I also love the What's App messages friend ssend ( no expectation of replies) and photos of their pets/garden/walks etc. I think I really really appreciate the time people give me

A selection of different snacks. It can be so variable what I fancy so a few different types is really good. Dried mango, ginger biscuits, chocolate bars, flapjacks etc. Gin gin chews are really good and glacier mints.

In my chemo bag, I usually have - little packets of tissues, mini hand sanitiser. A zip up bag to carry all my boxes of medication. Folder to carry paperwork. A long charging cable for my phone. A nice big water bottle.

Puzzle books or a new book - some cycles I’m very sleepy and can’t manage reading anything while others I have loved reading a physical book.

A lot of friends bought be some gorgeous hampers at the very beginning of treatment - my favourite was from Treat Box and had lots of little nice things. Maybe avoid the obvious though as since being diagnosed, I’ve received 15 pairs of fluffy socks, 10 tubes of hand cream and quite a few face masks that I couldn’t use because my skin was so sensitive.

As another poster has said, regular “I’m thinking of you” or “well done, another one down” check ins are REALLY appreciated. Cancer can be really isolating and lonely so having reminders that people are thinking of you is so nice and helps keep your spirits up.

Having been thru it for the past few years and depending on your budget my favourite present was a port/Picc line friendly top. I’d wear those super elastic uniqlo vests and the port top and be warm and cosy without showing much during the winter.
other things: big soft handbag filled slippers, ipad, my own pillow, a giant water bottle full of weak fruit tea (I was advised on 2-3lt of water on the days to flush the meds faster off my system.) snacks. Lip balm and hand cream.

I like the sound of the top - do you have a link please as I googled it and it just bought up vest tops.

https://portoandbello.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorrzepJJsSrhzOeQNxuY7j9ytOU96Kt5x5GVi4OwEf5QNWqjlYM
are my favourite but if you google chemo port picc tops there are plenty. Also, there are some charities that offer them too.
Also, register your friend or tell her to do on the Little Lifts charity. They sent you cancer friendly cosmetics and treats that are good for when you’re having treatment.
indiscover Moo Goo Udder Cream and it was a saviour during radiation.

Honestly all I wanted was a blanket and water. You get very drowsy and cold during treatment so you just want to sleep.
Maybe a hot water cup so they can have a warm drink during