It's not easy experiencing these miserable symptoms, especially when they can last so long, but it's also not easy watching loved ones go through this! I've created a list of products I've found that helped me. Whether you are looking for things to prepare for your own treatment, or you know of someone going through chemotherapy who may need a care package delivered, check out my list below of products I LOVE!
1. Hats
Before treatment, I was in search of a hat to prepare myself for the inevitable hair loss I was about to experience...in New England....in the winter. Brr! I wanted something fashionable, yet subtle, that would keep me warm, and keep me feeling as normal as possible. I took a risk and found these on amazon for $20. They are perfect! They come in several different colors, they're light-weight to wear indoors and outside, and super comfortable.
Headcovers Unlimited Slouchy Snood-Caps for Women
When you go into the infusion room for treatment day, prepare to be there for the long haul, especially for your first one. Bring things to occupy your time (books, coloring books, cards, snacks!!) and it won't seem so bad! Of course with all of these goodies, you'll need a cute bag to bring with you! One with pockets is nice, and maybe a zip top? This one by Chanasya on Amazon is a great gift set!
Chanasya 5-piece Positive Energy Healing Thoughts
9. Coloring Books
What do you do with so many hours sitting in one chair? Drift back to your earlier, childhood days and COLOR! There are so many adult coloring books out there, but I have received some of the MOST perfectly inappropriate ones as gifts from some pretty awesome people. Thank you, and you're welcome.
Fuck Cancer
Suck It Cancer
Maybe Swearing Will Help
10. Scarves
Whether you already rocked a pixie cut and are used to being cold before chemo, or if you're more familiar with long locks keeping your neck warm and sweaty, you are going to need something to keep your neck warm. Maybe it's just because I'm in the middle of another bitter New England winter, but I find myself even walking around the house in a scarf! Not only will you lose hair on your head, but all of those little (or not so little?) hairs covering your entire body will be effected. You may not lose every little one, but there will definitely be much less of them, and you will need to compensate for this..... at least in between your hot flashes 😝
11. Instant Camera
Of course all of these items I've listed so far are great, and help combat the miserable side effects of cancer, but you know what else does? SMILING! There is so much stigma and negativity around cancer. I mean, why not? It's an awful disease and by no means should we play it off as something that is okay. BUT if we forget about who we were before cancer, or what we loved to do or where we liked to go, then we are letting cancer win. This cannot happen. I don't know about you, but I am NOT going to be defeated by this thing, and damnit, I am going to keep smiling! Get your friend a camera. Even if it's disposable (do they make those anymore?), do ANYTHING to keep them smiling!
My dear friend sent me a Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and it was one of the most amazing things. That night, my family and I took the silliest photos and had a blast! I love the perfect imperfections of instant film. These will be happy memories we will cherish forever.
12. Flare!
Because why be boring, when you could let the world know how fabulous you are!? Whether it's an inspirational t-shirt, cute bracelet, or flashy keychain...show it off with pride! Stand out! You are amazing and it's about time everyone knew it!
She Believed She Could, So She Did T-Shirt
For a warmer hat to wear outside, I strongly urge you to check out Love Your Melon! (Shoutout to my sister for introducing me to this brand) They are super warm and comfortable, and the best part - 50% of their profit goes to supporting the fight against pediatric cancer!!
2. Lotion, lotion, lotion!
You guys, I received so many bottles of lotion from people when they found out I was going through chemo treatment! I never thought I would ever use it all, but, honestly, it's been the best thing! I have a bottle ready wherever I need it. I keep one in my bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, purse, diaper bag, car. It's great! Especially in the winter!
3. Vaseline
I have literally been using this stuff everyday, all day long to keep my lips from cracking! It is better than any other lip balm or chapstick out there!!
4. Water Bottle - HYDRATE!!
Everyone should carry their own water bottle around, anyways...BUT it is super important to stay hydrated during your chemotherapy treatment! This poison attacks all of your fast-dividing cells, aka: your hair, skin, and nails. Hydration will help combat these side effects! I prefer a water bottle with a spout, like the Contigo Autospout. The stainless steel keeps the water the temperature I like it, and it's very easy to clean!
5. Soft bristle tooth brush
A couple days after treatment, I will notice my mouth becoming extra sensitive. The taste is very odd, almost metallic, and it feels very raw. Luckily, I have not been dealing with mouth sores like some people do (fingers crossed!), but it is very frustrating when your mouth does not feel right. I used to use a pulsar toothbrush, but soon found that I needed something softer. I opted for a cheap, soft bristle toothbrush that was gentle on my gums. Brush frequently!
6. Heating Pad
Have you ever had bone pain? I didn't even know what to imagine when the doctors told me that could be a side effect. If you're like me, after your chemotherapy is administered, they will give you a Neulasta auto-injector for your arm. After 27 hrs, it will inject you automatically with a bone marrow stimulant to help your body make white blood cells. After a couple of days, your bones will definitely feel this boost, and it may hurt. It's shocking at first, but becomes more bearable with each treatment as you know what to expect. I experience the pain in my chest and back, and heating pads, along with pillows for support, helps me with the discomfort while laying down.
7. Journal/Planner
With cancer come a LOT of appointments, a lot of medications, and a lot of things to simply write down to remember! I was always one to put reminders in my phone, but I have been finding it much easier to pencil everything in with an actual planner. It's also quite therapeutic to cross things off that I've done! I'll even jot down any symptoms I'm having or things I do each day so I can reflect back to compare how I'm feeling at my next treatment.
8. Tote Bag
When you go into the infusion room for treatment day, prepare to be there for the long haul, especially for your first one. Bring things to occupy your time (books, coloring books, cards, snacks!!) and it won't seem so bad! Of course with all of these goodies, you'll need a cute bag to bring with you! One with pockets is nice, and maybe a zip top? This one by Chanasya on Amazon is a great gift set!
Chanasya 5-piece Positive Energy Healing Thoughts
9. Coloring Books
What do you do with so many hours sitting in one chair? Drift back to your earlier, childhood days and COLOR! There are so many adult coloring books out there, but I have received some of the MOST perfectly inappropriate ones as gifts from some pretty awesome people. Thank you, and you're welcome.
Fuck Cancer
Suck It Cancer
Maybe Swearing Will Help
10. Scarves
Whether you already rocked a pixie cut and are used to being cold before chemo, or if you're more familiar with long locks keeping your neck warm and sweaty, you are going to need something to keep your neck warm. Maybe it's just because I'm in the middle of another bitter New England winter, but I find myself even walking around the house in a scarf! Not only will you lose hair on your head, but all of those little (or not so little?) hairs covering your entire body will be effected. You may not lose every little one, but there will definitely be much less of them, and you will need to compensate for this..... at least in between your hot flashes 😝
11. Instant Camera
Of course all of these items I've listed so far are great, and help combat the miserable side effects of cancer, but you know what else does? SMILING! There is so much stigma and negativity around cancer. I mean, why not? It's an awful disease and by no means should we play it off as something that is okay. BUT if we forget about who we were before cancer, or what we loved to do or where we liked to go, then we are letting cancer win. This cannot happen. I don't know about you, but I am NOT going to be defeated by this thing, and damnit, I am going to keep smiling! Get your friend a camera. Even if it's disposable (do they make those anymore?), do ANYTHING to keep them smiling!
My dear friend sent me a Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 and it was one of the most amazing things. That night, my family and I took the silliest photos and had a blast! I love the perfect imperfections of instant film. These will be happy memories we will cherish forever.
12. Flare!
Because why be boring, when you could let the world know how fabulous you are!? Whether it's an inspirational t-shirt, cute bracelet, or flashy keychain...show it off with pride! Stand out! You are amazing and it's about time everyone knew it!
She Believed She Could, So She Did T-Shirt
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