10 things to bring to chemo
What to bring to the first chemo treatment
Objects of comfort: An anxiety technique
When anxiety flares, your object becomes something you automatically interact with. Utilise your senses by looking at it, touching it, and manipulating it. By repeatedly rubbing your thumb across the surface of the object, you can distract your mind from anxious thoughts and place it on the object. The result is a decrease in anxiety and a shift in thoughts. By practicing this technique several times a day, you will be able to train your brain to change its focus whenever anxiety flares up.
Chemo survival kit
Comfortable clothing |
Wear a short sleeve or V-neck shirt to make it easier for the treatment technician to put an IV in your arm or a port in your chest. I would always wear my favourite clothes, as this gave me the confidence to leave the house and travel to the treatment centre.
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Journel |
This can be used to write down any important information or used as a hospital passport.
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Comfort | Bring fluffy socks, cosy blanket, scarf, hats or slippers, to help relax you and make you more comfortable. |
Snacks |
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Electronics |
Listening to music or meditations can be a great distraction. |
Water Bottle |
Chemo can be very dehydrating. Drinking lots of liquid before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions can alleviate feelings of nausea and help flush the toxins out of your body more quickly.
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Nausea relief
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Peppermint is great for nausea. Try mints, essential oil, or peppermint tea. Ginger tea and ginger sweets Anti-nausea acupressure wristbands. Aromatherapy. |
Chemotherapy can make your skin extremely sensitive, so look for a fragrance-free cream or moisturiser and you might want to bring some lip balm too. |
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Chemotherapy is notorious for causing a dry mouth or leaving a metallic taste in your mouth. A toothbrush and toothpaste or a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash may be helpful. Or try gels, oral sprays or sweets. |
Prepare more with this blog - 'How to Prepare for Cancer Treatment'