10 items to pack in your chemo bag

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

When it comes to chemotherapy, we know that the experience can be overwhelming. However, packing a dedicated chemo kit with soothing, practical items can significantly reduce your anxiety levels, making it easier to manage the physical and emotional side effects that cancer treatment brings.

Essentials for Your Chemo Care Package

Comfortable Clothing: To make it easier for the technician to place an IV or access a chest port, wear short sleeves or a V-neck shirt. Treatment centres can often be chilly due to air conditioning, so layers are key. My top tip: Wear your favourite clothes; it can provide a much-needed boost of confidence when leaving the house.
Journaling for Mental Clarity: Keeping a journal is a powerful tool during chemotherapy treatment. Use it to process your emotions, maintain a hospital passport, or log critical information from your oncology appointments.
Personal Comfort Items: Transform your clinical environment by bringing fluffy socks, a cozy blanket, a scarf, or slippers. These "home comforts" help your nervous system stay in a relaxed state.
Nourishing Snacks: Treatment can be long and may cause fluctuations in blood sugar or nausea. Pack a light lunch and snacks. For ideas on what stays down best, read 'What food to eat when feeling nauseous.'
Electronics & Distractions: Meditations, movies, or even scrolling through holiday photos can distract your brain from anxious thoughts. These act as a "cognitive shield" against the clinical sounds of the ward.
Strategic Hydration: Chemo can be very dehydrating. Drinking plenty of fluids before, during, and after your session helps flush toxins from your system and alleviates nausea. Hydrating well also makes your veins easier for nurses to access.
Natural Nausea Relief: Keep peppermint or ginger candies, aromatherapy oils, or acupressure bands in your kit. Learn more in our guide on Pressure Points for Nausea.
Fragrance-Free Skincare: Because treatment makes skin extremely sensitive, pack a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturiser and a soothing lip balm to prevent cracking.
Specialised Oral Care: Chemo is notorious for causing dry mouth or a metallic taste. Bring an alcohol-free mouthwash, a soft toothbrush, or sugar-free mints to manage these changes.
Objects of Comfort & Grounding: A comfort object, like a smooth beach stone, a stress ball, or a specific pen, acts as a grounding tool. By focusing on the texture and weight of the object, you can disrupt the anxiety loop in your brain.

The Science of Grounding Objects

Utilising a comfort object leverages proprioception—your body's ability to sense its position and movement. When anxiety flares, repetitive tactile interaction with an object trains your brain to shift its focus away from internal anxious thoughts and back to the physical present. This simple sensory exercise can significantly decrease your acute stress response during treatment.

Buy Your Own Chemo Bag: Prepare yourself or a loved one for treatment with The Ultimate Chemo Kit. Carefully curated by a survivor, this kit includes the essential items needed to manage side effects and find a sense of comfort during hospital visits and recovery at home.

Further Reading and Support:
Continue your preparation with our blog: How to Prepare for Cancer Treatment.

About the Author: Lotte May is a Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She provides cancer patients with research-backed tools and practical peer-to-peer knowledge to make the treatment journey more manageable. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.