Chemo Gift Essentials

I’ll start with everyone who is buying gifts obviusly has great intentions! We thank you for thinking of us and wanting to get us something to smile about and feel loved. Chemo days CAN be rough depending on the medications that will be given. I think just the whole thought of being in a hospital and going through the process is difficult enough. Both physically and mentally. 

I can tell you from my standpoint my cancer started off as Estrogen & Progesterone positive and quickly morphed itself into Triple Negative by the end of four months! So the only chemo I know first hand is for this (not HER2 positive or Triple positive breast cancer). 

So what got me through? 

1. Heated blanket: Hospitals are friggid! Plus getting IV medication is already cold! 
2. And if you or your loved one are getting Taxol, well prepare yourself to freeze with the ice packs on hands and feet. 
3. Sleep Mask: Anyone who’s ever been inside an infusion center knows most patients actually sleep during treatment since the majority of the pre-meds includes benadryl. A nice sleep mask ensures a comfortable nap during the infusion! 
4.  Hydration: 8 glasses of water is already a challenge. Add in nausea, mucositis (painful mouth or throat), and a dry mouth, and drinking sips is a challenge in itself! This bottle of water may be pricier than most but it;s so clever! It turns on bright colors when it’s time to drink some water! Talk about motivation! How cool is that?! 
5. You may have dry hands or feet also depending on the type of chemo (I got hand/foot syndrome from oral chemotherapy). A nice hand or foot lotion is also nice to have handy.
6. Dry mouth also can result in dry lips. Don’t forget chapstick or lip balm!