Chemo Survival Kit.

Getting prepared before starting treatment can help you feel in control (which is rare for a cancer patient). Here are my go to items that get me through chemo treatments at my sessions and at home. I will be writing about walking into chemo for the first time soon; but, I wanted to start here so you can stock up on some of these goodies ahead of time. Hopefully this assists you in your fight!

What to have for home:

Biotene Toothpaste and Mouthwash.

This combination is gentle enough on your mouth; while still leaving your teeth feeling fresh and clean! Mouth ulcers are a potential side effect so taking care of your cheeks, gums. and teeth is essential!

Aquaphor Moisturizer.

Dry skin lifesaver!! Chemo left my skin (especially my hands) severely dry and flaky. Aquaphor has saved my skin from painfully cracking. I tried normal moisturizer for a little but nothing worked like this. You can also use this to prevent and treat chapped lips.

Visine Dry Eye Relief.

I put a couple drops in every morning and every night to help keep my eyes comfy. Sometimes my eyes can get itchy and blurry and this helps get me see clear through the day.

M. Moroccan Oil Dry Scalp Relief.

OMG. Going bald is itchy and uncomfortable. Before getting this oil, my head was red, irritated, and beyond itchy. I use this every morning and night to calm and soothe my scalp. This is a must have!!

Kopari Natural Deodorant.

Keeping it all natural with this deodorant. This chemical free, gentle brand actually works at keeping you feeling fresh and smelling lovely. It can be difficult to find an aluminum free deodorant that really works. Look no further, because this one gets the job done,

Cold Eye Mask.

These masks are perfect for relaxing after procedures and treatment. You can put in the fridge or freezer depending on how cold you want it. Once I put this on, all my worries are calm. Great for headaches, information overload rebounding, and hot flashes.

Ginger Peach Tummy Drops.

Nausea relief drops that get me through errands or a day at work. This ginger/peach flavor tastes delicious and calms my side effects long enough to function normally and get me through the day! I never go anywhere without these in my bag!

Trader Joe's Triple Ginger Cookie Thins.

Not only do these ginger cookies help with nausea, they get food in your stomach on the really rough days. I bring these to work to get energy while also helping my symptoms. They are so tasty, I will actually keep snacking on them after chemo.

What I pack in my chemo bag:

The essentials of being comfortable for hours of chemotherapy treatments:

1. Blanket (you'll want your own cozy one)

2. Computer (work, movies, online shopping)

3. Headphones

4. Books

5. Coloring Books & Pencils

6. Cozy Socks and Clothes (long hours there)

7. Ice Cream (or popsicles for chewing)

8. Water (apple juice, ginger-ale)

I CAN BRING ICE CREAM!?

Yes! With some chemos, you are told to continuously chew ice while they are injecting the chemo. This is to "hide" those cells in the hopes to prevent mouth ulcers. After a few rounds, the ice became nauseating to think about since my mind associated it with the red devil chemo. I could not chew ice for a single additional moment. So, I brought in ice cream to use for that part of treatment. ten. times. better. I've heard of others bringing popsicles so those work too!