9 Must-Have Items to Pack in Your Chemo Bag

From absolute necessities to little luxuries, these items helped comfort me during chemo infusions.

Chemotherapy is one of the biggest unknowns during the cancer treatment process. Not knowing what to expect, what to bring, or how you’ll feel can seem intimidating.

One way to ease your anxiety is to have your chemo bag packed and ready before your first day.

During my own breast cancer experience, I had some go-to items that made each chemotherapy session a little more enjoyable.

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1. Journal and electronics

Chemotherapy treatment days can be long and emotional. Having a journal to document your feelings, doctor’s notes, and your experience can be really helpful to look back on later.

If you enjoy watching movies, reading, or other online distractions, consider bringing your laptop. My chemo sessions became my special, uninterrupted time to write blog posts.

2. Headphones

Listening to music or meditations can be a great distraction and may help ground you during your chemotherapy sessions.

Since many hospitals administer chemotherapy in open rooms with many patients, headphones can give you a feeling of peace and quiet during your session.

If you have friends who want to do something special for you, consider having them make a special playlist for each chemotherapy session. I had a cousin make me a CD like this, and it really lifted my spirits.

3. Water bottle

Chemotherapy can be very dehydrating, so drinking lots of water can really help.

Drinking lots of liquid before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions can also ease feelings of nausea and help flush the toxins out of your body more quickly.

Hydrating before blood tests also makes it easier for nurses to access your veins.

4. Coloring book, crossword, or mind challenges

Most chemo days will be extremely long and exhausting. Mind puzzles or coloring books are great ways to pass the time and find distractions.

If you have people coming with you, think about bringing puzzles, games, or cards to pass the time.

5. Cozy blanket or scarf

Most oncology floors are chilly, and sometimes the medication coursing through your veins makes you even colder.

Bringing a cozy blanket can take the edge off and make the space feel more comforting. Some days, I would wear a scarf I could easily use as a blanket for double duty and less packing.

6. Nausea relief

I tried almost every anti-nausea idea out there. Unfortunately, when it comes to nausea, everyone is different, and there’s no magic solution.

Each person’s chemotherapy cocktail will be different and will affect the body differently. Beyond my anti-nausea and anxiety medication, these are a few things that brought me relief:

• peppermint essential oil
• ginger tea or ginger chews
• anti-nausea acupressure wristbands (these really helped me during car rides, too)
• crackers or toast
• bone broth or chicken noodle soup
• lots of water

Don’t be afraid to try multiple methods until you find something that works.

7. Healthy meals or snacks

Chemo days can be long, and having healthy meals and snacks on hand will help you maintain energy throughout the day. It may also help with nausea.

Most hospitals have a cafeteria, but I felt bringing my own lunch and snacks was healthier and ensured I had something to eat that I enjoyed. I would pack my lunchbox with leftovers, fresh fruit, crackers, and more. 

As the chemotherapy drugs can cause a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, it’s also great to bring some mints or hard candy to suck on during the IV transfusion.

8. Lipstick

This one may seem odd, but lipstick can really lift your spirits. I loved wearing and bringing a bright red or pink on chemotherapy days.

When I went to the bathroom between IVs, seeing a bright color on my face helped lighten the mood.

9. Fragrance-free lotion

Chemotherapy can make your skin dry and irritated, so be sure to moisturize every day. You may also experience odd acne rashes on your chest, which is another common side effect of chemo.

Chemotherapy can make your skin extremely sensitive, so look for a fragrance-free cream or moisturizer.

Coconut oil was my go-to for all my skin concerns, along with topical steroid creams when things got bad.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support

Having what you need to feel comfortable is important, but finding your army of supporters is just as crucial for making chemotherapy bearable.

Find your tribe of cancer thrivers on social media or the Bezzy BC community, where you can ask questions, share stories, and laugh with people who really get what you’re going through.

Want workshops, book clubs, and live chats? Check out Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Young Survival Coalition, and Cactus Cancer Society.

And please remember: You are never alone.