Key Items to Pack in Your Chemo Bag

If you are scheduled for chemotherapy infusions, consider packing a chemo bag for yourself. Most of the time, the treatments last for several hours or longer. Having a tote filled with items that can provide you comfort and entertainment can go a long way in making these sessions easier.

Chemotherapy appointments can be fatiguing, so be sure you can comfortably carry your bag. Occasionally, you may be told that you will need to stay overnight at the hospital or go to the emergency department, so you may want to plan for that when packing too. 

This article offers ideas for different items you may want to pack in your chemo bag for your infusion therapy.

Essentials to Pack in Your Chemo Bag

Until you have visited your chemo center for the first time, it can be hard to know what to expect. Typically there are comfortable recliner chairs and a small table. The amount of privacy varies depending on the design of the facility.

You may have access to a TV or some light snacks and drinks. It will likely be a comfortable setup, but you still may want to bring things to help you pass the time or make you feel even more comfortable.

There are also many nonessential items you can bring to make your cancer experience more pleasant or comfortable. Consider which, if any, of these might be helpful for you during your chemotherapy.

Numbing Cream

Some people find the repeated lab draws and IV placements uncomfortable. If this is the case for you, talk with your treatment team about using a numbing cream.

Over-the-counter or prescription skin-numbing creams, ointments, and patches are available to provide local pain relief for minor procedures. These often contain lidocaine. Some numbing medications are available in combination with other medications.

Numbing medications can be dangerous for some people, so be sure to talk with your provider before using them, and let the treatment staff know you have applied a numbing agent.

Healthy Snacks and Drinks

Most infusion centers carry a variety of beverages and snacks to help you stay well hydrated and nourished during your chemotherapy session. You may also choose to bring your favorites from home. 

The American Cancer Society recommends choosing small snacks and focusing on eating protein when you can.

Some ideas for snacks include:

• Cereal
• Cheese
• Crackers
• Fruit
• Muffins
• Soups
• Sports drinks
• Yogurt

It's also a good idea to pack a water bottle so that you will always have a drink readily accessible. It's important to stay hydrated throughout chemo to help prevent or reduce dehydration.

Reading Materials

Reading can be a way to pass the time during your chemo treatment. There is growing evidence that chemotherapy can affect mental function, awareness, and attention. This is often called “chemo brain” or brain fog. 

These brain changes may make it harder to focus on a complicated story. Some people find that less-challenging books like thrillers or romance novels are easier to read. Magazines with shorter articles can help you pass the time without being frustrating to focus on. 

Laptop or Tablet

Watching movies or TV shows while you are getting your infusion can give you a break from focusing on the needles, tubes, and bags of chemo drugs. You might decide to download episodes of your choice ahead of time. 

Be sure to pack:

• Tablet
• Charger
• Headphones
• Reading glasses (if needed)

Music can be soothing and you may want to organize a playlist of favorite songs on your devices ahead of time.

Games and Crafts

Games and crafts can be a great solution to pass the time during your chemo. They are a great distraction, may help you engage with a companion, and can be helpful in combating chemo brain fog.

Card games, sudoku, crossword puzzles, or games on your laptop or tablet can be a fun challenge. Follow your energy to see what might be entertaining and feel free to abandon anything that might be too frustrating.

If you are a craft person, bringing small projects to your chemo infusions can be relaxing and enjoyable. Small knitting or other needlework projects are easy to pack, unpack, and load up again when the infusion is done.

Pen and Paper

Bringing a pen and paper can be beneficial in many ways. Some people use the time to write letters to friends and family. Others use the paper to take notes on what they are reading.

You may also want to use the time for journaling. Even if you are not a writer, journaling or "expressive writing" can be used to chronicle your journey, clarify your thoughts, or look for the silver linings along the way. After all, reflecting on the way that cancer changes people in positive ways (something that has been termed post-traumatic growth) can be beneficial.

Skin Care

Your skin and lips can become dry from chemotherapy medications or from being indoors. Packing your favorite lotion and lip balm in your chemo bag can help keep your skin soft and moisturized. It may be useful to think of other personal care products you may want to pack in your bag.

Hand sanitizer can also be helpful as a quick way to keep your hands clean.

With cancer treatment, there is much that is out of our control. Small measures to improve your comfort can give you a greater sense of control of your body at this time.

Warm Clothes and Blankets

Oncology units are often cold. In addition, hair loss, weight loss, and low appetite may contribute to feeling cold. When preparing for your chemo treatment, dress in layers and plan ahead so that providers can easily access either your port site or PICC line, or place an IV. 

You may also want to bring a small blanket in your chemo bag.

Chemo can increase skin sensitivity, so you may want to choose soft, natural fabrics. Warm items like socks, a hat, gloves, or an extra sweater will help you stay warm and comfortable.

Neck Pillow

You may also want to bring a neck pillow or other small support that you can place along your neck or prop underneath your legs during the treatments.

Comfort Items

Additionally, you may also want to bring a personal item such as a favorite photo or small keepsake item that gives you comfort and helps you to feel supported.

A Friend

Some people like to just talk with a friend during the infusion. You may be surprised at the depth and intimacy of your conversations. Many survivors find that one of the "benefits" or areas of growth due to cancer lies in the ability to cut through the superficial and have truly meaningful conversations.

Summary

Chemotherapy treatments can be disruptive to your normal routines. Some people experience side effects like nausea or hair loss. Packing a small chemo bag with items to keep yourself entertained and comfortable can help to make the experience more tolerable. You may also ask a friend to join you to help pass the time. 

A Word From Verywell

A well-packed chemo bag may help to reduce anxiety and boredom during your infusion. However, do not put pressure on yourself to use this time productively. It is ok to nap, daydream, or read a frivolous magazine. If friends or family members ask what they can do to help you during treatment, you may want to ask them for some small gifts to restock your chemo bag.