Preparing for chemo
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You have enough on your mind right now. this guide can help while you prepare for treatment.
The following is not medical advice, but things I learned from my own experience.
What to bring to chemo infusions:
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Cell phone: I needed my phone to check-in for my appointments. It's also where I could manage upcoming treatments, message with providers, and view test results via the MyChart app.
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A laptop or tablet: charge before going. There were outlets in the infusion rooms, but were a stretch if you need to be plugged-in and want to use your device.
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Whatever entertains and soothes you: most days, I spent the time on my laptop or taking naps. Sometimes, I would bring my watercolor paint set or crochet supplies. I appreciated feeling productive and creative while tethered to the chemo chair. Just make sure it's something compact-- the chemo rooms aren't very big and nurses will be on top of you changing bags out.
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Headphones: use as a courtesy to other patients in the nearby rooms. Also helpful in filtering out the hospital noises.
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A caretaker: if you have someone who can go to treatment with you, bring them. It's hard to accept others' help sometimes, but now is definitely a time to try. I was so fortunate that my significant other was able to attend every appointment and infusion with me. Having another person there made all the difference.
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Blanket: Rhode Island Hospital had them available to patients, but I chose to bring my own.
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Food and drinks: my hospital had a team of volunteers bring lunch each day.
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Lunch at Rhode Island Hospital: there was usually soups, packaged sandwiches, fruit, chips, dessert, and soft drinks available to patients and their caregivers. The time of your appointment will affect if you will be there when lunch starts to circulate. ​
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I tried to be mindful about what food I was eating during treatment. I brought some salads and fruit when the provided lunch didn't sound appetizing.
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There are other food options around RIH, like a cafe across the street and a Panera inside of the hospital.
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What to wear:
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Comfortable clothing: for me, my chemo uniform was...
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Jogger sweatpants: I get grossed out if my pant legs pool on the ground when I'm going to the bathroom. Also, your body might change during treatment, so elastic is your friend.
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A v-neck tank-top: if you have a chest port, your nurses will need to access it each infusion. There was no planning how hot or cold I'd be during infusions. Layering was key.
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A v-neck sweatshirt: port-friendly and cozy.
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Slip-on shoes: I prefered to bring my legs up and sit cross-legged in the chemo chairs. I wore clogs with thick socks.
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Clothes you aren't attached to: this was a hard lesson to learn, and it was too late by the time I did. By the end of treatment, nostalgic and special pieces of clothing I wore to treatment became associated with the hospital and evoked a strong physical reaction. Unfortunately, I had to donate them because I felt sick even seeing them. I recommend...
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Thrifting a few pieces of "hospital clothing" that are just for treatment. You won't feel sad re-donating them when you're done.
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