Going through cancer treatment is tough, period! But I found these are the items that I actually used during chemo, mastectomy recovery, and radiation. If you are going through treatment yourself, keep going! You can do it! I am super wimpy, and by the grace of God, I did it, and I’m here! If you are looking for a gift to give to someone facing cancer, these help make life a little easier. I loved the thoughtful care baskets and gifts that I received during that time.
Essentials for Chemotherapy:
1. Cute Chemo Caps– I started out with a wig (which American Cancer Society will give you for free), but quickly decided it was a bit too high maintenance for me. And my daughter thought that I looked like Mr Tumnus from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, so I opted for the caps. Some friends and family sent me a few and the ones above I ordered online. The top pink and gray pictured caps were very comfortable, and I stept in them so my head didn’t get too cold or itchy!
2. Anti-Nausea Candies– my sister-in-law sent these to me, and I used them throughout chemo. The ginger helped with the nausea and they are also high in B6 which is rumored to help when white blood cells drop. Just check with your doctor if you are not supposed to have a lot of B6.
3. Cool Pack Socks– When I heard that cooling your head during chemo treatment could prevent hair loss, I wondered if the same would apply to finger and toe tips to prevent neuropathy. Sure enough, there were already cool pack socks on the market! They didn’t stay cold for the whole treatment though, so I heard of some women who bought two pairs and brought a little ice cooler with them to chemo. I also held onto an ice bag during treatment to help my fingers, and I avoided all neuropathy. (I also asked every person I know to pray for me too, so it was either the ice socks or the prayer- probably both! 🙂 )
4. Neck Pillow- This pillow was handy to have during the chemo treatments and for the rides home since treatment was an hour away. It was also very handy after surgery when I had to sleep on my back.
5. Fake Tattoo Eyebrows- These fake eyebrows were awesome after my eyebrows fell out! Before they had totally fallen out, I used this type (below) that you can use to fill in sparse brows, but once they were gone, I used Mybrows. They go on like fake tattoos, just stick them on and apply water for about 30 seconds. They do take a bit of practice to line up evenly, but they stay on for a few days, depending on how careful you are when you wash your face.
6. Soft Toothbrush– This toothbrush was very helpful after I started AC chemo and got mouth sores. It is super soft and helped me to brush without irritating anything in my mouth.
7. Nowhere Hair Book– My dear friend sent this book to my kids when I started treatment and they read it multiple times. My 5-year-old daughter especially enjoyed it. I found her reading it to herself in her room. It helped explain to them in a childlike and kind of funny way where Mama’s hair went!
Essentials for Surgery (Mastectomy):
8. Post mastectomy robe with pockets for drains- My sweet friend gave me a robe similar to this before I went into surgery. It’s a splurge that I probably wouldn’t have purchased for myself, but it was very handy when I was recovering. It has pockets on the inside in which you can put the drain pouches, and it’s great because you can just slide it on and tie it- no pulling over the head or up the legs!
9. Heart Pillow– My dad’s wife gave me a little pillow like this to wear under the seatbelt on the ride home after surgery. It was a very thoughtful gift. I also walked around with it under my arm because the area where they took out lymph nodes under my armpit was super swollen and bruised for awhile. This pillow helped so nothing touched it.
10. Wedge Pillow– I had a wedge pillow similar to this after surgery because you have to sleep on your back for a few weeks. Actually, my wedge was not as comfortable as this one looks. It was pretty firm and I had to put about 8 pillows all around me every night (actually my husband had to- it was quite the test of our marriage! JK, not JK!) I would recommend investing in something like this or just getting a recliner. I’m planning to find a secondhand one for my reconstruction.
11. Seamless bra– You’ll want something very soft once you’re a few weeks out after surgery, and doctors say no bras with underwire. This type of nursing bra is comfy and stretchy. I pulled it up over my legs and bum instead of putting it over my head when my range of motion was still limited. They also have soft cups inside which help until you get your fills done. Just remember to buy in the size that you are going to be when the fills are done instead of the size you were before surgery!
Essentials for Radiation:
12. Aloe Vera Gel– I liked this gel because it’s 98% aloe whereas many others don’t have as much. It’s also free of parabens and synthetic fragrances. I put this on directly after radiation and then the calendula salve (below).
13. Calendula Salve– Calendula is recommended for irritated skin and my radiologist said that it was good for radiated skin too whereas some other salves can actually irritate more. I tried a couple of different calendula salves, but this one was the best, lasted the longest, and is certified organic. It helped take away the itch and feeling of burn as well.
14. Vitamin E Oil– I also used the lotion that my radiologist recommended but I used these others healing ointments as well, and I think the combination of them helped me heal up quickly. You can’t take vitamin E during radiation, but I was given the go ahead to use it topically. It’s very sticky, so I used it after the skin had stopped peeling, about a week out after radiation had ended. There’s no mineral oil or preservatives in this one.
15. Congratulations! You are done! You are a warrior! Thank God and move on into your dreams. This necklace will help. 😉
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