This is a condensed version of the post entitled GREAT CHEMOTHERAPY
It is important to try to be as comfortable as you can during chemotherapy treatments. There are many things that can cause discomfort ranging from feeling chilly to feeling nauseated. We have put together some suggestions of items to bring to chemotherapy treatment to help you feel more comfortable. Its a great idea to make a checklist, buy a nice bag with several compartments for organizing, and keep the bag ready to take to treatment.
PHYSICAL COMFORT
Taste changes are a very common side effect of chemotherapy. Your sense of smell might also change, and you might
become overly sensitive to fragrances.
You might get chills frequently or constantly feel cold. Your mouth may
develop sores and feel very dry. You may feel nauseous. Here are some ideas to combat these effects.
Warmth: Be sure to include a warm fuzzy blanket,
soft and warm socks, fuzzy gloves, a hat or other head cover such as a scarf or
head wrap. Wear comfortable clothes.
Oral Care: Drink plenty of fluids. Carry a water bottle.
Bring a thermos with organic tea or broth. Mouth moisturizer products such as Mouth Kote oral moisturizer and Biotene dry mouth gum can help dry mouth. Be sure to
include a lip balm
or lip moisturizing product because you lips can get very dry. Bring a disposable toothbrush
for gentle brushing and hydration.
Skin Care: Different chemotherapy medications can cause
a variety of skin issues. Dry skin is
very common. We suggest a hand moisturizer such as a tube of Atopalm Moisturizing Hand Treatment. If you are experiencing hand/foot syndrome we
suggest CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm. Lindiskin face serums (lavender or citrus) are very helpful for acneform rash.
Antinausea
Products (to combat CINV): Biobands are clinically
proven, effective acupressure wristbands that provide relief of nausea associated
with chemotherapy. Queasy Drops
are also an effective way to relieve nausea associated with chemo. They also
help to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Overall Physical Comfort: Bring a travel pillow. Don’t forget individual packs of tissues. Don’t forget to pack a small hand sanitizer.
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| Create a Chemo Goody Bag to Enhance Comfort During Chemo Treatments |
SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL COMFORT
In addition to personal care products to alleviate physical
discomfort, we offer suggestions to boost your mental, spiritual and
emotional state of mind.
To Pass the Time: Ask a friend or relative to sit with you during treatment if they have the time. If you will be alone, be sure
to bring a variety of things that can help you pass the time. You might not feel like concentrating too
deeply so bring a variety of different types of distractions – some that might
require focus, some that require less engagement. Choose as many or as few of the
following: An ipod, an ipad or tablet, a
Kindle, a book, magazines, and/or a journal. If you like to draw, bring a
sketchbook. We also suggest bringing pictures on electronic media or a photo
album to surround yourself with pictures of loved ones.
Spiritual and
Breathing: There are a number of CD’s, ipod downloads, and cell
phone apps that can help with visualization and breathing. Both can be very helpful during chemotherapy
treatment. Whip Cancer is an example of a visualization app which can help empower patients
and reduce stress. The Breathe With Purpose CD is helpful for stress reduction, visualization, and meditation.
There are numerous other apps for visualization, stress reduction, and
meditation to explore.
THINGS TO AVOID
Many oncologists recommend that cancer patients avoid
refined sugar. Therefore baked goods and candy should not be consumed. Well meaning friends and relatives like to gift these items (not knowing that they should be avoided), but we feel strongly that more healthy food options
should be considered. Sugary drinks such as soda are
not recommended either.
A cancer patient may become very sensitive to smells so we
do not suggest perfumes or flowers.
IN CONCLUSION
We have researched and reviewed products for many years to
find personal care products that are effective in reducing and relieving the
unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy treatment. We invite
you to visit our website at www.LotsToLiveFor.com
to see all of the products that meet our high standards.
To read the full blog post on the Breast Cancer Yoga Blog: click here
To view Chemotherapy Gift Ideas please click on the following Chemo Goody Bag Collections below:
Chemo Gift Kit
Deluxe Chemotherapy Gift
Ultimate Chemotherapy Gift
To view Chemotherapy Gift Ideas please click on the following Chemo Goody Bag Collections below:
Chemo Gift Kit
Deluxe Chemotherapy Gift
Ultimate Chemotherapy Gift
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| Ultimate Chemotherapy Gift |
