Chemo can make for a long day, my treatments last typically 5-8 hours including the time taken for bloodwork & evaluation with my oncologist each time.  You’ll want to bring along some comfort items to help bide the time while you’re there.  Most treatment facilities offer television, but finding anything good to watch at the time, for that long, with the unknown channel selection is exhausting in itself & often not worth the battle in my opinion.  Below are the items I frequently brought with me, to keep comfortably entertained.

Blanket – Most facilities offer warm blankets, but you may prefer your own comfy blanket from home.  I often find my facility to be chilly & the warm blankets are great, while they’re warm.  Once they cool down, they offer little warmth for me, so I prefer a fleece blanket from home to keep me toasty warm.

Slippers – I’ve never done it myself, but a lot of people do, I’m just not a slipper person at all.  But if you prefer to take your shoes off for the length of your treatment & want to walk around in slippers then so be it, let comfort reign!

Phone & Charger – If you’ll be using your phone for entertainment, be sure to bring your charger along just in case.  Also, any headphones if you prefer to have them as well.

Book – Always good to get some reading time in.  Bring along a good suspense novel or inspirational book to help keep you positive.  Reading during treatment usually makes me sleepy too & helps me get ready for a nap if I feel like it.

Puzzle Book – I love to keep my mind busy with a good word puzzle, I’m a sucker for variety word puzzle books, I love them!  I always bring a fun new pen to do them with too, it’s the little things!

Note book or Journal – If you’re into lists or journaling chemo is as good a time as any!  I love to organize my thoughts with lists & charts.

Chapstick – I find I just cannot be without chapstick or lip balm through chemo, this is a must have for me.  I usually toss in a gloss or lipstick as well, because I’m just me like that.

Hand Lotion – Another must have for me.  Chemo dries my skin terribly, especially my hands that I’m washing frequently, so I need to replenish that moisture to prevent cracking & peeling.

Hand Sanitizer – I always carry a pocket sized sanitizer with me.  It’s great to have at chemo if you’ll be snacking or having lunch while you’re there.

Mints or Gum – Good to have if you want something to snack or chew on.  Sometimes the saline solution or the alcohol used to clean the port can smell so strong, a mint during & afterwards can really help to clear that from your nose if it lingers.

Beverage or Water Bottle – Most facilities have some snacks & beverages available.  They also typically have small refrigerators for patients to use if needed.  Bring change or cash for vending machines if you plan to use them.

Snacks or Lunch – Verify your facility allows, but most allow you to bring lunch from home if your treatment is lengthy like mine.  Most offer a small refrigerator & microwave.  My facility allowed deliveries for lunch which has been great!  Jimmy Johns brings food right up to my room in minutes!   As far as snacks, I like to bring something small & easy like trail mix, dehydrated fruit or a small bag of nuts.

Tissues – Your facility should have these, but just in case!!  Once you lose that precious nose hair you will understand the importance of this item I assure you.

Brush or Comb for Wig – If you choose to wear one to chemo, you may want to have a wig brush or comb on hand if you nap or will be at chemo for several hours at a time.  In my experience, most don’t wear wigs to chemo, I was usually the only one!  Most ladies came in bald headed & beautiful or sported a comfy scarf or hat, which is probably the most comfortable option for a long day of chemo.

Basically bring what makes you comfortable & will keep you busy for any period of time.   Also you may need a driver, some treatments & premeds can affect your ability to drive so you’ll need a friend or family member to come along.  It’s great to have the company as well, so it’s completely okay to bring a companion even if you don’t require a driver.