Chemo sucks. There I said it. But the whole experience doesn’t have to be a downer. Family and friends can make all the difference in the world regardless of physical distance. I still remember the sheer excitement and giddiness I felt when I received an unexpected care package. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about cancer or chemo. I just felt loved, supported and hashtag blessed. Of course, it’s the thought that counts but if the goal is to help a loved one through chemo, then some items might be more helpful than others. Here are some practical chemo care package items that were helpful to me during treatment.
1. Teas
Here’s a chance to get fancy but keep your chemo care package affordable. Nausea is a major side effect of chemo so ginger and peppermint will be your best friend. My doc also recommended green tea daily because antioxidants could have cancer fighting properties. Just make sure all teas are decaffeinated as caffeine is a diuretic which can cause dehydration. We want all the hydration during chemo so think fat, plump and happy cells!
2. Silicone Straws
These silicone straws were the gift I didn’t know I needed. During chemo, I developed a metallic taste in my mouth and trust me when I tell you that metal is the last thing you’ll want in your mouth. I really love that they are a bit wider than metallic straws so they are perfect for smoothies and shakes. They are super easy to clean and you can squish them to fit in cups with lids. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t whip these bad boys out.
3. Insulated tumblers
The types of drugs used for chemo are pretty toxic and one of the biggest pieces of advice a patient receives it to drink half your body weight in water within the first 2 days of infusion. It’s the best way to flush the toxins out of your system and hopefully, lessen the side effects. With that being said, having a tumbler that will keep beverages at the desired temperature, is crucial. It should be able to fit in the car cup holder and not be too difficult to open. I was gifted a couple in a chemo care package and I appreciated having one that was all about breast cancer and another one that was more discreet.
4. Blankets
This is literally the equivalent of sending warm hugs. Chemo wore me out for days on end so having different options really helps with not having to do the laundry too often. I was gifted this lighter t-shirt blanket for home and this heavier, fluffier blanket for my in-office chemo infusions. Weighted blankets are all the rage and even though I don’t own one, I heard they are amazing for anxiety and joint pain. I think it’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with a blanket in your chemo care package.
5. Spa gift certificate
Pampering is always a great gift but there’s more to it than just general self care. You are pumped full of drugs during chemo and then are given more drugs to combat the side effects. It can take quite a toll on your body and you still may be experiencing pain and discomfort. Natural therapies such as acupuncture and massage can be a great alternative or supplement to prescription medication. These treatments are not usually covered by insurance and can add up pretty quickly. If you’re going to book a massage for a loved one going through chemo, please let the spa know. Chemo makes the skin super sensitive and bruising can be an issue. Just be sure all parties are aware and feel comfortable with the service. This gift in any chemo care package will definitely be appreciated!
6. Planners and journals
Can you say chemo brain? It is real and should not be underestimated. Some days I seriously cannot think straight and if I don’t write something down, it ceases to exist. Cut us chemo folks some slack though. Outside of the drugs that literally admit to killing cells (that includes those of the brain), chemo patients also have appointments, drug combinations, diet and exercise to think about.
I say all that to make the point that journals and planners can only help. I have also found it quite helpful to document my cancer journey not only for me but for my kids to get a better sense of my growth throughout this challenging time. This Mama Prays has helped me keep a healthy and prayerful focus on my kids. I start the day with intention and show up as a better mom. Seriously, get this one. Whichever book you choose, help your friends make space inside their heads by giving them a place to write it all down. Cheers to mental health!
7. Essential oils and candles
I think no matter the list, essential oils and candles are a great gift for everyone. During chemo though, you can develop aversions to certain foods and smells. I couldn’t stand the smell of fish and ginger when I was doing my first chemo regimen. The one thing that brought me some relief was the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus. A dear friend created a personalized soy candle with the message ‘F@%K Cancer’. The scent is so rich, I don’t even need to light it. How cool would it be to not only create a scent for your loved one but to add a special message of encouragement? Check out Serenity Glow candles. You won’t be disappointed.
My second regimen blackened my nails and my internet “breasties” suggested tea tree oil to reduce infection. Essential oils are an easy way to relax your muscles and your mind at home without too much fuss. Just make sure you’re buying quality items with ingredients you trust. Not all brands are created equal.
8. Serving tray
I purchased this tray prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer and it has been a lifesaver. During chemo, there were days I could only get up off the couch to use the bathroom. I did not have the energy to sit up at the table to eat. It was so nice to lay in the bed or couch and still be able to get some sustenance. I’m not going to lie either. I felt pretty fancy having my food brought to me on a nice tray. The food looks extra good too even if it is just dry toast. Presentation is everything, honey!
9. Socks
The eyes may be the window to your soul but the feet seem to be the back door. Toxins that get trapped in the body seem to end up in your feet. I am not halfway through chemo as yet and my feet are all kinds of jacked up. They are darker, cracked and achy. You know what helps? Slathering your hooves with Vicks or a shea butter balm and then throwing on a pair of cute socks until the next morning. It’s a constant battle but an important part of the process. Cracks in your feet, could lead to cuts and cuts can lead to infection. Who knew those warm, fuzzy booties were keeping your immune system intact?
10. Grocery store gift cards
Chemo is the ultimate wake up call. You become open to things that were once off the table. For me that included consistently eating healthy. Sugar and starch were my ride or dies and I would fight anyone who tried to come between us. Cancer showed up and she didn’t come to play. For my first couple rounds of chemo, I did as I pleased. Pizza, french fries and sugar were regular menu items. Of course, I ate fruits and vegetables too but not nearly as much as I should.
Feeling better became the goal. I finally saw a naturopath who recommended I eat a predominantly Keto diet which is high fat, high protein, high vegetables. She also told me to significantly reduce my starch and sugar intake and to focus on organic foods. Y’all, eating organic meats and vegetables regularly is expensive. I almost passed out when Steve brought “pampered chicken breast” that cost darn near $25. I know this may not seem like a standard chemo care package item but those natural foods add up. It will mean more than you know.
11. Pajamas
You probably think I mean long sleeved jammies with pink hearts and stars. I’m talking about pajamas that barely meet the clothing criteria. Hot flashes are a common side effect of chemo and are straight savage. When a hot flash hits, whatever you need to do to cool down is the focus. To prevent complete nakedness, short sets with straps are a great choice. I need to get a couple of these myself but in the meantime, I have been using boxers and sports bras. It did the trick but I didn’t feel pulled together. This chemo care package item might seem strange at first but it’ll make all the sense in the world once the heat starts to kick in!
12. Epsom Salts
I figured this out so late but sometimes the oldies are the goodies. I had always heard about epsom salt soaks for tired or achy muscles. Some say that the magnesium in epsom salts actually draws out toxins through the skin. Many swear by an epsom salt bath a day during chemo to not only ease joint pain but to improve digestive function.
My main source of water is from the cistern under our home (i.e. rainwater) so a soaking bath everyday would deplete our water supply in no time. I did start adding epsom salt foot soaks to my routine and it made a world of difference. My feet not only felt softer but less tired after a 20 minute soak. Add a couple essential oils to your foot soak and you have an all around relaxing experience. Give it a try yourself but make sure you add epsom salts to any chemo care package as well.
13. Eye masks
I have to apologize to eye masks around the world. No one I knew in real life actually owned eye masks so I thought they were only for TV stay-at-home moms who didn’t have to worry about things like budgets. I was so wrong. With chemo, I was clocking in some major daytime sleep hours. The sun, however, did not seem to want to cooperate so when I received these in a chemo care package, I thought I should give it a try. Total game changer. It was so much easier to fall and stay asleep which meant I got the rest I needed. Don’t sleep (pun intended) on these babies like I did.
14. Headwraps
I started to lose my hair after my second treatment of chemo so to gain some level of control, I asked my husband to shave it for me. Even though I had a low haircut before my cancer diagnosis, bald still felt like a whole new level of vulnerable. I was really nervous going outside in the beginning without some sort of head covering but I didn’t have the choice of staying indoors. Women with bald heads tend to scream cancer so head scarves really allowed me to blend in. I decided to go with plain colors cause I’m a bit boring that way but I loved seeing my fellow breasties rocking printed wraps. I wore these head wraps from Amazon but I also know a few women who loved these as well.
15. Chapstick
Why did this little item get it’s own category, you ask? Because dry, chapped lips are that much of an issue during chemotherapy. I received this Burt’s Bees chapstick and this Aquaphor lip balm in my chemo care packages. Both have been super helpful at preventing extreme dryness but keeping my lips super moisturized has always been an issue for me. Don’t be afraid to include a lesser known lip balm that you’ve had personal success with in your chemo care package. I am still on the hunt for recommendation so please drop some knowledge in the comment section to help a sister out!
16. Biotene products
A common side effect of many chemo drugs is mouth sores. After my second infusion, my mouth felt really filmy and dry. From that day, I switched from Arm and Hammer to this toothpaste. I also added oil pulling to my regimen but I can confidently say that I have not had one mouth sore (knock on all the wood) during chemo. The last thing I wanted to be worried about was having to deal with pain every time I ate or swallowed. Eating right is the key to feeling better during chemo so anything that helps support good nutrition is a blessing. Biotene also makes other products such as mouthwash and chewing gum that are really helpful in preventing dry mouth which can lead to mouth sores. This chemo care package item is the gift that keeps on giving.
17. Inspirational Merchandise
When I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t ready to shout from the mountain tops that I had cancer. Thanks to the internet and time, I slowly became a part of the online breast cancer community. Talk about an open, giving and vulnerable group of individuals with so much strength. It made me proud to be a breastie and I was no longer timid about rocking my merchandise in public. The t-shirts, tote bags and pillow covers sent to me by family and friends have truly empowered me to flaunt my fight.
One thing a little more personal and discrete is an inspirational book with stories of breast cancer survivors. A friend surprised me with this book and it has been so comforting. There’s just something magical about hearing from women who have fought the fight. While your loved one may not be ready right away, there may come a point when they reach for that book. You’ll both be glad you included it in your chemo care package.
18. Reusable food storage bags
Chemo puts you on a routine whether you like it or not. At the same time, food becomes much more medicinal than you might expect. Having items ready to go is a complete lifesaver. I would sleep for hours on end and then wake up so hungry I could eat my own fingers. Think I had time to wash fruit, then cut them up after my hibernation? Nope. I was ready to eat NOW. These storage bags have been great for so many things especially since eating fresh fruits and vegetables are a major priority. I use them mainly to carry snacks around, store leftovers and to freeze fruits for smoothies. The storage bags take up less room in the fridge and freezer because they can lay flat or stand upright. This may not seem like a common chemo care package item but this item will be beloved by the whole family.
19. Hot and cold gel packs
Between hot flashes and body aches, these reusable gel packs are a no brainer in any chemo care package. I wasn’t really a fan of icing before but these beauties have gotten me through some tough times. My first few rounds of chemo, I pretty much lived with these ice packs on top of my head. I felt like a volcano and they were the only thing keeping me from erupting. After my second regimen started, so did the joint aches and pains. I was thankful they were dual purpose and could heat up as well. Just follow the directions carefully. we don’t need any extra doctor visits.
20. Natural skincare subscription
Skincare might seem like the last thing to think about but chemotherapy can change your skin drastically. I had oily skin before and now my skin is dry, dull and sensitive. Also, AC chemo gave me acne. Talk about annoyed. When I finally dealt with the huge bumps, they would leave dark marks which would not go away. I am still in the market for a really great sunscreen for darker skin tones but protecting your skin becomes even more critical during chemotherapy.
My main concern was finding moisturizing products that were also as natural as possible and therefore safe to use during treatment. If you don’t know me, I’m also pretty practical and knew that just buying one-off products could cost significant money. A natural skincare subscription seemed like a good idea and it was. There are so many out there but I ended up going with Kinder Beauty Box. I have been pleasantly surprised by level of high end moisturizers and face oils received thus far and would highly recommend it as a gift in a chemo care package. It costs $25 per month and each box is worth at least $75. Plus, you can cancel at anytime.
Other products, not included in the subscription box, that have worked well for me are Cerave face wash, native deodorant and good old dove soap. Healthy, glowing skin is super important especially when you’re going through treatment. It’s one thing to feel sick but looking rundown can really take a hit to your confidence. Let’s help each other glow inside and out!
The greatest part of a chemo care package is you!
Well, that’s all for now folks. I normally include the number of items in the title of the post but since I’m not even halfway through chemo, I am giving myself the room to add, if need be. I hope that you not only feel more confident putting together a chemo care package for your loved one but that you also understand the practical use of each item. Of course there are so many other gifts that would make your recipients feel special so please don’t see this as an end-all, be-all list. Give what is on your heart. You know your person better than I do.
What I do know is that going through chemo while everyone else is living their lives can feel pretty lonely. It meant everything to me to know that someone out there was thinking of me. Those little sparks of positivity can be enough to keep you smiling on a cloudy day. And trust me, those smiles add up.
On behalf of your loved ones, I want to thank you for reading this. They are lucky to have you and I will keep you all in prayer as you uplift each other on this journey. If you have a loved one that has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, please share this post to help them get started with next steps. As always, if you have any questions or recommendations that might be helpful, please feel free to leave it in the comment section. Stay thoughtful, friends!
