Items to Keep in
Your Chemo Bag
for Breast Cancer
Healthy snacks
2
A water bottle
1
Electronic devices
4
Reading materials
3
Creative outlets
5
Items to keep you warm
6
Self-care items
7
back to top
Drinking plenty of water throughout your chemo treatments can help prevent dehydration. Staying hydrated may help you cope with common chemotherapy side effects, such as lack of appetite or diarrhea. A refillable water bottle takes up less space in your bag than multiple single-use bottles, and you can ask a nurse or loved one to fill it up for you during your session.
A water bottle
Depending on your individual treatment plan, each chemo session may last several minutes to several hours. Small, nutritious snacks, such as granola bars, fruit, or mixed nuts, can help keep you satiated during longer appointments. Crackers, such as saltines, may also be a good choice because they can help settle your stomach if you’re feeling nauseous. Eating small meals throughout the day can also be helpful if you’re experiencing nausea from your treatment.
Healthy snacks
If you’ve been missing out on reading a good book or your favorite magazine, consider bringing some of these materials with you to your chemotherapy appointment. These may be especially helpful for longer chemo sessions, and they can help take your mind off your breast cancer treatment.
Reading materials
A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet, can help provide a variety of entertainment without taking up too much space in your bag. Consider downloading music, games, movies, and meditation apps ahead of time so they’re ready to use at your next chemo session. (Also, don’t forget to bring your charger and headphones with you!)
Electronic devices
If you prefer creative distraction, consider packing related items in your chemo bag. Examples include a writing journal and your favorite pens, a drawing pad with colored pencils, or a ball of yarn and knitting needles.
Creative outlets
It’s common to feel cold during your chemo treatments for breast cancer, especially if you’re also using cold caps or a scalp cooling system. Bring a light blanket (or two) to help keep you warm — it can also be extra comforting during treatment. Socks and mittens are other good additions to bring in your chemo bag in case your feet or hands get cold during treatment.
Items to keep you warm
While undergoing breast cancer treatments such as chemo, it’s important to take self-care opportunities as often as possible. Consider packing a small bottle of lotion for a quick hand massage, a soft or gel-lined eye mask to help you relax into a meditation session or a nap, or any other small portable self-care items, such as lip balm.
Self-care items
7
