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Trikki2's avatar
Trikki2
Member
7 years ago

What to take to chemotherapy

Hi lovely people 
I start chemo on Monday and im packing my big dressing gown amd dressing warm but im not really sure what to pack. Im sure i will be cold wearing the cold cap. 
Xx Trikki2 

8 Replies

  • Hey kmakm
    Im having fec-d. Wow icicles. Glad i have packed my beanie. 
    @kezmusc right a song to think of haha. Great idea.. yea i was taking mg calm colouring but its tricky with me being left handed and thats the side of the canula..oh well we will see. Thanks for all your ideas and help 
    XxxxTrikki2
  • Thanks..yes i cannot stand heat so i may be ok. Yes i love uno. Have packed it. 
    Xx
  • Hi @Trikki2,
    I found the 1st session I wasn't too cold as I still had all my thick hair, so was fine in a tracksuit with socks & they give you heated blankets usually at the hospital,  just ask for another once you feel cool. I was freezing & shaking round 2 & 3, even for days after but i lost so much hair days before round 2. Also I am a thin person & feel the cold. So depends on the person. I had a tv above my chair but often played 'uno' with my stepmum. Some people sleep during treatment 
  • Hey, @Trikki2,

    Don't do what I did once and forget my spray bottle, conditioner and head band!  I had to get my daughter to race down with it.  As Kmakm said, they will give you heated blankets, I ended up with two of them on and the heat packs on my arm with the infusion in as it stung a bit if I was too cold..

    The ear phones may be a struggle yes.  I just played games on my phone or watched  movies, I found it was a bit difficult to do word puzzles or colour in etc. With all those blankets on things kept slipping off, even my lunch LOL.  Don't order salad sandwiches,  what a mess that made of their nice white cosy blankets hehehe. The chin strap on the cap does make it a bit difficult to eat so order something manageable.  

    I did my chemo in summer and was very pleased to walk out in 35 degrees afterwards but a beanie sounds like a good idea in this weather.

    Just remember that awful cold feeling at the start shouldn't last too long.  I used to distract myself by trying to remember all the words to "American Pie"  by the time I got through that it was all good.

    All the best. lovely.  

    xoxoxox
  • If you're doing the cold cap music might be difficult because of the kit that goes on your head. You might be able to wedge an ear bud in.

    Magazines, unless you've got a book you're totally engaged in. It can be hard to concentrate, especially the first time.

    I was put under a heated blanket called a bear hugger, and my preferred temp for that was 38°! Thick socks, and layered clothing is good.

    An tablet with easy shows/movies loaded. Your phone to message friends & family.

    And pack a beanie to go home in! There are icicles in your hair when they take the cold cap off, and it took a few hours for my head to warm up!

    If you don't mind me asking, what sort of chemo are you having?

    All the very best for Monday Trikki. K xox
  • Just a thought -your local library might have e- audiobooks you can download to your phone/tablet. I had major eye surgery recently and found them quite good .
  • Thanks @LITHGOW1950 i will pack those. Yes i fear the unknown. Will definately let you know xx
    TRIKKI2 
  • Hi Trikki2, I always have cold feet so I would suggest some warm sox.  I also took my iPod and listened to some nice soft relaxing music.  I think for me the first was my most anxious as I didn't know what to expect but honestly all went well and the beautiful nurses are just amazing and so caring and gentle.  
    Lets us know how you go.