{"id":13216,"date":"2021-06-09T12:45:28","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T17:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=13216"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:46:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T16:46:05","slug":"chemotherapy-pack-a-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/chemotherapy-pack-a-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Things to Pack in Your Chemo Bag: What to Bring to Chemotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Chemotherapy can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Treatments often last two to six hours or longer, and while you\u2019ll be seated comfortably in an infusion chair, the time can feel long if you\u2019re not prepared.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why packing a chemo bag ahead of time can make a big difference. Having the right items with you can help you stay comfortable, manage side effects and feel more at ease during treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Laura Hines, MSN, manager of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/cancer\">Oncology Services at OSF HealthCare<\/a>, encourages planning ahead.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur team understands that going through chemotherapy is not what you want to be doing, so we want you to be comfortable and feel as if you are at home,\u201d Laura said.<\/p>\n<p>Here we\u2019ll walk you through what to bring to chemo treatments, including comfort items, entertainment, snacks and clothing. Plus, check out the helpful chemo bag checklist you can use before each visit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"alignright cta\">\n<p>Prepare for chemo treatment<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/ONC-Loyalty-Download-PackChemoBag-8.5x11_FIN.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the chemo bag checklist<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>How to Make a Chemo Bag<\/h2>\n<p>Whether you use a chemo tote bag, backpack or even a simple reusable grocery bag, there\u2019s no one right way to pack your chemo bag. What matters most is that it fits your personal needs and is easy to carry.<\/p>\n<p>A good place to start is by making a chemo bag checklist. Writing everything down helps ensure you don\u2019t forget essentials, especially on days when you may be feeling tired or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n<p>Tip: Gather your items first, then choose a bag that fits everything you need.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Survivorship\" src=\"https:\/\/freshpaint-video.com\/d7bef322-4e14-46ae-bccd-a1dc9ff764d7\/1eb4c279-a86a-4541-b51b-148041f729dc\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-label=\"Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Survivorship\"><span style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>Chemo Bag Essentials: Things to Pack in Your Chemo Bag<\/h2>\n<p>Here are chemo bag must haves many people find helpful during treatment days.<\/p>\n<h3>1.\u00a0\u00a0 Entertainment to Pass the Time<\/h3>\n<p>Chemo sessions can be long, so having options helps the time pass more quickly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Books or magazines<\/li>\n<li>Tablet or e\u2011reader<\/li>\n<li>Cell phone<\/li>\n<li>Puzzles, crosswords or word searches<\/li>\n<li>Coloring book with crayons, markers or colored pencils<\/li>\n<li>Headphones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cUnless there is an issue, Wi\u2011Fi is available, but headphones are a must,\u201d Laura said.<\/p>\n<p>While TVs are often available, you may not always find exactly what you\u2019re looking to watch, so bringing your own entertainment ensures you have choices.<\/p>\n<h3>2.\u00a0\u00a0 A Lap Table or Small Tray<\/h3>\n<p>A lap table can be especially helpful for activities like coloring, puzzles or writing.<\/p>\n<h3>3.\u00a0\u00a0 Electronics and Chargers<\/h3>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget the basics that keep your devices running.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Phone, tablet or e\u2011reader<\/li>\n<li>Charging cords and power banks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>4.\u00a0\u00a0 Comfort Items to Help You Relax<\/h3>\n<p>Comfort is key during infusion appointments.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Favorite blanket or small pillow<\/li>\n<li>Socks or slippers with nonslip grips<\/li>\n<li>Sleep mask<\/li>\n<li>Lip balm (chemo can cause dry lips)<\/li>\n<li>Water bottle or travel mug<\/li>\n<li>Alcohol pads or wipes (smelling them can help reduce nausea)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>5.\u00a0\u00a0 Snacks for Chemo Days<\/h3>\n<p>Many people feel better when they eat small amounts during treatment, especially if sessions last several hours.<\/p>\n<p>Good snacks for chemo treatment days may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Crackers or pretzels<\/li>\n<li>Soft granola bars<\/li>\n<li>Ginger chews, lemon drops, or peppermints (may help nausea)<\/li>\n<li>Simple sandwiches or a packed lunch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cAs long as you don\u2019t have dietary restrictions, we recommend even packing a lunch if you will be there for a while,\u201d Laura said.<\/p>\n<p>Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy, so it may help to avoid acidic or spicy foods. Staying hydrated is also important.<\/p>\n<p>Always check with your care team about food and drink restrictions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBe sure to check with your nurse about restrictions on hot or cold substances,\u201d Laura added. \u201cIt can cause complications for certain types of treatments.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>6.\u00a0\u00a0 Personal Items That Bring Comfort<\/h3>\n<p>Chemo days can be emotional. Bringing a few personal items can help you feel more at home.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Journal or notebook<\/li>\n<li>Photos of loved ones<\/li>\n<li>Small comfort or faith\u2011based items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What to Wear to Chemotherapy<\/h2>\n<p>What you wear can affect both comfort and ease of treatment.<\/p>\n<p>What to wear to chemo with a port:<\/p>\n<p>If you have a port, choose clothing that allows easy access.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Button\u2011up or zip\u2011front tops<\/li>\n<li>Loose\u2011fitting shirts with wide necklines<\/li>\n<li>Layers, as infusion areas can feel cool<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>General what-to-wear-to-chemotherapy tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Soft, loose clothing<\/li>\n<li>Breathable fabrics<\/li>\n<li>Slip\u2011on shoes or slippers with traction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cDress comfortably. Wear something you can relax and nap in,\u201d Laura said.<\/p>\n<h2>Visitors and Support People at Chemo Appointments<\/h2>\n<p>Some people like having a loved one with them for support. Visitor policies can change depending on safety guidelines.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou may have a visitor with you, however this policy fluctuates,\u201d Laura said. \u201cCheck with your care team. They will let you know what the current guidelines are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe feeling of being comfortable with those caring for you and in your surroundings is important,\u201d Laura said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chemotherapy, a type of treatment for cancer, can be a long process. It can take anywhere from two to six-plus hours, so you&#8217;ll want to make sure you&#8217;re comfortable, while staying occupied with various activities. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":122,"featured_media":13278,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[898,418],"coauthors":[1051],"class_list":["post-13216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer","tag-cancer-treatment","tag-chemotherapy"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Chemo Must-Haves: Preparing for Treatment Day<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Use this chemo day guide to plan what to wear, what to pack and which comfort items can help you through a long appointment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/chemotherapy-pack-a-bag\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Urgent care or ER? 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