This is a collection of items that made life a little easier (and more comfortable) during my chemo journey. From soft fabrics to small gadgets, these are things I genuinely relied on and hope can help you too.
Sections
9
Comfort & Warmth
Clothing
Practical Helpers
Skin & Body Care
Bathroom
Distraction & Calm
Comfort & Warmth
Soft, cozy items that make cold wards and long chemo sessions more bearable.
Keep that seatbelt off your port with one of these pillows.
Seatbelt Pillow
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Great for kicking back on the couch on those cold winter days.
Heated Blanket Throw
Portable version of a weighted blanket.
Weighted Lap Blanket
I get hyper sensitive to noise during chemo, these help keep the volume down.
Noise Reduction Earplugs
Cheap, comfortable and does the job.
Basic Cotton Eye Mask
More expensive than the other sleep mask on the list but I think it's worth it considering how much I use it.
Manta Sleep Mask
Ideal for those cold winter days / nights.
Hand Warmers
Avoiding that cold air whilst dealing with cold sensitivity is a must!
Beanie, Scarf and Gloves Set
Gloves are a must when getting things out of the fridge if you're dealing with cold sensitivity.
Touchscreen Friendly Gloves
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We all need a pair of war grippy socks!
Heat Holders Non-Slip Socks
Cozy and safe for walking around.
Non Slip Fleece Socks
Makes those chairs a bit more bearable.
Neck Pillow
Clothing
Easy, comfortable pieces designed for treatment days and hospital stays and includes port accessible clothing
A super convenient port access t-shirt.
Uni-Sex Chemo Port Access Shirt with Dual Zips
A super convenient port access t-shirt for the colder months.
Uni-Sex Chemo Port Access Long-sleeved Shirt
A super convenient port access t-shirt for the really cold months.
Uni-Sex Chemo Port Access Long-sleeved Pullover
Ladies!! If you're looking for port access clothing that a bit more colourful and stylish check these tops out!
Adaptive Ruffle Top
Ladies, you don't have to sacrifice looking / feeling good for port access.
Adaptive Ruffle Dress
Comfort if key during chemo and it doesn't get much.more comfortable than an oversized hoody.
Oversized Wearable Blanket
Cancer apparel designed by me.
Cancer Apparel by GrindingChemo
These would be up there with my #1 comfort item!
Pillow Slides | Like Walking on Clouds ❤️
Easy on and off, no bending.
Luxe Slides
Practical Helpers
Little tools that make life simpler, from keeping organised to relieving side effects.
It's been over 12 months since I've gone to sleep without sleep specific earphones. Whether I'm listening to an audiobook or rain sounds, I can't get to sleep without them.
Soundcore A30 Sleep Earbuds
The amount of times I've fallen asleep listen to an audio book with these is ridiculous 😅
Bluetooth Sleep Headphones/ Headband
Jot down questions, instructions or those random ideas you get when the seroids kick in.
Notebook & Pen
Keeps your must-haves within arm’s reach durning infusion.
Organiser Pouch
Keeps your phone alive when an outlet isn't close by.
Power Bank
Keeps discharge notes, prescriptions, blood forms and letters safe.
Document Organiser
Paired with acupuncture this device has reduced my numbness and tingling caused neuropathy tremendously!
Renpho Leg / Feet Massager
Helps with my neuropathy and great for getting blood flow back into your hands.
Renpho Hand Massager
This might look like a gimmick from the future but it's actually amazing, my wife even uses it every night before bed and it's helped her get to sleep much quicker.
Renpho Eye Massager
When your hands are peeling or sensitive this is a game changer for opening cans or bottles.
Bottles, Jars & Can Opener
Keeps meds sorted and stress-free even during brain fog.
Pill Organiser
Tracks when you last opened your meds.
Medication Tracker
For those that like to keep an eye on their stats.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Monitor temps between treatments.
Forehead Thermometer
Occasionally I need a little help getting around, this guy has supported me a lot of the journey.
All Terrain Walking Cane
Skin & Body Care
Gentle products to soothe dry skin, sore mouths, and sensitive spots.
My go to moisturiser that I use multiple times per day to reduce the effects of hand and foot syndrome.
Hand Repair Barrier Cream 100ml
My secondary moisturiser for dry hands and feet!
Intensive Moisturiser for Face & Body
Again, aircon dries everything out fast.
Lip Balm
Chemo can cause dry skin, rectify this with some MooGoo Moisturiser!
MooGoo Full Cream Moisturiser
This is the only body wash I use these days, great for sensitive skin.
MooGoo Milk Wash
Great for sensitive skin, it's all I use when it comes to deodorant.
MooGoo Natural Fresh Cream Deodorant
If you're wanting to one up you moisturising game give this a go!
MooGoo Natural Shea Sorbet Butter Balm
I usually recommend acupuncture for neuropathy but some people also find relief from highly rated creams like this one.
Neuropathy Nerve Pain Relief Cream
You don't have to feel the pain of port needling any longer!
Numbing Cream
Bathroom
Handy essentials for staying clean and fresh, even when energy is low.
Do yourself a favour and get one of these! My bidet is honestly up there with one of my favourite possessions!
Bidet Smart Toilet Seat
The only sensitive toothpaste I've used since starting chemo.
BioMin: Sensitivity & Remineralising Toothpaste
Avoid mouth sores with this mouthwash powder specifically for cancer patients.
Peter Mac Mouthwash Powder
Instant freshen-up when showering feels like too much.
Cleansing Face Wipes
Thicker than wipes, great for full wipe-downs.
Compressed Disposable Towel
Gentle for digestive side effects.
Intimate Wipes
Skin care during chemo is important and this helps care for those hard to reach areas.
Exfoliating Shower Towel - Made in Japan
Fresh hair without the hassle.
Dry Shampoo
You'll usually be provided something similar to this but I got these as extra to ensure I never run out.
Shower Shield Moisture Barrier
This optional but I like to keep my chemo clothes seperate and this is also great to take with durning hospital stays.
Laundry Bag
If immune-suppressed and cautious.
Disposable Toilet Seat Covers
Something that was recommended to me early on and now it seem weird going to the bathroom without one 😅
Toilet Stool
Unfortunately some of us have to deal with hair loss, when the time comes, this is all you need.
Personal Haircut Kit
Distraction & Calm
Ways to pass the time, quiet your mind, and ease stress during long sessions.
Light, easy entertainment that doesn’t take up space.
Amazon Kindle
For those days when you just need to kick back with a nice book.
Kindle Unlimited - Free Trial
Hands free reading on your Kindle.
Kindle Page Turner
For those that don't like sleeping with earbuds/plugs, this drowns out ambient noise.
White Noise Machine
Calming way to pass infusion time.
Adult Colouring Books
Jotting positives helps with chemo brain fog.
Gratitude Journal
Perfect meditation accessories for seeking stress relief and positive affirmations
Affirmation Cards
Something to squeeze during cannulas/needles.
Anti-Stress Cube / Fidget Toy
Food & Hydration
Snacks and drinkware to keep your body fuelled and hydrated when appetite is low or food is delayed.
Can help ease nausea.
Lemon Ginger Chews
This could be anything you like, helps take that horrible metalic taste out of your mouth.
Light Snacks
Helps with dry mouth from meds.
Sugar Free Mints
Helps keep up hydration and when plain water tastes metallic.
Flavoured Waterdrops
Easier to sip lying down, and avoids spills when trying to pour water out of those stupid water jugs, surely it's not just me.
Insulated Water Bottle
Keeps drinks hot or cold.
Insulated Coffee Cup
Metal reusable straws are great unless your lips are sensitive to cold, that's why I use these 😊
Silicone Straws
For fruit, crackers, or biscuits from home.
Snack Containers
Gift Ideas
Thoughtful things friends and family can give to show care and support.
Hope Avenue is a heartwarming children's book that sensitively explores the topic of cancer through the eyes of a young family. When their mother is diagnosed with cancer, young Isla and Max face their fears and learn to cope with the challenges ahea...
Hope Avenue: A Story of Love and Resilience
Greeting cards designed by me.
Greeting Cards by GrindingChemo
Fun greeting cards
Brighter Day Greeting Cards
Great little positive reminder that you're important.
Positive Poo
Lets them choose what they really need.
Amazon.com.au eGift Card - Instant Email
Novelty
Fun, quirky extras that add a bit of humour and lightness to tough days.
Classic mug that keeps your eye on the prize!
My Chemo Mug
Add a bit of humour to the chemo ward.
Novilty Cancer Socks
Another option to add a bit of humour to the chemo ward.
Novilty Cancer Socks #2
Its a bit corny I know but a good way to pass the time when you're not feeling too energetic.
