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Products for Chemotherapy and Cancer Recovery
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items In 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. The next six months were overwhelming, to say the least. This list details a variety of products that made this difficult time more manageable. If you or someone you love is facing cancer, I hope...
Sections
4
Beauty & Hair
Rest, Recuperation & Gratitude
Diet, Nutrition & Health
Household Upgrades
Beauty & Hair
No one is prepared for the physical changes cancer (and the subsequent treatment) cause, but here are some products I found helpful.
I’ve been using this customized product for years, with great results. It even helped my hair grow back faster after chemotherapy. Highly recommend! (I use the Oasis fragrance.)
Custom Hair Products & Supplements – Prose | Haircare
This was my go-to when my long hair started falling out. It was both comfortable and easy to maintain, plus it helped me to feel more like more normal self than scarves or cover-ups did.
AynnQueen Adjustable Baseball Cap with 24in Wavy Hair Wig
I knew chemo would affect my hair, but it didn't occur to me how badly it would also affect my nails. This treatment minimized the damage, and I am happy to say that my nails recovered right along with my hair. =)
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Strengthener
Treatment was very hard on my gums, and regular dental floss made them bleed. This floss is natural and thick, offering more control for avid flossers like me.
DrTung's Smart Floss Cardamom Flavor 2pk
Another must for anyone undergoing chemotherapy! This toothbrush is gentle but effective.
Brilliant Specialty Adult Round Toothbrush Ultra Soft
Another dental go-to! This toothpaste tastes pleasant and does not irritate sensitive gums.
Boka Fluoride Free Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste - Ela Mint 4 Oz
Excellent conditioner for treatment and when your hair starts growing back!
Kenra Volume Mousse 12 | Firm Hold | Alcohol Free
I used this at a Hilton Head restaurant and was so excited to find it online. Not only does it smell great, but it also exfoliates your skin, leaving your hands (or your elbows and feet) feeling smooth and moisturized.
Secrets of the Islands Coconut Lime Salt Scrub
Surgery resulted in a large abdominal scar, and my oncologist recommended this oil once my stitches were fully healed. It helped soften the tissue and keep my skin moisturized while diminishing the dark line.
Bio-Oil Fragrance-Free Scar & Stretch Oil 4.2oz
While I am grateful for how quickly my hair is growing back, it's definitely gone through some awkward phases. Flexible headbands like this keep it manageable without aggravating my scalp.
EVITA PERONI Non-Slip Apricot Headbands
My hair turned silver when it came back in, and I needed a product that was both temporary and ammonia-free. After much research, I discovered this Clairol variation and have been pleased with the results. Better yet, it has not damaged my fragile ha...
Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Dye 7 Dark Blonde 3 Pack
When my waist-length hair fell out, I feared I'd never be able to pull it up again. It's still growing out, but this clip helps me to keep it off my face and limit the daily need for blow drying or curling.
Camila Paris AD716 Large Octopus Hair Clip
Rest, Recuperation & Gratitude
At no time is your mental and physical health more important than when you are going through chemotherapy. Here are just a few items that brought a smile to my face and eased the overall struggle.
I received this book as a gift - thanks, Mom! - and it is an essential read for your cancer journey.
50 Days of Hope: Daily Cancer Inspiration
I was incredibly blessed by friends and family after my diagnosis. Rather than store all the cards I received, I opted for this binder to keep them organized and readily available for inspiration.
Greeting Card Display Book 80 Cards 6x9 Pink
Chemotherapy equals lots of downtime, and there are only so many shows and movies you can consume. I found that switching my focus toward nature helped me to regain a sense of wonder and gratitude, and this feeder ended up being one of my surprise re...
Outdoor Hanging Metal Mesh Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder 4LB
I loved Lynn's 50 Days of Hope book so much that I ordered this book as a follow up. Well worth the read?
Peace in the Face of Cancer
Another bird feeder I added to my collection! We positioned this one at the top of our bedroom door, which entertained both me and my cat as I recuperated.
Clear Window Bird Feeder with 5 Strong Suction Cups
Another special gift, this book serves as such a wonderful reminder of God's grace and purpose for our lives, even when we may not understand His silence.
Wait - A journey to discovering the heart of God
Diet, Nutrition & Health
Cancer treatment can do a number on your physical health. Here are a few of the items that have helped on my journey.
Ever hated the taste of regular water? I never thought it possible - until my second chemo treatment. These delicious coconut-flavored drinks helped me stay hydrated when I didn't feel like eating or drinking much.
Bai Coconut Flavored Water Variety Pack 18 fl. oz., 15 pk.
My favorite electrolyte powder before and after chemotherapy!
REDMOND Re-Lyte Electrolyte Powder Pina Colada
I experienced dry mouth from my pre-meds and, later, a nasty taste from steroid eye drops. These mints are stout but help build up your saliva and reduce sour or metallic tastes caused by treatment.
DC24 Xylitol Erythritol Keto Cinnamon Mints
Need a vitamin C boost to support your immune system? This variation is a tasty alternative to tablets and infusions. Of course, always seek the advice of your medical team before trying any new supplements.
Quicksilver Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg 4oz
One of my cancer treatments exacerbated my dry eyes, and I tried every brand of preservative-free eye drops available. This is by far the most hydrating.
Systane HYDRATION Preservative Free Eye Drops 0.33oz 2 Pack
Household Upgrades
The following items made my life so much easier as I dealt with chemo and recovered from surgery.
Keeping up with notes about treatment and bills was especially tedious during chemotherapy. And I wanted something more than post-it notes or scrap paper for capturing whatever was on my mind. This little notebook is a wonderful resource for calculat...
Rocketbook Core Reusable Spiral Notebook 8.5x11
After my ovarian cancer diagnosis, I made a push to eliminate microplastics in our household. While I cannot say that plastic use had anything to do with my illness, I do not regret this purchase. These wooden spoons look nice in my countertop holder...
Teak Wooden Kitchen Utensil Set 10PCS
Yes, ice cream was a staple in my house during chemo! In previous years, I would've balked at the indulgence, but it was one of the few things I could eat to maintain my weight. My old scoop was scratched, and I wanted something more solid that was a...
Spring Chef Heavy Duty Metal Ice Cream Scoop
Comfort is the name of the game when you're going through chemo. This body pillow kept me cool while also providing ample support after surgery.
Body Cooling Bamboo Rayon Pillowcase 20x54
Recovering from cancer-related abdominal surgery is no fun, but this stool makes bathroom trips more manageable.
Bamboo Foldable Toilet Stool, Adjustable Height
As part of my recovery from surgery, we added this bench to our walk-in shower. It's both comfortable and easy to clean.
TEAKMAMA 20" Teak Shower Bench with Shelf
Ditching plastics meant a shift from our traditional coffeemaker. We tried a stainless french press, but it required additional filtering to remove that pesky film left behind. Enter the Chemex! While it does take more time to prepare than an automat...
Chemex 10 Cup Pour Over Coffee Maker Set
Finding an electric kettle that's large enough for our Chemex but does not use any plastic was difficult. But I managed! This one is still going strong and offers various temperature settings for cooking, tea and coffee preparations.
CUCKOO 1.7L Glass Kettle w/ Tea Infuser
My alternative to the plastic SodaStream bottles. I loved this bottle so much, I bought a second one for my husband.
sodastream Fizz & Go Cool 0.9L Bottle
We'd talked about getting a combo shower head for some time, and my surgery made it a neccesity. The sprayer is perfect for avoiding certain parts of your body due to stitches or other restrictions, and the magnet holds it securely to the base.
Moen Engage 6.0 -Spray Matte Black Rain Shower Head with Handheld Combo 1.75 GPM
Our most expensive purchase, for sure, but absolutely essential to my recovery… Not just after surgery but throughout chemotherapy. The split, adjustable base let me move as needed without constantly requiring help. It also ensured better sleep and c...
Shop Split King Mattresses | ComfortNext Lux