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How to Make Chemo Bearable
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items I went through 4 rounds of TC chemo in the summer of 2023. These products and similar helped me feel better during the process. If you need to go through chemo yourself, hopefully these can help you too.
Sections
4
Keeping Your Mouth in Good Shape
Hands & Feet Need Love
No Nausea, Thanks
Necessary Distractions
Keeping Your Mouth in Good Shape
Often my mouth would dry out, even a week or so after treatment. Or it would feel like I'd be getting sores somewhere inside. Not fun at all. These products kept my mouth in good shape!
I'd stick this to my gums under my lip, and it would keep my mouth nice and moist. Dry mouth always feels awful, and chemo dry mouth is that much worse.
OraCoat XyliMelts Dry Mouth Stick-On Melts, Mild Mint, 40 CT
I'd use this in the morning and night if I needed a little extra help.
Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse (Mouthwash)
Whenever my mouth started to feel like sores were going to appear, I would take a spoonful of this oil and swish it around for about a minute. Coconut oil is antibacterial, and it seriously would arrest the sores.
Simple Truth Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil -- 14 fl oz
Hands & Feet Need Love
People think chemo treatment and they imagine going bald and feeling nauseous. While that's true a lot of time, chemo treatments can affect your hands and feet too.
I would wear these during my chemo sessions to help keep me from getting neuropathy, a common chemo side effect. I didn't end up with it, so I would say they helped. Pro tip - bring them in a cooler bag with you.
RelaxCoo Chemo Cold Therapy Socks & Gloves
I used this during both chemo and radiation treatment. It does not have much of a scent, which is good, and it keeps your hands and feet soft thanks to the aloe vera.
Aloe Vesta Skin Conditioner and Daily Moisturizer
If you find your hands and feet becoming super dry and uncomfortable during chemo, this will help lock in any remaining moisture..
Bag Balm Hand & Body Lotion Shea Butter 3oz 2 Pack
No Nausea, Thanks
I was very good about taking my drug regimen after getting home to a few days afterwards. Then I would have these on hand just in case! I was told that once you start heaving, it's much harder to stop. Prevention is key!
Ginger is excellent for settling your stomach. And these are extra ginger-y!
GIN GINS Double Strength Ginger Hard Candy 1lb
If you'd prefer a nice hot drink to keep your belly happy, this is an excellent choice.
Calm Stomach Ginger and Peach Herbal Tea
If you're not a ginger fan, this three mint tea will also do the trick.
Organic Tea Bags, Three Mint Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Hydrate like it's your job. It truly does make a difference during chemo treatments. Having a large tumbler like this makes it much easier to get enough water in.
Stanley 30 oz Stainless Steel H2.0 Flowstate Quencher Tumbler Black 2.0: Dishwasher-Safe Drinkware for Hot & Cold Beverages
Necessary Distractions
Hanging out with an IV in your arm or in your port is not exactly a calming experience. Not to mention all the nurses responding to all the beeps (oncologist nurses are the best tho - just sayin'). Finding ways to relax and distract are just what the...
When you're in the infusion area, a chemo treatment can take a few hours. So if you need some noise cancelling, your favorite tunes, or want an audio book, a good pair of headphones will do the trick.
Hesh ANC - Wireless Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones | Bluetooth 5.0 | Active Noise Canceling | Built-in Microphone
A beautiful coloring book like this is a great way to spend the time.
Fairy Tales & Folklore Coloring Book: A Magical Journey Inspired by Scandinavian Fables
To use with the coloring book, of course.
24 Piece Landscape Colored Pencil Set in Display Tin