My Top Ten Chemo Must Haves

Time for me to share some of the things that made my journey a little easier. Keep in mind, I'm sure many of these "Must Haves" apply to more than just breast cancer, so feel free to share this list with people going through cancer of any kind. Better yet, BUY what they might need. When I talk cancer or chemo I'm coming from my perspective, the boob perspective, but also the chick perspective. Those with frank and beans may not share my enthusiasm for a good moisturizer or cold caps...or maybe they do...

#1 Entourage

Chemo can be fun. Let's face it, in this day and age where you are so plugged in this is your time to disconnect and get some one on one people time. Enter your Entourage. The Head Bitch in Charge aka Adrian Grenier was me. In the beginning of my journey I sent out an all call to my friends that the honour of their presence was requested at one of my 6 main chemotherapy treatments. Ha! It was a great time to catch up on some gossip and some normalcy. I was hooked up to the good good for an average of 6 hours. Four drugs dripping at a medium speed plus my premeds. Everyone is different, some drip slower, some drip faster. Colon cancer patients as well as prostate were there for a long time, other people were in and out. Some people sleep, some people ride that steroid train for a 48 hour bender. I was the later lol. My husband came with, until he saw how much I enjoyed the time with my friends so he skipped out on one or two chemos and went to work. I know you all love your partners....till death do you part, but if it's possible to give them a break from the puke and the infusions GIVE IT TO THEM. Besides the hubs didn't really care to hear about my college sexcapades and keg stands ;) Keep in mind that kiddos are usually NOT ALLOWED in the chemo room. If anyone in your entourage has been sick, make sure they stay home!

#2 Electric Blanket

Not to sound like a snob, but the chemo room blankets suck. I LOVE YOU TEXAS ONCOLOGY, but those blankets SUCK ASS. I'm talking 3 minutes max of warmth and the softness...well...was as soft as an 80s kotex (men please google) so I recommend an electric blanket. I got mine at JC Penny for $20 on sale. You can get one here , here, or here. It seems like they have gone up in price, so check out local Macy's and JCPenny sales, and always use a coupon. Mine was purchased in November, where they were plentiful. I always felt cold during chemo, but then again I was using Chemo Cold Caps. It gives you that sense of getting chemo in the middle of the frozen tundra haha; HOWEVER, when I would go in for fluids or just Herceptin I still used it...even during the summer months. 

#3 Chemo Cold Caps

Are you receiving the TCHP regimen for breast cancer? Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, Perjeta? If you are may I suggest this awesome company called Chemo Cold Caps. There are other companies out there....but I just cannot vouch for them because my experience was with Bill and Lizzy. One thing you will realize on your journey is that you are only going to want to fuck with associate yourself with other survivors and what THEY used. I honestly would have never bought into this if it weren't for Lizzy who WENT THROUGH cancer a year or so before I did. She was on the same regimen as me and had success so I figured IT'S WORTH A SHOT! They walk you through the process, are always available to answer questions, and will not leave you hanging! Is it expensive YES! Is it a pain in the ass YES! Are you cold...YES! Is it worth it..HELL YES! I will make a post about my Cold Cap experience by the end of the month (I swear), but I wish more women knew now what I didn't know then. Taxotere, when given in more than four infusions as part of a cocktail can cause permanent hair loss. It is happening to a larger percentage of women than anticipated and it happened to me. I developed alopecia and the ONLY reason I have boob length hair is because of the fact that I used Chemo Cold Caps. PLEASE LOOK INTO THEM! You'll freeze your ass off, but you'll be glad that you did. Tell them the Boob Chica sent you :) You can follow them on FaceBook and Instagram! (While you are at it, follow me on IG @The_Boob_Chica)

#4 Chemo Snacks

One of my few chemo cravings

One of the most important things that you will need to be sure of during chemo is that you stay hydrated. There is water and ice at the center, as well as snacks, but as you can probably tell I liked to be prepared. Whatever you do, DRINK during chemo (and I'm not talking sauce)!!! You will taste the chemo, at the beginning and at the end and you don't want to be putting up with that for hours on end!! Try drinking this, you can find it at Central Market, Whole Foods, or Market Street (for all my Texas gals). Helping keep the body more alkaline is essential to fighting cancer. Water with a drop of lemon essential oil will also do the trick, just remember to drink it out of a GLASS container! I always drank everything COLD COLD COLD, it'll help you with mouth sores and sore gums (which I still got, but not as bad after doing this). If you need something sweet try coconut water. If you are fortunate to get it straight from the source DO IT! If not this, this, or this kept me hydrated, especially in the days after. It's not the real thing, but I don't live in South Florida, and agua de coco is not a DFW commodity. I didn't feel like eating much, but gummy candy did make the time go by quicker and oh so much sweeter! Try something that is easy on your stomach, bland is better than spicy...trust me, I found that out the hard way! Don't forget about your chemo room friends! The chemo room can really suck, especially for those who have to battle alone :(. The room always seemed to perk up when there was food to share! The hubs even ordered cupcakes from Trailer Cakes, the best Dallas has to offer :) They really made people smile, and they even went so far as to decorate them with a pink ribbon :) Keep in mind that some doctors aren't a fan of raw items, deli meats, or soft cheeses. Avoid stuff that a pregnant woman would avoid...so my doc says.

#5 Entertainment 

If you are unable to bring the party to the chemo room, or your chemo buddy/entourage is busy for the day load up the phone with your favorite shows, music, books on tape, or NET FLIX (trust and believe you want to splurge on Netflix)! The iPad came in handy for my hubs (When he didn't want to hear about that one time I signed the ceiling at The Dizzy Rooster or puked all over 6th street for the millionth time lol), but it was a BLESSING during the World Cup (for us, not for the people around us hearing me yell during the Germany game). I found that after a round or two of chemo I struggled to read and retain what I was reading, but Gossip Magazines (People, Us Weekly, TMZ.com) kept me focused and entertained enough to keep reading, even when I got chemo brain and read the same page over and over again. It never gets old reading about the KarTrashians or the Real Housewives hot ass mess. 

#6 Go Comfy

There's a fine line between comfortable and downright trashy and inappropriate and while I walked the line for four and a half months it's something that is really important. DO NOT GO IN JEANS...they just aren't comfy :/. The best outfits were comfy socks, leggings, loose fitting yoga/sweat pants, lose fitting t shirts, and cardigans. These are things that every woman has in their closet. There is no need to break the bank over a new chemotherapy wardrobe. These essentials will help you out, especially after surgery (just add a couple of big button ups or zip up hoodies to the mix). Some of you will have surgery before chemo, please check out some of these items before you lob off a boob...or two. If you MUST shop, because you have cancer and you want the retail therapy the solid V neck tees from Nordstrom Rack and Target are some of my favs. They are CHEAP and comfortable. There are expensive options out there, but it's a damn v neck y'all, leave the Free People on the rack and put that money towards Cold Caps and lipstick! Same with sweats/leggings. Old Navy has some comfy cheap options, and JCPenny ROCKS with clearance tights. Start from the clearance rack first! 

#7 Big Ol' Bag

I was such a chemo bag lady it wasn't even funny! You can't show up with all of this stuff and NOT have a place to put it! Again, no need to buy anything new, but if you want something big enough Target has great over sized totes that are quite affordable. I used a Jon Hart bag that I already used for work and travel. It was perfect for all of my chemo needs, check out a cheaper alternative here  or here :) Also be sure to bring pens, a notebook to take notes, and a clipboard to put your current labs on (I liked to keep track), and a list of current medications. You also probably want to bring your makeup bag, toiletries, etc with you. It's chemo, not an excuse to look like a mess!

#8 Chick Stuff...ok Guys can get it too!

Let there be brows!

I cannot stress the importance of a good moisturizer and lip balm. IT IS ESSENTIAL. From the moment they start that drip those cells are going ka-put, not to mention infusion room air is dry and unforgiving. MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE MOISTURIZE! From your eyes  to your feet, to your nails (that could fall off so ice them if your doctor thinks it necessary). My favorite heavy body creams are here and here. If you are super dry coconut oil it up first and then seal with a heavy body cream. Don't forget about the lippies, this stuff is THE TRUTH! It's pricey, but you will not use another lip product for a year and the other $3 stuff just does not work as well. Also be sure to switch your deodorant to something more natural. It will TAKE TIME for your body to adjust/find what works for you. This is my fav! When you go in for chemo, put a little make up on. ENJOY your lashes! Don't beat the face up like you were going to the bar, but do make yourself feel good. Look good and FIGHT PRETTY!

#9 Drugs...Rx! 

As in your nausea medication and your Claritin! Find out if you will be getting the Neulasta shot. If so PLEASE TAKE YOUR 24 HOUR CLARITIN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LIKE A WEEK. The bone pain is EXCRUCIATING! See my earlier blog posts where I talk about it...the shit is awful. I would also put on a Sancuso Nausea patch to help with diarrhea and nausea after treatment. I saw plenty of people putting their patches on during their infusions. You want to be prepared. You will most likely be given scripts for nausea meds and steroids, but not to worry, they push these through your port before chemo. OH SPEAKING OF PORT. Emla cream to numb before they stick you is a must, my place used the spray so I was good! You can get that script from any of your doctors.

#10 Emergency Necessities

Here it comes...that moment where I need to be real. So you never know what chemo will be like. You could walk in for infusion 2, have psycho blood work or an infection and be admitted to the hospital. PACK WHATEVER YOU MAY NEED! Even if it's an extra change of clothing, slippers, or extra toiletries and leave them in the car. I would never walk into chemo without my portable barf bags. My onc had a bunch which I would take because I was a puker. Also same rule applies if you have to go to the ER. I went to the ER for chest pain and was admitted for a blood clot and I didn't have my stuff!! I almost lost my shit when the doctor told me I couldn't go home to get my straightener. HAHAHA.  

**DISCLAIMER**

Every Onc (Oncologist) has their personal preference when it comes to their patients. My doctor was specific about some things so you may want to ask your medical team if they are ok with you using or consuming some of these products. 

I truly hope this helps with some of the "What do I need," questions. If you are curious about any other chemo needs or about what you need after your mastectomy comment below or email me :) 

xoxo,

The Boob Chica