Chemotherapy sessions can feel terrifying the first time you walk into the infusion room.

I remember the first day my dad started chemo.

• We didn’t know what to expect.
• We didn’t know what to bring.
• And honestly… we didn’t know what we were doing at all.

Instead of traveling three hours to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we started treatment at our local hospital because the medication was the same.

When we first walked into the chemotherapy appointments, the whole scene was pretty intimidating.  

There were 20–30 patients sitting in recliner chairs, all hooked up to IVs.

Some patients had caregivers sitting beside them.

Nurses moved quietly around the room, checking medications and adjusting IV lines.

Everyone was looking at each other — but nobody was talking.

It was pretty nerve-wracking.

But after the nurses got my dad settled into his chair and the IV was placed in his arm (my dad couldn’t have a port), things slowly started to feel less intense.

What we quickly realized is this:

Chemo days are a lot easier when you come prepared.

Note:  Many Cancer Centers (like MSK) have private treatment rooms, so if you’re on the fence, you might take that into condideration.   

This guide will walk you through:

• What chemotherapy treatment is really like
• What to bring to chemo
• What to wear
• Snacks that help with nausea
• Entertainment ideas for long treatments
• Comfort items patients swear by

Plus, you’ll get a printable chemo checklist so you can pack your bag the night before AND leave it packed so it’s ready to go for every treatment.

What to Expect at Your First Chemotherapy Appointment

Before we dive into the chemo checklist, it helps to understand what actually happens on treatment day.

Many people imagine chemotherapy as something dramatic or chaotic.

In reality, it’s usually very routine and organized.

Here’s what a typical chemo appointment looks like.

1. Check-in and Patient Verification

When you arrive at the infusion center, nurses will confirm:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Medications you’re currently taking
• Allergies

You will hear these questions over and over again throughout treatment. It’s part of the safety process.

Heads up:  We’ve compiled all the questions you’ll get asked over and over at the doctor’s into a printable pack you can take to every appointment. Bonus: it’s free.  

You can grab our FREE Cancer Binder Pack here…

2. IV Placement or Port Access

Some patients have a chemo port placed before treatment.

Others receive chemotherapy through a standard IV.

If you have an IV treatment, the nurse will insert the IV while you wait for the medication to arrive from the pharmacy.

3. Pre/Post Medications

Many chemotherapy regimens include other medications before or after treatment.  These medicines may be given to help prevent things like:

• Nausea (anti-nausea drugs)
• Allergic reactions (antihistamines)
• Inflammation/pain management (steroids)

4. Chemotherapy Infusion

Once everything is ready, the chemotherapy medication is connected to your IV line and they start the infusion.

Infusion times are all different depending on the medicine.

Treatment may take:

• 30 minutes
• 2 hours
• Several hours

Some patients spend most of the day doing this.  Others are in and out in a few hours.  It really depends on the medicines.

That’s why bringing the right items can make chemo days better (or at least SUCK less).

What to Bring to Chemo: The Ultimate Chemotherapy Checklist

It’s a good idea to fill your chemo bag with things that help with:

• Comfort
• Nausea
• Entertainment
• Organization
• Medical tracking

So, let’s get started…

What to Wear to Chemotherapy

Comfortable clothing is the most important thing when choosing what to wear to chemotherapy.

You’ll likely be sitting in a cold room in a recliner chair for a long time (possibly several hours), so clothing should be:

• Soft
• Warm
• Loose fitting
• Easy for nurses to access IV lines or ports (live v-neck shirt)

Best Clothing for Chemo Days

Port shirts:  are designed to give the nurses easy access to your port without removing your clothing. 

Comfortable pants. Good options include:

• Sweatpants
• Yoga pants
• Leggings
• Track pants
• Loungewear

Avoid tight waistbands or stiff, uncomfortable fabrics.

Layered tops

Chemo rooms are often cold, so a good way to handle that is to bring layers that are easy to remove if you need to…

• Zip-up sweatshirts
• Cardigans
• Soft sweaters with front closures

Warm socks

Hospitals just feel chilly, and fuzzy socks just feel good!  Plus they can help your feet stay warm even when the room feels frosty.

Soft hats or scarves

Are a good ideas to keep your head warm and toasty.  It’s better to have it and not need it!  

Whatever it takes  to keep you comfortable during chemo treatments.

Go-To Essentials That Make Chemo Easier

Certain items can make a huge difference during a chemo session.

Here are a few of the most helpful…

Tackle Dry Skin During Chemo

Chemotherapy often causes extremely dry, painful skin.  Having a gentle moisturizer on hand helps prevent:

• Cracking
• Irritation
• Itching

While also helping to soothe dry painful skin.  

Lotion

Chemotherapy dries out everything and your skin takes the brunt of it.  We’re talking dry, chapped, painful skin… so it’s important to have unscented lotion that works and to keep it on hand…

There are TONS of options for lotion.  Here’s a breakdown list of the most popular and affordable lotions.  

If you’re looking for a thick and nourishing skin cream–  you can find that list here… 

Lip Balm

Chemo medications also dry out your lips, which is painful and uncomfortable.  If you’re looking for lip balm that works on dry lips without feeling greasy our favorite is #5…  Keeping lip balm available at all times helps not just during the infusion but throughout every single day.

Keep them around the house, keep them in the car and throw a few in the chemo bag.   

Hand Sanitizer

Helps keep germs at bay when you can’t wash your hands.

You definitely want a hand sanitizer that moisturizes and hydrates skin (bonus, if it’s travel size and it smells good!)  

You can find the hand sanitizer we love here…

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are surprisingly useful during cancer…

They help with:

• Cleaning hands
• Wiping faces
• Removing tape residue from IV sites

You can also use them to wipe down tray tables, chairs, even to wipe down your cell phone if needed.  

Stick with natural or allergy free wipes so they don’t irritate skin.

Comfort Items That Make Chemo Easier

Neck Pillow

Chemo recliner chairs are pretty comfortable, but neck support helps if you want to nap.

Eye Mask

Many patients sleep during treatments.  An eye mask helps block out bright hospital lights.

Soft Warm Blanket

Hospitals provide blankets, but bringing your own warm, cozy blanket is often more comfortable.

Snacks to Bring to Chemo Treatment

Nausea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.  Light easy to pack snacks can help settle your stomach.

Easy Chemo Snacks

• Pretzels
• Saltine crackers
• Graham crackers
• Trail mix
• Popcorn
• Protein bar
• Water (a reusable water bottle is a great idea)

Simple carbs are often easier to tolerate when feeling queasy.

Natural Nausea Remedies

Many patients swear by:

• Ginger chews (ginger candies)
• Peppermint tea
• Gingerale

We highly recommend Queasy Drops.  

These little suckers pack a pretty powerful punch. They are totally natural candies that combat nausea and help when your taste is off, which are both awful side effects of cancer treatment.  

The drops are totally natural (they were originally made for morning sickness) so they are safe even for kids. And as an added bonus, they were developed by healthcare professionals, making them an excellent gift idea for someone going through cancer.

But the best thing about these drops… they actually work.

Hint:  Sour Raspberry and Cola are the most popular flavors.

You can find out more about Queasy Drops here…

Entertainment Ideas for Long Chemo Treatments

Chemotherapy involves a lot of waiting. Waiting to get hooked up, waiting for medications to be delivered, etc. 

Bringing entertainment helps you get through long treatment sessions.

Electronic Devices

• Phone
• Tablet or Kindle
• Headphones
• Long charger (10-foot cord is best)
• Jackery or portable charger

You’ll want to be able to charge any devices you have, and outlets might be far from the chair.

For the Readers

Many patients bring:

• Favorite Books or a Brand New Book
• Magazines
• E-readers (like a Kindle or iPad)

Hint:  Don’t have a Kindle?  Download the Kindle app on any tablet and you’re good to go.  

If you’re a reader, my best recommendation is to check out Kindle Unlimited.  My mom and I share the subscription, which gives us access to books, magazines, comics, and now audiobooks.  

And we’re not talking about a bunch of titles you don’t want to read, we’re talking about good books…Here are my last reads, plus I have a bunch lined up…

• Windy City Series– Liz Tomforde. So freaking good.  It’s being adapted into a series, but the characters are so well developed, and the stories are so much fun.  (Ps:  I’m a Kia, Isaiah, and Monty fan.)
• Reminders of Him– Colleen Hoover.  One of the best emotional rollercoasters I have ever been on.  A seriously great book that I literally couldn’t put down.     
• Fourth Wing– Rebecca Yarros (This is a must-read if you’re into the fantasy genre).  I read it at least three times before I could move on to something else.

Reading is my favorite way to ESCAPE and makes spending HOURS sitting in waiting rooms a whole lot better.  If reading is your thing, check out Kindle Unlimited…

If you hate electronics and insist that having an actual book is better… Hear me out.  There are three main reasons why I haven’t read an actual book in years.

• The Kindle has a backlight that makes it easy to read no matter where you are.
• You can increase the size of the font as much as you need to (which has been a problem for me for a while).
• If you don’t want to wait until the title becomes available from the library, Kindle books are cheaper than purchasing physical books.  Plus with Kindle Unlimited, you have access to thousands of really GREAT titles for one low price . 

Or, you skip the reading altogether and have someone read it to you…

Audible

Listening to books can be easier when you’re tired.  Audible books are a great option because you can lose yourself in someone else’s story and forget about your own for a while.  Escape is a blessing during cancer.

And because you can download these books right to your phone, you can “get lost” whenever you have the time. Long car rides, endless waiting times, trying to sleep but can’t… 

I HIGHLY recommend Dramatized Adaptations.  They’re audiobooks you listen to with a full cast of voices and sound effects.  It’s like a movie in your mind!  

And in case you’re thinking “I get distracted easily, and my mind wanders.” That’s what I thought- but I was totally hooked.  But you can also read along- the voices and sound effects just enhance the story.  

You can check out Audible Books by clicking here…

Journaling

F*ck You Cancer Journal

Cancer meets raw honesty. The Fck You Cancer Journal lets you say it like it is. Journaling helps unload fear, anxiety, and overwhelming thoughts. This is a great way to organize your thoughts, scream in writing and show cancer it’s not in control. 

Grab the Fck You Journal here…

F*ck Cancer: A Totally Inappropriate Self-Affirming Adult Coloring Books

Coloring isn’t just for kids. The F*ck Cancer Coloring Book provides a therapeutic outlet adults. Amidst the chaos of cancer you can find the calm, making you feel a little more in control, and send a not-so-subtle message for cancer. 

Grab the coloring book here…

Bible Word Search

 

A Large Print Bible Word Search Book is the perfect way to give someone you love a moment of peace and quiet — while also keeping their mind sharp and their heart focused on God.

Easy to See, Easy to Do – Large print means no squinting or struggling.
Faith-Filled & Fun – Each puzzle is based on Bible stories, verses, and themes — so it’s uplifting, not just busywork.
Relaxing & Portable – Perfect for waiting rooms, hospital visits, or quiet time at home.

Whether you’re shopping for a cancer patient, a caregiver who needs a break, or a loved one who just enjoys word crossword puzzles, this is a simple, meaningful, affordable gift that says, “I care about you.”

You can learn more about the Bible Word Search here…

Essential Medical Documents to Bring to Chemotherapy

Cancer treatment involves a lot of information.

Doctors frequently ask about:

• Symptoms
• Medication changes
• Side effects
• Appointment schedules

Keeping everything organized is incredibly helpful.

Important Medical Pages

Bring or track:

• Appointment calendar
• Medication tracker
• Symptom tracker
• Care team contact list

We can show you a quick and easy way to organize important medical information so you can actually find what you’re looking for.

No hassle, no stress, with a quick and easy setup that takes minutes to maintain.  And the best part… It’s 100% Free.

You can get the Cancer Binder Pack here…

The EASY System That Helped Us Stay Organized During Cancer

Cancer turns your life into a full-time job you were never trained for.

When my dad was in treatment, we constantly needed to bring medical records to most of our appointments.  More specifically, we needed to track things like:

• Medications
• Symptoms
• Appointments
• Doctor phone numbers

It quickly became overwhelming.

So we created a simple system to organize everything and make it easily mobile.

It eventually became the Cancer Binder Pack.

The binder includes printable pages for:

• Medication tracking
• Symptom tracking
• Appointment calendars
• Care team contact lists
• Medical history pages

Everything doctors ask for — all in one place.

You can download the FREE Cancer Binder Pack and start organizing your treatment information today..

Over time, we figured out there are a few little things that make chemo days a whole lot easier.

Not perfect.
 Not magical.
 Just easier.

Pack Your Chemo Bag the Night Before (Or Honestly… Just Keep It Packed)

Chemo mornings can feel chaotic enough without running around looking for chargers, snacks, insurance cards, or lip balm.

Eventually, we just started keeping a well-packed bag ready to go all the time.

One less thing to think about.
 And right now? That matters.

Bring Someone With You If You Can

There’s something about sitting in those infusion rooms that can feel really lonely sometimes.

Having a friend or family member there provides emotional support and helps more than I can explain.

Not just emotionally either.

They can:

• Grab coffee or snacks
• Keep you company during the long hours
• Help remember information
• Ask questions when your brain is fried
• Distract you a little from all the scary stuff

And honestly… sometimes it just helps to not do this alone.

Drink More Water Than You Think You Need

I know.
 Everyone says this.

But hydration really does make a difference during chemotherapy.

Even when you don’t feel like drinking anything.

A lot of people notice it helps with headaches, fatigue, constipation, and some of the overall “hit by a truck” feeling chemo can cause.

Ask the Nurses Questions

Seriously.
 Your infusion nurses are absolute superheroes.

If something feels weird… ask.
 If you’re nervous… ask.
 If a side effect suddenly changes… speak up.

They’ve seen everything.
 And most of the time, they’re full of practical tips nobody else tells you.

Preparing for Chemo Helps You Feel A Little More In Control

That first chemo appointment can feel terrifying.

There’s so much unknown.
 So much fear.
 So much “what is this going to be like?”

But having a few things ready ahead of time really does help.

When you walk into treatment with:

• Comfortable clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Things to keep you occupied
• A notebook or system for tracking information
• A plan for the day

…it feels a little less overwhelming.

Not easy.
 Just more manageable.

And sometimes during cancer treatment, manageable is the win.

Cancer is hard.
 Chemo is hard.
 But you do not have to walk into this completely unprepared.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chemotherapy

How long does chemotherapy take?

It really depends on the medication and treatment plan. Some appointments are pretty quick, while others can last several hours.

Can you eat during chemotherapy?

Usually, yes.

Most infusion centers allow snacks and drinks, and honestly… bringing comfort food helps more than people realize.

What helps with chemo nausea?

Some things people commonly swear by are:

• Queasy Drops
• Ginger tea or ginger chews
• Saltine crackers
• Prescription anti-nausea medications
• Small snacks throughout the day instead of large meals

Can you sleep during chemo?

Absolutely.

A lot of people nap during treatment — especially during the longer infusion days. Some infusion centers even provide warm blankets to help you get comfortable.

**Grab the printable Chemo Checklist here**

Heads up:  We’ve compiled all the questions you’ll get asked over and over at the doctor’s into a printable pack you can take to every appointment. Bonus: it’s free.  

You can grab our FREE Cancer Binder Pack here…

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