What to bring to chemo | Episode 1

Stefanie Greenleaf has been both a patient and a volunteer at Clearview Cancer Institute in Huntsville. In this video, Stefanie shows us some of her favorite items she packed for chemotherapy appointments.
To learn more about Clearview Cancer Institute, visit our website here: www.clearviewcancer.com

[@stevenredman1582]

I have been receiving chemotherapy at the Levine Cancer Institute, part of Atrium Health in Charlotte NC. What you bring is determined by how long your infusion session will last and personal preferences. I get blood drawn a couple days in advance so the test results are available when my treatment session starts. My doctor checks the blood test to make sure my white blood cell count is above a specified level for treatment. He also checks my liver and kidney functions via the blood test. I only live a few miles away from the infusion room (I'm lucky) so I apply the numbing cream at home. I tape a medicine bottle cap over my port after applying the stuff to keep it off the inside of my shirt. I wear a button down shirt or polo that allows easy access for the nurses to place the needle and to get the flow going. I get a mixture of meds so my time in the chair from start to finish can run up to three and a half hours including a pre and post flush and getting heparin. My facility has water, soft drinks, crackers and chips, and some fruit which is always available. I bring a bottle of water or Gatorade. Our facility has individual TVs at every chair. You can listen through the speaker or headphones if you have them. I bring an old iPod loaded with music which I listen to through my headphones. They will bring a pillow or rolled-up towel to put behind my neck. I usually doze off in the recliner. I have been going every other Tuesday, but am starting an immunotherapy regimen which will be a half hour in the chair every three weeks. Good luck with your therapy..!!

[@wandah9468]

Thanks for your very detailed post! I'm next!

[@theoriginaljayz28]

So helpful!! Be comfortable…. Although there are a small assortment of snacks & drinks available, you may want to bring a small cooler with your favorite drinks & snacks or lunch. The nurses do everything possible in premeds to keep your nausea to a minimum.

[@Queen_servant_of_allah]

Thank u so much for sharing ❤💖❤👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@zenariangrapes8376]

Thank u

[@nobsmthembu8327]

Thank you

[@actuary33]

I want the maker of that quilt. It looks comfy

[@jacquelenbialozynski6671]

Really!