Must-Have Items for Going Through Lung Cancer Treatment
Going through lung cancer treatment involves addressing various physical and emotional challenges. Here's a comprehensive list of items to help manage chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or immunotherapy, ensuring comfort, care, and support.
1. For Chemotherapy
1. Comfortable ClothingChemotherapy and other treatments often require you to sit for extended periods. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and consider bringing cozy socks, a warm blanket, or a soft sweater to stay comfortable.
- Clothing
- Nausea Relief:
- Ginger candies or tea.
- Anti-nausea wristbands (Sea-Bands).
- Prescribed anti-nausea medications (as advised by your doctor).
- Oral Care:
- Alcohol-free mouthwash (e.g., Biotene Oral Rinse).
- Soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Dry mouth products (sprays or lozenges).
- Comfort Items:
- Blanket or shawl for treatment sessions.
- Noise-canceling headphones or soothing playlists.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Digestive Health:
- Stool softeners or fiber supplements for constipation.
- Antidiarrheal medications, if needed.
- Hydration and Nutrition:
- Hydration Electrolyte Powder.
- Easy-to-digest, high-calorie drinks (e.g., Ensure, Kate Farms)
2. For Radiation Therapy
- Skin Care:
- Pure aloe vera gel (alcohol-free).
- Calendula cream for soothing burns.
- Non-metallic deodorant to avoid irritation.
- Clothing:
- Loose, breathable cotton tops.
- Button-up shirts for easy dressing without irritation.
- Fatigue Management:
- Healthy snacks like protein bars or trail mix.
- Lightweight fitness tracker to monitor activity (Apple Watch, Garmin).
- Pain Relief:
3. For Surgery (Lung Resection, Lobectomy, etc.)
- Breathing Support:
- Incentive spirometer for lung function exercises (provided by your care team).
- Wedge pillow for propping up while resting or sleeping.
- Drain and Incision Care:
- Shower bags for managing surgical drains.
- Silicone sheets or gels to reduce scarring.
- Recovery Seatbelt Protection Pillow
- Clothing:
- Button-up shirts to avoid lifting arms over your head.
- Loose, soft clothing to minimize pressure on incisions.
- Comfort Items:
- Heating Pad for post-surgical stiffness.
- Extra pillows for better sleeping positions.
4. For Immunotherapy
- Hydration:
- Hydration Electrolyte Powder.
- Water bottle with measurement markers.
- Immune Support:
- Eye mask and hand sanitizer to reduce infection risks.
- Nutrient-dense foods like soups and smoothies.
- Skin and Nail Care:
- Hand creams for potential nail and skin dryness.
- Gentle nail polish or nail-strengthening products.
5. General Support Items
- Respiratory Health:
- Cool mist humidifier for dry airways.
- Saline nasal spray for nasal dryness.
- Fatigue Management:
- Eye mask or weighted blanket for better sleep.
- Lightweight fitness tracker to monitor rest and activity (Apple Watch, Garmin).
- Emotional Well-Being:
- Guided journals for tracking emotions and progress.
- Meditation apps or relaxation playlists.
- Wellnest’s Practical Support:
- Pre-arranged transportation for appointments.
- Meal delivery services for easy access to nutritious meals.
6. Emotional and Practical Care
- Support Coordination:
- Use Wellnest’s tools for organizing caregiving tasks, rides, and meals.
- Mental Health Support:
- Access to support groups (local or online).
- Books or podcasts about resilience and recovery.
Conclusion
Every lung cancer journey is unique, but this list is a helpful starting point to ensure comfort, manage side effects, and maintain emotional and physical strength throughout treatment. Consult with your care team to tailor this list to your specific needs. You’ve got this!
Starting a new treatment? Worried about side effects? See Wellnest's guide for Managing Side Effects of Lung Cancer and Questions to Ask the Doctor.