Care for Chemo
Donation protected
You never think it will happen to you, until it does.
At 19 years old, as a freshman in college I was diagnosed with lymphoma. My whole world that had previously revolved around exams, papers and friends, fell apart and I entered a new one in which I learned the ins and outs of chemotherapy. This was a hard adjustment as I was trying to figure out what would help manage my side effects and allow me to live a somewhat “normal” life even while fighting cancer.
I found many products that personally made a difference in the reactions I had and the ways in which I was able to tolerate the chemo. This is why I began to create 'chemo care boxes' to share with patients containing products and information that can help their well-being. Now, I hope to create a bigger impact and allow these boxes to reach more patients in hospitals over the nation.
More information can be found at: www.careforchemo.org
In the box, there are a few items that have helped me through this journey
- Jolly Ranchers - To insert chemo into patients, nurses have to start with a saline flush, which can be nauseating. A jolly rancher always helps!
- Blanket - Clinics and hospitals always have AC blasting, which is why an extra layer doesn’t hurt. Chemo gives patients chills which is another excellent reason to have a blanket, even in the summer.
- Electric Heat Pad - After chemo cycles, most patients are given Neulasta, a shot to increase their white blood cell count, but a side effect of this is extreme bone pain which is how a heating pad can be helpful.
- Dry Mouth Lozenges - Chemo kills all rapidly producing cells, including salivary glands, causing dry mouth.
- Journal - Write everything and anything. One day patients will be able to look back and see what they were able to overcome.
- Lint Roller - Hair loss can cause hair to be everywhere, so a lint roller helps to pick it up
- Aveeno Baby Shampoo - Chemotherapy can lead to an irritated scalp which is heightened by hair loss. Baby shampoo is easy on sensitive skin.
- Clorox Wipes - Chemo patients are extremely neutropenic and need to stay safe from germs (at least until their white blood cells go back up)
- Biotene Toothpaste - This is another product to help dry mouth; it uses artificial saliva that moistens and cleanses the mouth.
- Drip Drop/Liquid IV - Chemo causes severe dehydration, which can sometimes be fatal. These products help rehydrate the body almost instantly.
- Vaseline - Chemo affects skin cells, often causing dry skin and rashes. Vaseline helps to rehydrate and restore the skin.
- Peppermint Essential Oil - This is an excellent alternative to anti-nausea medicine. Smelling peppermint naturally releases a calming and numbing effect on stomach muscles.
Organizer
Zarah Lakhani
Organizer
Frisco, TX
