Plan - Best Tools and Gifts I've Found During Chemo

I don't know about you but when I Googled "cancer gifts" or what you need before starting chemo, I kept seeing the same stuff. Eye masks, blankets, and other things that are helpful yet typical and not very specific to the treatment or person. 

So this is my try at a better list for those starting Tafinlar and Mekinist.

If you'd like to get a gift for someone on these medications or any chemo, or are buying for yourself as a cancer patient, here are some of the most useful things I've found.

None of these are affiliate links and I am in no way associated with any of the products. See them as suggestions of exact items, though you are encouraged to find what works best for you.

ITEMS TO HELP WITH SIDE EFFECTS FRKM TAFINLAR AND MEKINIST 

1. Cupping Kit -

Side Effect it Helps: Painful Rashes

Cupping has helped me overcome painful rashes and other types of pain and inflammation. It's my most used item of the year. The link is to the ones that had the best suction of those I tried. I did an entire post on cups here if you'd like to read more and see the two types I purchased.

2. Lotion -

Side Effect it Helps: Rashes, dry skin

My hospital recommends Vanicream cream for keeping skin moisturized. Why is this important? These medications can have many effects on skin and dry skin is more prone to rashes. So moisturizing twice a day is recommended.

Always have some type of nourishing lotion on hand. At home and in your car or purse. Facial and for the body. You want nourishing yet non scented and gentle. And fragrance free. Besides Vanicream, Laroche Posay is a nice brand that is available at most drug stores.  

3. Ear thermometer - 

Side Effect it Helps: Fevers

This Braun ear thermometer is used so often since these medications often cause fevers. It's more accurate than a forehead thermometer and is one of the most accurate ear thermometers I've found. I've had mine for 15 plus years. This link is to the newer version of it. 

4. Blood pressure machine -

Side Effect it Helps: High or low blood pressure

I also use a blood pressure machine daily. One medication causes high blood pressure while the other causes low blood pressure.  This isn't the exact one I have, I couldn't find it as mine is pretty old. But this is very similar. I was advised to record blood pressure readings daily in my app. So I consider having a monitor a necessity while on these medications. 

5. Sunscreen -

Side Effect it Helps: Rashes and skin issues 

A good sunscreen with spf of 30 or more should be used daily. This helps keep rashes and skin issues at bay. They also say to limit your time in the sun. I use Australian gold or Supergoop sunscreen, as they virtually have no scent, but there are so many out there. 

6. Scrunchies - 

Side Effect it Helps: Hair Loss

These are the silky hair ties for anyone with long hair. It's great to have so as to protect your delicate hair during this time. It will break hair much less than a rubber band or regular hair tie. In the photo, it's black.

ITEMS TO HELP WITH OTHER CHEMO RELATED ISSUES

1. Shower Bench - 

Why: Weakness

This is handy if you are very weak or tired. It's made of teak wood (that boats are made from) so it has survived in the shower well so far. While this is more stylish, there are the more medical looking shower benches that have backs and may be more comfortable. So please buy according to your needs. 

I need this less after I got my high calcium sorted out than before, but it was a good investment for when I am particularly weak. This happens less on this chemo than the last. 

2. Robe - 

Why: Weakness

Similarly, when I was particularly weak, I didn't have the energy even to dry off and get dressed after the shower. I exited shaking and out of breath and needed to rest right away. 

So what I came up with was having a robe I could throw on that would act as a towel and help me dry off as I laid down.  In addition, it kept the bed dry. 

I believe there are better robes out there, so this is just an example of what I bought. I share it in case you are in a rush or have very little energy to search. 

3. Adjustable bed base -

Why: Pain and range of motion

If you have pain or limited mobility at all, an adjustable base bed will help tremendously. It should work with any mattress. It's a more expensive item on this list at around $300 but was well worth it for me since my particular cancer type makes it tough to sleep flat. And my side effects to these drugs include joint pain.

4. CBD - 

Why: Anxiety, Lack of Appetite, Pain or Sleep

It can help calm anxiety, make you hungry, ease pain or help you rest. So it can be a good tool to have on hand. Always ask your doctor before adding any medication or supplement.  

ITEMS TO HELP TRANSPORT AND ORGANIZE

1. Thermos -

Why: To keep Mekinist cool

We bought a thermos similar to this for when I am gone at night and need to bring Mekinist with me. This way, I can pack it with a couple of small ketchup sized ice packets and keep it cold. Mekinist needs to be refrigerated so this seems to work alright. It has been our solution. Even though there are excursion temperatures, we like to be on the safe side. 

2. Refrigerator Bin - 

Why: To keep stuff organized and easy to stash away

I sit a clear refrigerator bin on my countertop and store everything I reach for on a regular basis such as Tafinlar, asthma medication, lotion, thermometer and Tylenol in it. 

Then, if I have visitors, I can quickly just stick it in a cabinet or in the pantry in one stroke since it's all contained.

Any container will work but I love the clear refrigerator bins because they have so many uses. I use them in the fridge, pantry, under sinks and for this purpose.

They come in a few different dimensions and can also be found at stores such as Target, At Home and Homegoods.

GOOD TO HAVE 

1. Sweat pants -

Why: Comfort

I think most people have sweat pants, but if not, it's great to have some comfortable sweat pants for errands and doctor visits. During these days it's good to be comfortable if you are needing to rest a bit or you are tired. At home or when out. I shopped at places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls for mine. 

2. Wide necked shirts - 

Why: Port access

If you have a port, which you likely do if you tried traditional chemotherapy first, a wide necked shirt will be your friend. Ports are most often placed on the chest and accessed for any blood draws, not just for traditional chemotherapy. So you'll need to pull the top of your shirt down a bit to help them access it. That's why a wide necked shirt can be nice to have, it makes it easier.

As a woman, I like off the shoulder or very slightly lower cuts. If you don't have many shirts like this, it can be a good time to find a few, so that accessing your port is as easy as possible. 

3. N95 level masks -

Why: To avoid pausing chemo

It is of course recommended that you not get sick so that you don't risk having to pause chemotherapy. So an N95 level mask is great to have on hand if you are ever in crowds, etc. I use mine everywhere I go just to help lessen the odds of having to pause the chemotherapy.

N95 level masks include N95, KN95 and KF94. The N95 masks usually use elastic that goes around the whole head. I don't like that myself. And with a thinner face, most KN95 masks are too large for me. (legit ones are found here.) So I use Korean KF94 masks that are adjustable. 

I use the Bluna brand though there are many great brands. One legitimate site that sells them is KollecteUSA. 

If I do want an N95 mask specifically, I wear stick-on ones called Readi Masks. They are expensive so I save them for special occasions. In addition, once you unstick them you'll need a new one. But they are wonderfully comfortable with no ear or head straps at all. 

4. Socks-

Why: To keep feet from drying out

Since flip flops are not encouraged due to dry skin and rashes, comfortable thick socks can be nice to have. You are encouraged to wear close toe shoes like tennis shoes. If you are prone to slipping and you will be wearing socks at home, consider the non-slip socks or slippers. 

5. Backpack - 

Why: To carry stuff

If you are out all day and feel carrying lotion, chapstick, masks, water, a thermos for Mekinist, maybe a thermometer, water and so on is a lot, you might want a small backpack. 

I hope those are pretty good ideas, no matter if you are preparing for chemo, in the middle of it, or buying an encouragement gift for someone to show you care. 

Please comment or email if you more ideas and suggestions.