Journey With Patina

Treatment for breast cancer can be extremely overwhelming. It can be physically, emotionally and financially challenging as well. There’s a lot to keep up with including doctor appointments, medications, meal planning, managing symptoms and basic necessities that make your life a little easier. I’ve decided to share 20 items that helped me during chemotherapy treatment. I’ve also included a link to make it easier for you to purchase and put together a care package for someone who may be going chemotherapy treatment. 

Please know that chemotherapy patients spend a lot of time managing symptoms and that alone is exhausting. Below are 20 things that I used throughout my treatment. You can grab some of the items that I used from my Amazon store: https://amzn.to/4h7q9rF

1. The Companion Bible – I can’t imagine not having the Word near me. Many days all I wanted to do is bask in His presence and hear from Him. Spending time with God is non-negotiable for me.  As a believer, I couldn’t have made it without His hand on me. Find something motivation to keep you inspired. Some days can be really difficult.
2. Journal – Daily journaling was my therapy and lifeline. I found myself capturing every aspect of my journey. Brain fog is a real thing so I needed to write it down to keep up with my feelings, side effects of chemotherapy, my to do list, and everything else that came to mind. I captured all of my side effects so that I could share them with my doctor. Because of the brain fog sometimes I forget what has happened to me. Journaling has helped me keep with everything that means something to me.
3. Hats for when my hair falls out – Some of us have to deal with the lost of hair during chemotherapy. It was winter time when I was in treatment so my head stayed cold. I had friends who gave me hats and I picked up a few of my own. I even grabbed a few styles so that I would switch it up. Some people choose wigs, but that’s a personal decision. Wigs aren’t for me.
4. Anti-nausea medicine – Nausea can be a side effect that some people experience. For me, as I progressed through the treatment nausea became a issue. It was an uphill battle for me, but I made it through. Some are fortunate to not have to deal with nausea. Unfortunately, that wasn’t me. If you know someone who is struggling with nausea direct them to speak with their doctor. They can prescribe medication to make it more tolerable. 
5. Soft toothbrush – My gums where extremely sensitive during chemotherapy. My physician suggested that I get a soft bristle toothbrush. It was the best decision ever. It’s amazing how a toothbrush can make such a huge impact on how you feel on a daily basis.
6. Essential Oils: Two essential oils that I used often were peppermint and tea tree oils. Early on in chemotherapy I started to experience mouth sores. I learned to gargle in peppermint oil. I put two drops of peppermint oil in a cup of warm water and gargled. I never had that issue again. I would gargle the first three days of treatment and it worked like a charm for me. When my finger nails began to get fragile and turn black so I started putting tea tree oil on my fingernails and toenails two times a day. It helped. Anytime I had a new side effect, I’d let my doctor know. 
7. Nasal Gel – Dry nose was a thing for me during treatment. I used Ayr Saline Nasal Gel. It worked perfectly.
8. Lip Balm – Treatment will dry out your skin and other things. I found a chopstick that kept my lips moisturized. Listen, there’s nothing worse than dry lips when you wake up in the morning.
9. Gloves – I kept gloves and used them for multiple reasons. Primarily to wash dishes. I found that after treatment my hands would burn while washing dishes. I also used gloves to clean my home. Especially when my nails became brittle. Also, caregivers should keep gloves available to protect themselves from the toxins that they may be exposed to when cleaning up behind someone who is in treatment.
10. Bidet – I absolutely love my bidet. One of the side effects of treatment can be loose bowels. The irritation that comes from using toilet paper will have you extremely uncomfortable. This by far is one of my favorite additions to my bathroom and household. 
11. Over The Counter Medication: Preparation H and Imodium A-D I kept on standby. The side effect of irregular loose bowels may put you in position to need both of these. Please follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take the Imodium A-D and when to head to the emergency room. Dehydration can happen easily. Don’t wait, please follow their medical advice. When you need these two items, you need them immediately. 
12. Blanket – Blankets, blankets and more blankets. I have them all of my house. My body temperature was all over the place. I made it a priority to keep them clean. When you go for treatment I’d recommend that you take one with you. The body goes through so many extremes when undergoing treatment. Most treatment facilities have blankets. But they aren’t as soft and cozy as your own. 
13. Water Bottle/Tumbler – I can’t say enough about staying hydrated. Honestly, my first treatment I struggled because I didn’t know what to expect. Thereafter, I learned to travel with water wherever I went. Drinking water and beverages to help add electrolytes back into my body was critical to preventing dehydration. Drop off or send a case of water to someone who is in treatment. Trust me, they will appreciate it. Every little bit helps. 
14. Fuzzy Cozy Socks – On the days when I didn’t feel well, there’s nothing better than cozy socks while I rested. I couldn’t get enough of these. There are days where. I didn’t leave the home. My cozy socks, soft pajamas, my journal and my recliner was were I stayed. 
15. Lotion – Chemotherapy dried out my skin. Moisturizing daily was a necessity. Try to find a good lotion that will do the body good. Remember, the treatment is killing good and bad bacteria. Staying moisturized should be a priority.
16. Brow Liner – I lost my eyebrows and I didn’t like how I looked. Everyday I would draw my eyebrows on so that I look somewhat normal. I didn’t realize how important eyebrows were to me. Without them I felt incomplete. 
17. Comfy Pajamas – I spent a lot of time in pajamas when recovering from treatment. I can honestly say for the first time in my life I wore them every day after treatment. It was important for me to feel comfortable while dealing with the struggles of chemotherapy and its side effects. My favorites are the Cuddl Duds brand. A friend introduced me to them, and now they are the only thing that I want to wear. You can find them at Khols. Wait until they go on sale and use Khols cash. They are so comfortable and can double as long johns under your clothes. They are so comfy.
18. Adult Pampers – Some days it is what it is. Running out to store takes on a whole new meaning when you can’t make it to the bathroom in time. I’ll just leave it there. 
19. Portable Fan – Depending on where you are in your life, and how your body responds to chemotherapy, hot flashes may become a thing or become more common. I had a conversation with my doctor and they prescribed medication to help me during treatment. However, my portable fans are a life saver. I have them everywhere: in the kitchen, by the bed, my office pointed to towards my desk, near my recliner, and in my family room. Literally, I have a fan in every where.
20. Vitamins – In my personal opinion my daily vitamin regiment helped. It included daily vitamins and Amla Fruit Powder (Vitamin C) which my doctor approved for me to take during chemotherapy. Every doctor is different, so please take their advice NOT mine. I’m just sharing what worked for me. 

Everyone’s experience with chemotherapy treatment is different. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment protocols everyone’s symptoms and side effects may vary. I wanted to share some of the things that helped me along my chemotherapy journey and things that helped me along the way.

We need help and encouragement. Sometimes, our pride will not allow us to ask for help. If you really want to help someone, just send them a care package and include a few of these items. Trust me, they will be grateful for anything. You’ll find a consolidated list of items for your convenience: https://amzn.to/4h7q9rF

I hope this helped.

Yours Truly,

𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒂