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19 Things To Include In A Chemo Care Package

19 Things To Include In A Chemo Care Package

A chemo care package is a thoughtful and helpful way to support cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy.

So I want to share some tried and true ideas for things to include in any custom chemo care package you make for a family member, a friend, or your local cancer center.

What Is A Chemo Care Bag?

If you came across this post in your search engine of choice, you were likely searching for specific information about chemo care packages or chemo care bags.

For those of you who landed here for other reasons, though, I felt a quick explanation would be helpful.

A cancer patient going through chemotherapy may have sides effects like:

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Appetite changes, nausea, and vomiting
  • Mouth, tongue, and throat problems (e.g., dry mouth, sores and pain with swallowing)
  • Nerve problems, such as numbness, tingling, and pain
  • Skin and nail changes such as dry skin and color change
  • Chemo brain, which can affect concentration and focus
  • Mood changes

(Source: Chemotherapy Side Effects | American Cancer Society)

So the items in the chemo care package typically include self-care items that assist with the above possible side effects and should help before, during, or after a chemotherapy treatment.

How To Put Together A Chemo Care Package

The list below details 19 things you may choose to include in a chemo care package.

A tote bag is the typical container of choice, but you could also put the items in a beautiful gift box, a small pre-fab toiletry bag or dopp kit, or in a plastic container the person could place on a shelf to pull out items as needed.

It all depends on who will receive the bag and which items you want to include.

Cancer Care Packages Are The Perfect Service Project

Pulling together a chemo care package is so straightforward that I want to plant the seed that making these in batches is perfect as a service project for people of all ages.

For example, if there are people in the group who love to shop, they can buy the supplies. If others love to craft handmade cards, there is a need for that too.

And if a group of people want to volunteer and catch up with friends, they can easily do that while filling bags.

So if you are part of a group that does these types of projects, please consider reaching out to your local cancer center to see if they are in need of chemo care bags and donate if you can.

Every Bag Makes A Difference

The beauty of this gift idea is that there is no “perfect” chemo care package.

You can easily pick and choose items to customize it for a recipient’s cancer treatment, but you can also put together something generic if need be.

The above list is by no means exhaustive, but it does contain the key things that people like most in a chemo care package.

And even if the care package only has a handful of things, it will be appreciated by the recipient because each of the items serves a purpose in comfort and recovery.

Share ideas for good deeds!