Inpatient chemo packing list

I asked my friend who just beat leukemia what I might want at the hospital. Here's her reply:

Some things that were 'must haves' for me:

• A sleep mask - I went to Target and got a silk eyeshade. The nurses were always running in to see my roommate and flipping the lights on. have
• My MP3 player - Music drowns out the noise when you can't sleep at night and really helps distract you during nasty procedures like bone marrow biopsies. have
• My laptop - my hospital is wireless and I could surf everywhere. have
• snacks - hospital food is hospital food!
• Bran cereal - chemo is very constipating. They give you stuff but a good bowl of bran flakes works wonders!
• To keep your kidneys ok, plan on drinking like a camel who hasn't seen water for a few years. I packed my own mug and tea bags because my floor had a hot water tap.
• Also pack whatever you like to mix into your water. I would drink gallons of H2O, both hot and cold.
• Lotion - I like Bath and Bodyworks True Blue spa line. Chemo will dry your skin out terribly. I would lotion up each night. have
• Biotene toothpaste - for dry mouth. Chemo dries you out and this really helped my teeth and gums survive in great shape. have
• A pedicure - everyone was looking at my feet and legs to check for swelling so a fun pedicure and wacky slippers were very cheery!

Hope this list helps!

Sandy

Now, this doesn't mean that I've agreed to have chemo. I just thought I should be prepared. I plan to pack a bag, in case I am admitted with little notice.

My additions, after reading her list:

• alkaline batteries, AAA - I doubt I would feel like swapping my rechargeable batteries in and out of the charger.
• Add music to my mp3 player. Right now it's heavily weighted to Scriptures and relaxation.
• Make sure I have my wireless card. I don't use it at home. Also my five-button mouse and charger. have
• snack cups of applesauce and gelatin with fruit. Plastic spoons have.
• Rubbermaid water bottle and/or insulated mug. have
• baggies of trail mix (Cheerios, raisins and M&Ms.) I haven't found my sandwich bags since the remodel.
• small canister of Gatorade have
• herbal tea bags (red raspberry, orange spice, lemon) have