Five Must-Haves Before Your First Day of Chemo

— A Re-Femme Holiday-Style Survival List for Women Starting Treatment

If chemo is coming soon, the overwhelm is real — but comfort is still possible. Chemo asks a lot from your body and your heart, and these five items brought warmth, control, and a little joy to my first infusion day. Think of this like a gift list — one you can build for yourself, or one loved ones can use to support you beautifully.

1. A Heating Blanket — Because Chemo Can Feel Cold

Infusion rooms are often chilly, and cold capping makes it even colder. A heating blanket feels like being held — warm, grounding, and familiar. It keeps shaking, tension, and discomfort lower, especially during long infusion days.

2. A Soft Barefoot Dreams Style Robe

Post-chemo skin can be tender, irritated, and sensitive. A Barefoot-Dreams robe (or similar cloud-soft fabric) makes you feel human again. This is comfort you can wrap around your shoulders — a hug you can bring with you.

3. A Power Strip / Extension Cord

Outlets in infusion centers are rarely close to your chair. Bringing your own power strip means you can charge your phone, Kindle, tablet, earphones, and heating blanket — all at once and within reach. Control feels good.

4. Lip Balm — Because Chemo Steals Moisture Fast

Dry mouth and dry lips hit early and unexpectedly. A clean, hydrating lip balm becomes your best friend — not optional, essential. Keep one in your chemo bag, one on your nightstand, and one in your car.

5. An Owala Water Bottle with LMNT Electrolytes

Hydration is survival during chemo. LMNT or similar electrolyte packets help your body absorb water and maintain minerals when everything tastes off. Cold water in a stainless bottle stays fresh, crisp, and tolerable — even on the days where nothing sounds good.

Five items. One long day made softer. Chemo is hard — but you don’t have to walk in unprepared.

Build Your Own Must-Have Chemo Registry

If you're overwhelmed and don’t know what to ask for — this is your starting point. Loved ones want to help, and a Re-Femme registry tells them exactly how.

• Heating blanket
• Soft robe
• Power strip for infusion day
• Clean hydrating lip balm
• Electrolyte water bottle for chemo hydration

Add these as your first five items — then build as you learn what your body needs. A registry makes support simple, organized, and immediate.