What to Pack in Your Chemo Bag: Essentials That Helped Me Through Treatment
Photo Credit: Hope Wears Boots
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When I started Chemotherapy (Oxaliplatin+Folfox), I had no idea how much the right items in my bag would help me get through those long infusion days. Over time, I learned what worked, what didn’t, and what truly made me feel more comfortable, encouraged, and prepared.
It all started with my backpack. A dear friend gave it to me before treatment began, and it became my faithful companion. She often came with me to infusions, so the backpack was not just practical— it was a reminder that I wasn’t walking this road alone.
Some days, it was practical things like my warm UGG boots and the water bootle that basically became my emotional support buddy. Other days, it was the little comforts, like flipping through a Magnolia Journal Magazine and getting lost in Joanna Gaines’ beautiful words and home inspiration. These items weren’t just things; they became part of how I cared for myself during one of the hardest seasons of my life.
If you’re preparing for chemo, or supporting a loved one, here’s my complete list of essentials that carried me through.
Comfort and Warmth
Ugg boots (warm+comforting)
Thermals for layering
Gloves (for cold sensitivity + neuropathy)
Button-up shirt (easy port access)
Faith & Encouragement
Scripture cards or an uplifting note
Worship music was also part of my encouragement (I’ll share my full Hope Wears Boots Spotify playlist below 🎶).
Hydration & Snacks
Liquid IV packets for hydration, (I usually do half a packet at a time)
Yeti Rambler * Tip: Mix half boiling + half cold water to avoid cold sensitivity pain
Soft snacks: Nature’s Bakery fig bars
Health & Care
Medications and premeds
Sunscreen (chemo made me very sensitive to sunburn)
Soft toothbrush/ toothpaste (Oral care is very important during Treatment)
Phone charger +portable power bank
A roomy backpack to carry everything comfortably
Sometimes the most important thing in your chemo bag isn’t what’s inside, but who sits beside you. My backpack was a gift from a close friend who often came with me to treatments. Every time I carried it, I was reminded that I wasn’t walking this journey alone— and that kind of support is one of the greatest essentials of all✨
Distractions & Entertainment
Calendar/ Planner (catch up on family activities)
Magazine— I always brought one about home decor, especially Magnolia Journal by Joanna Gaines. Her blend of home, family, and faith gave me calm and inspiration when I needed it most.
Mindset & Music
My Hope Wears Boots Spotify playlist became my lifeline during treatment at UCSF. One song in particular Risen by Israel Houghton & New Breed, always lifted my mood. Before or during infusions, I would listen to worship music, look out the window toward the Chase Center, and remind myself that even in this hard season, there was still beauty and hope all around me.
Final Thoughts
Packing for chemo isn’t just about the practical things— it’s about creating comfort, peace, and hope during one of life’s hardest seasons. This list is everything that truly helped me, and I pray it helps you (or your loved one) too.
Some of my best infusion days were when I was bundled in my blanket, listening to worship music, and paging through a Magazine, dreaming of home projects and family moments that reminded me what I was fighting for.
And every time I picked up that backpack my friend gave me, I was reminded that love, support, and friendship can make even the hardest days a little lighter.
“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing”
If you’d like to know more about what led me to create this list, you can read more of My Story here.