A practical and emotional guide to creating comfort during cancer treatment
These are the items and practices that supported me through ACT chemotherapy, mastectomy, and recovery after breast cancer. One of the most grounding things you can do during treatment is prepare your space and gather your tools. So much of this experience is out of your control. But creating comfort (wherever possible) is both practical and sacred.
These lists are not about perfection. They are about support. About creating a softer landing for your body and your spirit. Take what serves you. Leave what doesn’t.
Chemo Days
Comfort + Practical Essentials
These were the things I reached for on my longest days:
- A tote bag with everything in one place
- A stuffed animal or something comforting from home
- A warm wrap or oversized cardigan (chemo rooms can be cold)
- Slip-on shoes
- A glass or stainless steel water bottle
- A soft headwrap, beanie, or hat
- Queasy drops or ginger chews
- Electrolyte packets or low-sugar drinks
- Protein-rich, easy-to-digest snacks
- A long phone charger
- Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
- A calming playlist or guided meditations playlist
- A journal or small notebook
- A blanket or personal quilt
Optional but Supportive
These weren’t essential, but they made a huge difference:
- Compression boots (for neuropathy) – Normatec 3 literally stopped the neuropathy that I was experiencing and I believe kept me feeling my feet. Before the boots my feet were going numb.
- Nontoxic lip balm and hand cream
- Blue-light blocking glasses
- A book, podcast, or light entertainment
Mastectomy: Surgery Day & Going Home
Pre-Surgery Preparation
- This was the phase where preparation mattered most:
- Button-down or zip-up shirts (no overhead lifting)
- A pillow for the car ride home to protect your chest from the seatbelt
- A non-wired, front-closing surgical bra
- A simple hospital bag with:
- ID and insurance
- Lip balm
- Phone charger
- Toiletries
- Nutrient-dense snacks
Post-Surgery Comfort (At Home)
Your environment matters here. This is where your body begins to truly recover.
What supported me most:
- A wedge pillow or elevated sleeping setup
- A drain management belt or shower lanyard
- A lightweight robe with pockets (for drains)
- Ice packs or cold compresses (always wrapped, never directly on skin)
- Loose-fitting pants
- An easy-access medication organizer
- Alarms set for when to do daily movement ro regain range of motion
- Alarms set for when I should go outside for my daily walks
Radiation Days
- Skin + Comfort Support
- Calendula cream (radiation-safe skin soothing)
- Boiron, Calendula Cream
- Soft, breathable bras or going braless when possible
- Loose cotton clothing (avoiding synthetic fabrics)
Mental & Emotional Support
These became small anchors throughout treatment:
- Journaling
- Daily affirmations spoken out loud
- Guided meditation or breathwork apps/playlists
- Small daily rituals like tea, walks, or a simple mantra
A Final Note
You may not need everything on these lists. And that’s okay. What matters most is finding what helps you feel: supported, safe and grounded. Let these items be small anchors. Let your comfort matter. Let your rest be sacred. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep going—one gentle, powerful step at a time.
