What I actually packed for my first chemo

Nobody told me what to bring to my first chemo, so I worked it out the hard way. This is what was in my bag. It's my bag, not a rule: take what makes sense for you, and ask your team what to bring and what to avoid on infusion days.

My chemo-day bag, item by item

An electric blanket. Infusion rooms are cold and you sit still for hours. This was the thing I was most grateful for.

A travel pillow. For the hours in the chair, and for the drive home.

A big scarf. Warmth, and something soft that's yours in a room that isn't.

Popsicles and sugar-free candies. Something cold and something to suck on made the hours easier.

Mineral water, more than you think you'll need.

For the days after, at home

Coke Zero and salty olives. Don't ask me why. They were the only things my stomach wanted. Yours will want something else, and that's fine.

The most important thing isn't in the bag. It's a person.

The thing that isn't in the bag

Bring someone. Their job isn't to entertain you. It's to sit there, notice what you need, and remember what the nurse said. My partner Ken was at every single session.