What to Bring to Chemo: First Infusion Checklist
What to actually pack for your first chemo infusion, from someone who got it wrong the first time. A practical, no-nonsense checklist.
I packed a new book, real jewelry, 2 changes of clothes, and zero snacks for my first infusion. I didn't read the book in twenty minutes, didn't change my clothes, spent three hours anxious about my engagement ring in my pocket, and was starving by hour one of being delayed in the chair. Here's what I'd actually pack if I were starting today.
What You Need to Know
First infusions often run longer than later ones — the care team needs time to watch for reactions and adjust your rate. It could be a full day, often takes a little time before anything actually starts, and is overwhelming, with a lot of different people coming in and out. Bring layers, snacks, and things you typically use throughout the day, but not a whole suitcase like I did.
Must-Have Items
A phone charger (a long one, or a portable battery — outlets aren't always near your chair).
Headphones, for music, a podcast, or just quiet.
A big refillable stainless steel water bottle you actually like drinking from. My HydroFlask saved the day and kept the cute nugget ice they have at the infusion center from melting.
Snacks that are bland and easy on the stomach — crackers, pretzels, banana. Ordering a turkey and cheese sandwich from the deli downstairs didn't do it for me when I was already a little nervous and nauseous.
A big cozy blanket — infusion rooms run cold. While warm blankets are sometimes offered, having your own makes things feel a little more comfy.
Eye mask — my chemo nap was some of the best sleep I got throughout my whole year in treatment! I use a silk eyemask which was also gentle on my eyelashes.
Something to do that isn't mentally demanding — a simple coloring book, a show you've already seen. First infusions come with a lot of waiting and a lot of adrenaline; deep focus is hard.
A small notebook to write down questions as you think of them and track how you feel afterward — you may not remember your concerns by the next appointment.
Comfortable, port-accessible clothing (see our clothing guide) — button-front, zip tops, or wide sleeves make access dramatically easier than pullovers.
Ginger chews or mint gum — whether it's a weird taste in your mouth or an unsettled stomach.
Anything your doctor recommends — make sure to ask your oncology team what they recommend bringing!
Best Clothes for Chemo (Button-Down Pajamas & Port-Access Tops)
Real recommendations for chemo-friendly clothing — port-access tops, button-front pajamas, wide sleeves, soft fabrics, and what to look out for, from someone who wore all of it through months of treatment.
How I Chose
The single most important feature in chemo clothing I found was IV or port access — a top that opens fully or has a wide, low neckline near the chest or has wide sleeves that easily roll up and down. Everything on this list either has purpose-built medical-access features or is a well-reviewed regular garment that happens to work well. Cozy, soft materials that's gentle on sensitive skin is also a plus!Quick Picks
Best Overall — KickIt Recovery Wear port-access pajama set: Snap sleeves for port/IV/PICC access, inner pockets for drains, soft stretch fabric. If you want to splurge, Eberjey has a great button-up short-sleeve PJ set that felt fine wearing out of the house. Lou & Grey Signature soft sweatpants and sweatshirt sets are also great.
Best Budget — Regular button-front cotton set from any cozy soft brand, like Old Navy Bounce Fleece sets. Any button-up pajama top gives reasonable port access without the specialty price tag.
Best Gift — Eberjey or LOFT sweat sets or PJs. Great for lounging, in addition to chemo, and has legs for post-treatment life, too.
Worth the Splurge — Inspired Comforts Mastectomy + Chemo Kit (bundle): Covers both surgical recovery and ongoing treatment in one purchase.
Clothing to Avoid
Tight-fitting tops or anything that has to go over the head — avoid these entirely once a port or IV is placed.
Stiff or scratchy fabrics — skin sensitivity increases during chemo treatment.
Underwire bras on infusion days — a soft bralette is more comfortable for hours in a chair. For those who had breast or chest surgery, look for a bra or coverage designed for recovery.
FAQs
Q: Do I need special clothing for every appointment, or just infusions?
A: Regular clothes are typically fine for check-ins that don't involve access, as long as you're comfortable. For infusions and any appointment where blood draws or port access happen, look for clothes that allow room to access your port or veins.Q: What if I don't have a port?
A: Prioritize wide arms, comfort, and layering instead — the access features matter less, but being able to comfortably roll up your sleeves while accounting for a cold room is still important.Best Skincare During Chemo for Sensitive Skin
Dermatologist-informed, real-world-tested skincare picks for chemo-sensitive skin — cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreen that won't make your sensitive skin worse.
How I Chose
Chemo strips skin of moisture and can make it reactive to things that never bothered it before. Every product here is fragrance-free — I also made sure to mention where a claim is based on general dermatology guidance rather than something you should treat as personal medical advice. Always run new products by your oncology team first, especially during active treatment.Quick Picks
Best Overall — VaniCream Cleansing Bar + moisturizing cream: Widely recommended by dermatologists for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free basics.
Best Budget — Coconut oil, straight from the jar.
Best Gift — PCA Skin Sensitive Skin Kit: A complete, low-decision-fatigue set for someone who doesn't want to research.
Worth the Splurge — PCA Skin Silkcoat Balm: Antioxidant-rich moisture barrier support, nice option for a treat-yourself purchase.
Who Should Skip It
Anyone with a specific reaction or rash should check with their oncology team before trying a new product, even a "gentle" one — this list is a starting point, not a substitute for medical guidance. Skip active-ingredient treatments (retinoids, exfoliating acids, high-percentage vitamin C) during active treatment unless specifically cleared by your care team.FAQs
Q: Can I keep using my regular skincare during chemo?
A: Maybe — if it's already fragrance-free and gentle, some people tolerate it fine. Introduce any new product one at a time so you can identify a reaction if one happens.Q: Is natural or "clean" skincare safer during chemo?
A: Not necessarily — "natural" ingredients (essential oils especially) can be more irritating, not less. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested matters more than a natural label.Chemo Care Package Ideas That Actually Get Used
A real guide to packing a chemo care package that actually gets used — organized by what problem each item solves.
How I Chose
A care package is different from a single gift — it's a box, so the goal is variety without turning it into a suitcase. I organized this by the problems chemo actually causes (cold, nausea, dry skin, boredom, dead phone battery) rather than by generic "self care" categories, because that's what people actually going through it say helps.Quick Picks
Best Overall — A themed box: blanket + nausea kit + lip balm + phone charger + one book: Covers the five most common complaints in one package.
Best Budget — Dollar-store-friendly nausea kit (ginger chews, crackers, peppermints): Under $15, still genuinely useful.
Best Gift — A pre-made, thoughtfully curated care box from a small business: Someone else has already thought through the logistics for you.
Worth the Splurge — A full port-access pajama set plus a heated blanket bundled together: Solves comfort and access in one go for a multi-month treatment plan.
Who Should Skip It
Fresh flowers, fresh fruit, or unpasteurized foods — infection risk for someone immunocompromised.
Anything scented — candles, perfumed lotion, essential oil rollers.
A huge box with 20 small items — overwhelming, and most of it won't get used.
FAQs
Q: Should I check with a caregiver first?
A: Yes, if you can — they usually know specifics (a favorite snack that stays down, a scent to avoid) that make the package land better.Q: Is it okay to send a care package to a workplace instead of home?
A: Only if you know they're comfortable with coworkers knowing — ask first if you're not sure.