Creating a Thoughtful Chemo & Surgery Survival Kit
BRA Groups
Facing breast cancer surgery or chemotherapy can be a daunting journey filled with challenges and uncertainties. It's during these times that a little extra comfort and care can make a world of difference. A thoughtful gesture like creating a chemo/surgery survival kit can provide much-needed support and reassurance to your loved one.
Here's a list of essentials to consider including in this TLC basket/bag:
- Seat Belt Pad: A seat belt pad is a small but invaluable addition to the kit. After surgery, even minor road vibrations can cause discomfort, so this pad will offer some relief on the drive home.
- Soft Pillow: Include a small and exceptionally soft pillow that your loved one can hold during sleep. It provides comfort when they need to lay flat on their back.
- Shower Lanyard: Post-surgery drains can be challenging to manage. A shower lanyard will help keep them secure and accessible, making showering more manageable.
- Button-Down Shirt: Choose a loose-fitting button-down shirt in an ultra-soft fabric. This makes dressing more convenient, especially when mobility is limited.
- Fuzzy Socks: Ensure you get the right size. Soft and comfortable fuzzy socks can provide warmth and comfort during recovery.
- House Slippers: Opt for slide-on style house slippers. They are easy to put on and offer comfort when walking around the house.
- Bacitracin: Include Bacitracin in case your loved one runs out from the hospital or doctor's office. It's essential for wound care during recovery.
- Lap Pillow: A lap pillow can be used to prop up a book or computer, which is particularly useful during restricted movement after surgery, especially for procedures like the DIEP flap.
- Hand Lotion: Choose a fragrance-free or fresh and clean scented hand lotion for a touch of pampering. Dry skin is common during treatment.
- Chapstick: Chemotherapy and surgery can lead to dry lips. Chapstick will help keep their lips moisturized.
- Biotene: For dry mouth, include Biotene in the kit to provide relief and hydration.
- Reading Material: A book, devotional, or magazine can offer a welcome distraction. Opt for reading material that isn't related to cancer to provide a mental escape.
- Journal and Pen:
Encourage your loved one to jot down their thoughts and feelings. A journal and a high-quality pen can be a therapeutic outlet.
- Sleep Mask: Hospital rooms are often too bright for restful sleep. A sleep mask will help block out the light and promote better sleep.
- Favorite Flavor Gum: Chemo treatments can sometimes leave a metallic taste in the mouth. A pack of their favorite gum can help alleviate this side effect.
- Warm Blanket: Chemotherapy treatment bays can be quite cold. Include a large, warm blanket to keep them comfortable and cozy during treatments.
- Hydro Flask: Staying hydrated is essential. A Hydro Flask will help keep their drinks at the right temperature throughout the day.
- Oversized Bag: Finally, provide an oversized bag to pack all these essentials. Look for one of those stylish, oversized bags from stores like TJ Maxx to make transporting items easier.
Creating a chemo/surgery survival kit filled with these thoughtful items is a gesture of love and support that can bring much-needed comfort during a challenging time. It shows your loved one that you are with them every step of the way, providing both physical and emotional support.
Join us on June 26 for BRA Banter as we spotlight two inspiring breast cancer survivors who transformed their personal journeys into impactful businesses. This session, titled "Celebrating Businesses in Our Community Built by Survivors," features Angela Pacheco and Erin Karb of Good, Better, Best, and Candy Hunley of Ribbons & Roads. Discover how their experiences with breast cancer led them to create ventures that support and empower others in the survivor community. Angela Pacheco & Erin Karb – Founders of Good, Better, Best Angela and Erin, both diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, turned their shared experience into a mission to simplify toxin-free living. Good, Better, Best offers curated products and personalized services to help families transition to healthier lifestyles. Their approach emphasizes progress over perfection, making sustainable choices accessible and manageable for everyone. In this session, Angela and Erin share their journey from diagnosis to entrepreneurship, discussing how their personal challenges inspired them to educate and assist others in making informed, health-conscious decisions. Check out Good, Better, Best Candy Hunley – Founder of Ribbons & Roads Candy's battle with stage 3B breast cancer at 36 ignited her passion to support other women facing similar challenges. Recognizing the need for accessible post-mastectomy care, she established Ribbons & Roads, a mobile service providing personalized fittings for bras, prosthetics, and recovery wear. Candy's commitment ensures that women receive compassionate care in the comfort of their homes or at her Columbia, TN office. During the session, Candy discusses the inception of Ribbons & Roads and her dedication to easing the recovery journey for breast cancer survivors through personalized, empathetic support. Learn About Ribbons & Roads Don't miss this empowering conversation highlighting resilience, innovation, and community support. Tune in on June 26 to learn how these remarkable women turned adversity into advocacy, creating businesses that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Candy Hunley, Founder & CEO of Ribbons & Roads, is a devoted wife and mother who turned her personal breast cancer journey into a mission of hope and empowerment. Diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer at the age of 36, Candy navigated chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries while raising three young children. Her strength and compassion have become the driving force behind her work to support others on their healing journeys. In this video, Candy shares her journey of survival and how it inspired the creation of Ribbons & Roads, a mobile mastectomy service designed to meet women where they are, both physically and emotionally. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities to uplift others. About Ribbons & Roads After her recovery, Candy began working in a boutique specializing in post-mastectomy care and quickly realized a major obstacle: many patients struggled to access the support they needed during such a vulnerable time. With her family's encouragement, Candy founded Ribbons & Roads to provide compassionate, personalized care through a mobile service, ensuring that no woman feels isolated in her recovery journey. Why Candy’s Story Matters Candy’s experience highlights the importance of accessibility and personalized care in breast cancer recovery. Her dedication to making post-mastectomy care more compassionate and convenient reflects her unwavering commitment to empowering women during some of their most challenging moments. Tune in on June 12 to hear Candy’s inspiring story and learn how she’s transforming the post-mastectomy experience for women everywhere.
Angela Pacheco, Founder & CEO of Good, Better, Best , is a Detroit native who has embraced the Nashville community as her home. Guided by the motto “Good, Better, Best” since childhood, Angela is committed to making better living simple and attainable. As an HR leader by day, she brings her strategic mindset to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. In this video, Angela shares her powerful story as a breast cancer survivor and how her journey inspired the creation of Good, Better, Best. Angela’s commitment to living intentionally shines through in her mission to help others make meaningful changes without the pressure of perfection. About Good, Better, Best Angela and her co-founder Erin turned their shared experience into a platform for change. Good, Better, Best offers curated products and personalized services to help families transition to healthier, toxin-free living. Their refill plans and tailored support make it easy to maintain a clean, sustainable lifestyle. Why Angela's Story Matters When Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she discovered the overwhelming connection between environmental toxins and health risks. Determined to create a solution, she and Erin spent years researching and testing ways to reduce harmful exposures, laying the foundation for their business. Watch now to hear Angela’s inspiring story of survival and transformation, and learn how she’s making better choices accessible for everyone.