During my freshman year of college, I noticed a spike in my heart rate and the onset of a heart murmur. A day later, at the age of 19, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I have experienced firsthand how cancer can turn life around in an instant. I went from worrying about my test the next day to worrying if I would live. Chemo was one of the most difficult things I had to endure, but through my journey I had a hard time figuring out what products helped me manage the side effects. I know that many patients, like me, do not know that there are products that can help with their bone pain, nausea, dry mouth, hair loss, and mental health.

Throughout my chemotherapy cycles, I began to create chemo care boxes, to be given to patients undergoing chemo, which have products and information that can aid in reducing patients pain. These products can help benefit and reduce patients' chills or heat flashes, make their bone pain more bearable and aid with dry mouth so that they are able to eat.

Box Contents

• Jolly Ranchers - To insert chemo into patients, nurses have to start with a saline flush, which can be nauseating. A jolly rancher always helps!

• Blanket - Clinics and hospitals always have the AC blasting, which is why an extra layer doesn’t hurt. Chemo gives patients chills which is another great reason to have a blanket, even in the summer.

• Electric Heat Pad - After chemo cycles most patients are given Neulasta, a shot to increase their white blood cell count, but a side effect of this is extreme bone pain which is how a heat pad can be useful.

• Dry Mouth Lozenges - Chemo kills all rapidly producing cells, including salivary glands, causing dry mouth.

• Journal - Write everything and anything. One day patients will be able to look back and see what they were able to overcome.

• Lint Roller - Hair loss can cause hair to be everywhere, so a lint roller helps to pick it up

• Aveeno Baby Shampoo - Chemotherapy can lead to an irritated scalp which is heightened by hair loss. Baby shampoo is easy on sensitive skin.

• Clorox Wipes - Chemo patients are extremely neutropenic and need to stay safe from germs (at least until their white blood cells go back up)

• Biotene Toothpaste - This is another product to help with dry mouth as it uses artificial saliva that moistens and cleanses the mouth.

• Drip Drop/Liquid IV - Chemo causes severe dehydration, which can be fatal at times. These products help rehydrate the body almost instantly.

• Vaseline - Chemo affects skin cells, often causing dry skin and rashes. Vaseline helps to rehydrate and restore the skin.

• Peppermint Essential Oil - This is a great alternative to anti-nausea medicine. Smelling peppermint naturally releases a calming and numbing effect on stomach muscles.