10 Things to Do During Chemo
Posted 5/4/2012
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This is a light, amusing essay from About.com about "Ten Best Things to do During Chemotherapy." On the one hand, this is pretty silly. On the other hand, especially during long infusions, we do have to find ways to entertain ourselves and make the time pass. Most patients bring a friend or family member along for treatment. This helps with the driving (especially the drive home when one can be pretty zonked from the anti-nausea medications), but also helps pass the time. Sometimes, however, it can be a pressure to make conversation or pretend to be interested in idle chatter. The best chemo companion is someone who can sit in comfortable, supportive silence and entertain him or herself. What else do I see people doing? Most people seem to read or listen to music or talk with their driver or, best of all, sleep. I have known women who come very prepared with a bag stuffed with a computer, magazines, snacks, music, and maybe a knitting project. If you are looking for ideas, here are some:
10 Best Things To Do During Chemo
Make The Best Of Your Time In The Infusion Room By Pam Stephan, About.com Guide
Updated January 24, 2012
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
When you're in for an all-afternoon chemo infusion, time can pass slowly unless you have something to do. If you've been an active person, it can be very difficult to sit still for several hours. Take heart, there are many ways to use your time while you're stuck in those big recliners - here are ten things to do during chemo.
1. Escape Into A Good Read
It could be a mystery or a romance novel, true crime or history, but it tells a story that draws you in and keeps you absorbed - that's what a good read means to me. When I was in chemo I used to read humorous short stories and books in a mystery series. These books gave me a great escape from the reality of cancer treatment, and since the infusion room was fairly quiet, it was a good place to read.
Whether a book is on paper, in an e-reader, on your laptop or iPad, a good story can take you far away from Cancerland and give you a welcome break.
2. Get It In Writing
Writing and journaling can be very therapeutic. If you're keeping a blog, updating your supporters, or venting your feelings, put it in writing while you're in the chemo parlor. You could also work on your health notebook making sure that your invoices and receipts match up and that you understand your lab reports. Talk to your infusion nurses about any questions you may have and write down their answers and tips.
3. Make Something Of It
If you don't have an IV line stuck in your hand, you can do some crafting while your infusion drips. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you could make caps and hats to donate or to wear for yourself.
4. Soothe The Beast With a Beat
One way to lower your stress levels during your visit to chemoville is to bring along some great music.
Load your laptop, pack your iPod, or slip some CDs into your portable CD player. Choose music that soothes, encourages, or distracts you. Use some music to support meditation or to help with guided imagery. The right music may transport you to a comfortable mental and emotional space.
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