This cancer toolkit is an ever-growing list of essentials meant to provide support and relief to cancer patients and their caregivers. This list is all about comfort, stress relief, emotional and energetic support. In my opinion, these are just as important as treatments themselves. By the way, any of the items in this list would make great gifts for anyone you know who is dealing with Cancer. So it is my Cancer Toolkit and Cancer Gift List.
Physical Comfort
Cancer can be very painful. If you are dealing with the after-effects of chemotherapy and/or have any type of tube sticking out of you, let’s face it, you don’t feel great. I had a tube connected to my kidney which drained into a bag strapped to my leg and had a pic line in my left arm. While I was grateful for both, I was hyper-aware of them every time I needed to move or do anything because I wanted to avoid tugging on them or ripping stitches. I digress…let’s get back to the subject of comfort.
For me, comfort meant staying warm in loose comfortable organic clothes. My immune system was weak and my energy levels were low. In addition to this, I was dealing with Raynauds (chemotherapy side effect) in my hands and feet. This is painful nerve damage in the extremities that was aggravated whenever I was cold. Why organic? Cancer patients are highly sensitive to chemicals as their body is already overloaded with toxins. Wearing organic underwear, T-shirts, sweats, and socks really help with comfort and physical well-being.
ORGANIC CLOTHES
PACT: This is my go-to for underwear, socks, comfortable sleepwear, and more! (Get 20% off your first order)
A word on sheets. If you are doing chemotherapy, it is recommended you sleep alone in a separate bed. The reason for this is that your perspiration (and other bodily fluids) can be toxic for others, due to the chemicals in your Chemo cocktail, and you will most likely be sweating a lot at night. So buy cheaper organic sheets (Target) you will be ok throwing away once you are all clear. You can then go back and celebrate your new healthy body by buying PACT organic sheets later.
DreamBig: Positive, inspirational impactful messages on certified organic clothes – what could be better? This is something I wish I had when I was going through the thick of it. At times my mind was in such a fog and I felt alone and scared. Seeing some words of encouragement on me would have contributed to lifting my spirits and keeping me motivated. I LOVE THESE T-SHIRTS and SWEATSHIRTS.
CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANERS
This is just as important as the clothes you wear. While I would recommend non-toxic cleaning products to everyone, those dealing with cancer absolutely need them. As I mentioned above, our immunity and energy reserves are usually at their lowest when we are dealing with cancer. This means that we are way more susceptible to toxins in our environment. So donate or throw out all your cleaners including your laundry detergent and replace them with a healthy alternative that actually works. I am pretty into cleaning products, not sure why but I enjoy buying them and using them so I need something I feel 100% good about. My wife Melissa (who is very sensitive to chemicals) found Force of Nature when she was looking for cleaning products that she could be around so we were already in a chemical-free home when I got sick. Cleans better than most chemical-based cleaners and is safe to use on granite. You make it using their little machine and water.
NATURAL STRESS RELIEF
Essential Oils
I have been using essential oils for over 10 years and appreciate their power and the support they can provide on a physical, mental, and emotional level. The best way to enjoy essential oils is to diffuse them in your home. Some oils are best applied directly to the body, others truly shine when used in a diffuser. You can read more about essential oil diffusers and see my personal favorite essential oil diffuser.
I have also put together a list of 5 essential oils every cancer patient should have.
SCENTED CANDLES
I received a Healed BeeLucia candle from my sister shortly after I was diagnosed and while it may seem simple, it was one of the most meaningful gifts. I think I even cried a little after receiving it. She didn’t just go for a nice scented candle, this candle is non-toxic, burns clean, is infused with a mindful blend of essential oils, includes small crystals, and radiates a message of love and care. This is a very thoughtful gift. I love these candles, what a great cancer gift!