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Some cancer treatments can require an extended hospital stay. It may be an overnight stay or a few days while you recover from surgery. Other treatments, such as receiving a bone marrow or stem cell transplant require long hospital stays in isolation while the new immune system develops. To fight boredom and remain as comfortable as possible, here are some tips on what to pack for a hospital stay and what to avoid.
Personal Care Items
Personal hygiene/toiletry items such as:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hair care products including shampoo and conditioner, dry shampoo, a brush/comb, hair ties, any styling products or equipment like a flat iron
- deodorant, lip balm, etc. Hospital air can be quite drying, so body lotion is a must, and if your skin is extra dry, pack some thick body cream as well.
- glasses, contacts, contact solution and eye drops
- if you want to, pack makeup. Some feel a sense of freedom not getting made up every day, while others find that makeup helps boost their spirits and makes them feel ‘less sick’. Do whatever is going to make you feel best.
- a personal aromatherapy inhaler and quality essential oils to help you sleep or relieve stress
- thick towels and washcloths from home can be a nice break from the thin hospital towels that can feel extra scratchy on sensitive skin.
- Heating pads may be allowed by the hospital. Check with the medical staff in advance if one can be brought from home to use in your room.
Clothing / Room Items
Wearing your own comfortable clothing while in the hospital can really help you feel more at ease and less exposed than in a hospital gown. Bringing other items from home can also make for a more pleasant stay.
- pack shirts that zip or button up, and are short-sleeved shirts that offer easy access to IVs, PICC lines and ports
- pajama pants, loungewear or sweats with elastic bands can keep you comfortable without restricting movement
- fuzzy socks, slippers or slipper socks and comfortable shoes – just make sure they have some sort of grip on the bottom, so you don’t slip.
- don’t forget a reusable tote or plastic bag to store your dirty laundry.
- a comfortable going-home outfit can’t be forgotten either.
- Bringing a pillow from home can also make your stay more comfortable.
- A super soft blanket can also be another way to make your hospital room more cozy. My aunt used this blanket during her hospital stay and it was SO soft!
- Pictures of your loved ones either in frames or on your phone.
- An eye mask and ear plugs can help block out the bright lights and noises of the hospital, making it a bit easier for you to sleep.
- Bringing your own food and snacks, such as fruit, trail mix or other foods you can tolerate while on treatment can help you keep your nutrition strong if you can’t stomach hospital food. Also bring a couple rolls of quarters or dollar bills to grab some snacks from the vending machine if you’re craving something sweet.
Documents to Bring to the Hospital
- health insurance card and photo ID
- a list of your current medical conditions and allergies
- a list of current medications and any vitamins and/or supplements you are taking
- a list of important contacts and their phone number for the medical team to contact if needed
- copies of important medical records and documents such as test results, biopsy reports, etc. A binder is an excellent way to keep this information organized and easily accessible for you, your caregiver, and other loved ones
- also include in the binder copies of your advance directives, such as a Medical Power of Attorney form, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, and your living will.
Entertainment Items to Pack for a Hospital Stay
A variety of items to keep you entertained will be very important for an extended hospital stay:
- activity books or coloring books
- books – either on Kindle or paperback/hardcover version. Sometimes chemo brain or exhaustion can make it difficult to concentrate, so perhaps bring a copy of one of your favorite books will make for an entertaining, yet easy read.
- cell phone, iPad, and/or a laptop to watch movies/streaming channels or read emails. Don’t forget to pack the necessary charging cords as well.
- an extension cord might also be helpful if you have several electronic devices that need to be plugged in.
- stationary, envelopes and stamps if you feel up to writing old school letters
- notebook and pen to write down ideas, questions you have for your treatment team, etc.
- puzzles
- craft sets such as painting or jewelry making
Extended hospital stays can be a good time to pick up a new hobby, such as knitting, crocheting, learning a language or how to start fly tying for fishing. If someone asks how they can help before you enter the hospital, perhaps you can suggest a gift set for a new hobby you’d like to learn.
Avoid Packing these Items for your Oncology Hospital Stay
Some items will not be needed during your stay. You should avoid bringing the following items to the hospital:
- valuables such as jewelry or large amounts of cash
- medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Your health care team will provide medications while you’re in the hospital.
- room spray – many hospitals prohibit scented products as many individuals have fragrance allergies and cancer patients in particular can be sensitive to smells. Instead, use your personal aromatherapy inhaler.
- flip flops, as these won’t have enough grip to keep you from slipping on the slick hospital floors.
Planning ahead for your hospital stay can reduce stress, and bringing the right items can make . It’s a good idea to think ahead about what you might need, to avoid having to ask a family member to bring items as you think about them. To make it even easier, our cancer resource library contains a printable hospital bag checklist with items from the above lists. You and your caregiver can go through this hospital survival kit printable together, which should make packing a breeze.
If you’ve had an extended hospital stay, is there something else you’d recommend be added to the above list? Please share in the comments below.
