When going through cancer treatment, there are medical supplies available that make life a little easier. In these top picks, I look at the most needed things during cancer treatment! I have personally used these items with my own care, or as a caregiver of patients with cancer.
You would be surprised at how much energy it takes to stand in the shower for 10 minutes, or sit up in the bath tub when you are fatigued. Shower chairs make bathing easy and take very little energy from the patient. If you or your loved one is experiencing fatigue from cancer treatment, this is a must have item!
When areas of the body are treated with radiation therapy, the skin can be come very sensitive. Sometimes, even blankets are irritating. This device will hold the blanket away from the skin- just enough to still keep the warmth of the blanket! I highly recommend this item!
Again, this is a great product if you are experiencing fatigue, or are on bed rest. This allows a caregiver to wash the patients hair while still in bed! It is fabulous and I have never had any leaks or problems!
When a patient is fatigued, vomiting, and has diarrhea, disposable wipes are necessary. From experience, I learned to buy them in bulk.
The Pill Pulverizer allows pills to be crushed easily, then to be put in a liquid. This is great for one that has difficulty swallowing. I also recommend it for patients who take many pills at once who are having difficulty swallowing them at once or consecutively. Also great for radiation patients who have dry mouth, as it is sometimes difficult to swallow pills with dry mouth. Be sure to check with your physician before crushing pills, as it can sometimes alter the effectiveness.
I love 'Nosey Cups'! They allow drinking while laying down. You don't have to be in an upright position! They have area cut out to make room for the nose! Great for children too!
This is a must have item! A bed tray gives versatility to the patient who is in bed. The tray allows room for dining, or to read a magazine with hands propped. It even has a nice size game playing space.
Sometimes fatigue is so severe, it is just too tiring to bathe. Or, surgery doesn't allow bathing yet. This soap doesn't require rinsing. This something handy to have around!
Diarrhea and nausea are both side effects of chemotherapy. Many times there is such an urgency that the patient may not make it to the restroom. Having a bedside commode makes it much easier. I once was a caregiver to a friend who was very self conscious to use a bedside commode, so she never used it. Her husband then hung a sheet from the ceiling around the commode for her privacy. I think making a private area around the commode makes it easier for the patient and is less embarrassing.
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