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.
Some people enjoy reading breast cancer survivor stories, whereas others want to leave cancer completely behind (at least in their minds) for a few moments.
As an added note, don’t feel you need to read the tomes that your caring friends have purchased for you. Simply feel grateful for their effort and open the spine of something you would rather read. Most people don’t expect you to wade through books they send.
You won’t be tested on your ability to regurgitate the contents. Rather, most books are given as a way of sending a message that someone cares. In that way, they are priceless, even if you never crack the cover.
If people are wondering what they can get for you, you may want to suggest a journal. Some people keep more than one journal during treatment. You may keep one to detail what you experience each day and another to write about strong feelings that you have.
Some cancer survivors have found that keeping a gratitude journal is healing. In this journal you may want to write about the “silver linings” of your journey; the people you’ve met and the good things you would never have experienced had you not had cancer. Studies are telling us that cancer can change people in good and positive way; something that is referred to as posttraumatic growth.
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. On another practical note, bring along your weekly bills and get caught up on payments and correspondence.
If you’re still at a loss about writing topics, consider doing some free thought writing. Begin by writing three pages writing about anything that comes to your mind. It’s sometimes amazing how writing can help you understand what your are feeling while simultaneously removing some of the clutter that circulates in our minds day to day.
Other options for filling your time include working scrapbooks, putting together photo albums, or creating small polymer clay projects like Bottles of Hope.
One woman spent her infusion time putting together memory albums to give each of her children at Christmas. Take a moment to brainstorm ideas that might appeal to you.
And, that’s not all. We are learning there are benefits to music therapy for cancer patients beyond simply feeling good. Some studies even suggest that listening to music may increase the number and activity of your T cells, cells in our immune system which fight cancer.
If your infusion rooms have televisions, ask if you can use those, and if not, try out portable DVD players or online movie services that let you view movies and television programs on your iPad, laptop, or e-reader. Line up a series of classic Oscar winners and work your way through the whole set—it might just give you something to look forward to.
You can think of classes or workshops you wish to attend, vacations you wish to take, and new skills you would like to learn. One way of planning for your future—and lowering your stress level in the process—is to make a vision board. Creating a visual chart of what you plan to accomplish in survivorhood can help you stay motivated to complete your treatment.
Along with your bucket list, some people make a second (get rid of) list. Not only does living with cancer prompt many people to pursue their bucket list, but it can prompt some to think of things they want to eliminate from their life. Are there activities you don’t really enjoy? Do you have any toxic friendships? Getting rid of the unnecessary or negative parts of your life will give you more time to reach out for the things you do want.
If you have enough table space, spread out a jigsaw puzzle and work it over. Even your nurses or your chemo buddy may help you out! When your session is over, tuck your games away in your chemo bag and roll on home.
No matter how you plan to spend your time at the chemo clinic, remember that good preparation is the key to comfort. Your infusion nurses will do what they can to keep you settled and comfortable, but they won’t have time to entertain you. Plan on how to pass your time in the chemo room, and enjoy it if you can.
Before leaving home, gather and check off items on your chemotherapy bag packing list so that you are prepared no matter how your mood strikes you.
A Word From Verywell
We shared a number of ideas for passing the time during your infusions, but not all of them will be a fit for you. It’s important to do what makes you happy, not what you feel you should do or what will make someone else happy. Your infusion times can thus be a way to practice the self care that is so essential for living well with cancer.
