Resources to help prepare for chemotherapy

Biotene sensitivity toothpaste
Alra mild conditioning shampoo, specially formulated for people undergoing treatment for cancer
Reliefband anti-nausea wristband
Vahdam turmeric and ginger tea to help manage nausea
Nature’s Way ginger root supplement to help manage nausea
Nature’s Way senna supplement
Vitamin D supplement
Aquafor healing ointment, especially for nailbeds and feet
RealPurity all-natural deodorant (I tried several and this one actually works)
Rosebud CBD bath soak to help manage body aches
Claritin to help manage body aches
Awesome brand shampoo and conditioning wig care products
Synthetic wig for wearing around the house (I recommend a lace-front Jon Renau)
Human hair wig for social and professional gatherings (I again recommend Jon Renau)
Jon Renau wig cap or liner
Dreamlover wig hanger
Brooklinen silk pillowcase feels soft on a sensitive scalp
Aerogarden for easy access to fresh herbs that help mask metallic tastes
Portable mood lighting like the Flos bellhop or the Rosendahl soft spot
Innersense hair care products for when your hair starts growing back
For hot flashes, I recommend speaking with a doctor about prescription Effexor (venlafaxine)

Resources to help prepare for a mastectomy

The Undying by Anne Boyer, if there’s only one thing you read, read this.
Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag, for its timeless understanding.
History of the Breast by Marilyn Yalom
Athleta zip-up post-mastectomy bra, or my favorite, the Athleta exhale bra (easy on/off)
Outdoor Voices double time bra (also an easy on/off choice)
Luxurious robe or kimono. My favorite, the Lunya washable silk robe
A pocketed apron for holding surgical drains
Skims loose-fitting sweatpants that are easy to take on and off, even when you can’t use your arms
Extra long silicone straws for drinking when you can’t use your arms
Reading pillow to help you prop yourself up for long periods of time
Leg support pillow to make sleeping on your back more comfortable
ScarAway extra long silicone scar repair sheets
Lots of moisturizer. I recommend Detox Market
2lb weights for physical therapy exercises once your drains are removed

Subscription to Audible
Subscription to HBO Max / Netflix / Hulu / AmazonPrime / Apple TV+ etc.
Uber or Lyft credits
Whole Foods or Instacart gift cards
A selection of nice loose leaf teas (I recommend Harney & Sons)
Nice natural skincare and/or bath products (I recommend anything from Detox Market)
One of the cookbooks in the above section (please no cancer-themed cookbooks)
Subscription to a yoga or meditation app
Subscription to a house cleaning and/or laundry service
Luxurious sheets and towels (I recommend Brooklinen)