Beyond the medical aspect, preparing your home and emotional state for cancer treatment is just as important. Ensuring a supportive home environment and having a plan for daily tasks can significantly help you after your treatment appointments. 

Treatment may leave you feeling fatigued, making it difficult to manage grocery shopping, errands, cleaning, and other household chores. Creating a plan for these tasks, as well as for pet or childcare, and meal preparation in advance, ensures you return to a restful environment after a treatment appointment. Here are a few tips to try: 

1. Create a Restful Space: Ensure your bedroom or resting area is peaceful and comfortable. Have clean bedding, extra pillows for support, and blackout curtains if light affects your rest.

   • Post-Surgery Accessibility: After surgery, it's crucial to arrange your space for easy accessibility. Position everyday items like glasses, plates, and bowls–and more–within arm's reach to avoid unnecessary stretching or reaching 

   • Alternative Sleeping Arrangements: If your recovery requires sleeping at an incline, consider adding a comfortable recliner or an adjustable chair to your bedroom. This setup not only aids in maintaining a preferred sleeping position but also prevents rolling onto your side or stomach, as well as offering relief from those experiencing indigestion during chemotherapy

2. Organize Your Essentials: Keep essential items like water, tissues, medications, and the remote control within easy reach of your bed or chair. 

3. Meal Prep: Prepare or arrange for easy-to-eat, nutritious meals and snacks. Consider freezing portions for easy reheating. Staying hydrated and nourished is key to recovery. 

4. Gather Entertainment: Stock up on books, magazines, movies, or crafts that you can enjoy during your recovery period to keep your spirits up. 

5. Arrange for Help: Coordinate with family, friends, or a caregiver to help with chores, errands, or pet care, so you can focus on resting and healing. 

6. Set Up a Medication Station: Organize your medications with clear instructions on dosage and times. Pill organizers can be very helpful. 

7. Personal Care Products: Stock up on gentle, unscented personal care products, including skincare items that can help with dry or sensitive skin due to treatment. 

Preparing your home in these ways can help ensure that you have a supportive, stress-free environment to come back to, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being.

Utilizing support network services like CaringBridge or Lotsa Helping Hands can streamline organizing help from friends and family. Additionally, check if you can bring someone to your treatments for emotional and practical support. Having someone accompany you to appointments can be comforting and helpful.

Iris offers comprehensive support through your cancer care, from preparing for your first appointment to navigating side effects. Our team is here to help you maintain comfort and control.