--- title: "What to Bring to Chemo: A Chemotherapy Bag Checklist" description: "What to bring to chemotherapy: a chemo bag checklist, how long sessions take, what to ask your team, and the warning signs that mean calling them straight away." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/what-to-bring-to-chemotherapy/ robots: noindex --- # What to Bring to Chemo: A Chemotherapy Bag Checklist Supporting someone ## Quick answer Pack for a long day: chemotherapy through a drip can take from 30 minutes to a few days, so bring snacks, water, layers, a phone charger, something to do and a list of your medicines. Keep your care team’s number with you: the NHS says to call them straight away with a high temperature. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) **Content updated:** 22 October 2026 . Reviewed by a UK GP for World Aid Network on 22 October 2026 . [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) **How this page is sourced:** health information here comes from NHS, NICE and WHO pages, linked beside each claim. It is general information: a GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. ## Quick facts A drip can take From 30 minutes to a few days, depending on the treatment Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) Treatment is given In cycles over several months, with breaks of a few days or weeks Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) Checks before treatment Side-effect questions, weight and a blood test, on the day or a few days before Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) Call your care team now if You have a high temperature or other signs of infection Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## Key takeaways - Ask your unit how long your session will be: some treatments take minutes, a drip can take hours or longer. [(NHS: chemotherapy)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) - Bring a list of your medicines and your questions about side effects. [(NHS: chemotherapy)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) - Pack for comfort: tiredness and feeling sick are common side effects. [(NHS: chemotherapy)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) - Keep your care team’s number on you. A high temperature or signs of infection need a call straight away. [(NHS: chemotherapy)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## What should I pack in a chemo bag? Treatment days can be long, with checks, waiting and the treatment itself. These are the things people most often wish they had brought: - A refillable water bottle and snacks you enjoy, plus something plain in case you feel sick. - Layers, warm socks and a soft scarf or blanket. Treatment rooms can feel cold. - Your phone, a long charging cable and headphones. - Something to pass the time: a book, puzzles, downloaded films or podcasts. - A notebook and pen for questions and for what the team tells you. - A hat or headscarf, if you are expecting hair loss. - A list of the medicines you take, and your appointment letter. Ask your unit what they provide and what they would rather you left at home. Some have rules about food, visitors or scented products. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## How long does a chemotherapy session take? It depends on how the treatment is given. Through a drip into a vein, it can take from 30 minutes to a few days. An injection usually takes a few minutes. Some people have a small pump they take home, which gives the medicine over a few days, and some take tablets at home. Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles over several months, with a break of a few days or weeks between treatments. Your team may check side effects, measure your weight and do a blood test, either on the day or a few days before. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## What should I ask the care team before I start? The NHS suggests asking about the side effects you might get and whether you can prepare for them. Useful questions include: - Which side effects are likely with my treatment, and what helps? - Who do I call if I feel unwell, day or night? - Could this treatment affect my fertility, and should I think about storing eggs or sperm first? - What contraception should I use during treatment? Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## What should I have ready at home for the days after? Side effects usually start a few days or weeks after treatment begins. Common ones include tiredness, feeling or being sick, a sore mouth, a higher chance of infections and temporary hair loss. Most people get some side effects, but not all of them. Comfortable clothes, easy meals in the freezer, a soft toothbrush and someone who can help with lifts, shopping or childcare make those days easier. Tell your care team about side effects: they may be able to treat them. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## When should I call the care team straight away? The NHS says to call your care team now if you have: - a high temperature: feeling hot, cold, sweaty or shivery, or the skin on your back or chest feeling hotter than usual - other signs of infection, such as a sore throat, cough, diarrhoea, peeing a lot or pain when peeing - throbbing or cramping pain, swelling and warmth in a leg or arm - sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain and a cough or coughing up blood These can be signs of an infection or a blood clot, which may need treating quickly. If you are not sure how to contact your team, call NHS 111. Outside the UK, call the number your treatment centre gave you or your local emergency number. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## Frequently asked questions How long does chemotherapy take each time? Through a drip, a session can take from 30 minutes to a few days. An injection usually takes a few minutes. Your unit will tell you what to expect for your treatment. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) What side effects should I prepare for? Common side effects include tiredness, feeling or being sick, a sore mouth, a higher chance of infection, bruising more easily and temporary hair loss. You will not get all of them. Ask your team which are likely for you. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) What should I do if I get a temperature after chemotherapy? Call your care team straight away. A high temperature can be a sign of infection, which may need treating quickly. If you are not sure how to contact them, call NHS 111. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) Can chemotherapy affect fertility? Some chemotherapy medicines can cause fertility problems, which can be temporary or permanent. Ask your team before treatment starts about options such as storing eggs or sperm. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) Is hair loss from chemotherapy permanent? The NHS lists temporary hair loss among the common side effects. Ask your team whether your treatment is likely to cause it and what support is available. Source: [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) ## Sources and references - [NHS: chemotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chemotherapy/) This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. 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