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@deb913

Hi Lori,
Thanks for your response - very helpful. I would love any tips about what to bring to the hospital- any tips are welcome but some that come to mind - how many sets of clothes to bring - can u wear the same hat or pants twice or do u need all clean every day?- Did you find you wore hospital gowns more or your own clothes ?(I feel like I’d like to wear my own but wasn’t sure that was realistic) - Any particular recommendation's on types of clothes or shoes or just comfy? Are there any particular hats you’d recommend (for bald head) - - how did you pass the time or were you so sick you didn’t care? lol as you can see my mind is swimming with questions. Thank you so much. You and this group have been the best resource and support for me.

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Replies to "Hi Lori, Thanks for your response - very helpful. I would love any tips about what..."

Since you’ll be in the hospital for a month plus…you’re not going to want to rely on gowns. Psychologically, for me anyway, if I was stuck in a hospital gown I felt like an invalid.
I felt it was important for my mental health to get dressed.

For you, this clinic stay will be all about comfort and no one will judge what you’re wearing. From my experience it was perfectly ok to wear clothing more than one day. Seriously don’t worry about a bra! I usually wore a tshirt, hoodie and yoga pants most days, jammies at night. Admittedly, sometimes 24 hours when my apathy took precedence. 😅

I ordered a several pair of these jammies from Amazon. (Actually, I ordered these when I was in the hospital for the first 5 weeks, going through chemo for AML. So Amazon was my only option…but the jammies saw me through months of chemo and the transplant. 5+ years later I STILL wear these!)
They run small so order a size up from what you’d normally wear. Easy to launder and didn’t shrink. Super soft!
Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7H1FYW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For my head: (another Amazon purchase). Women's Slouchy Beanie Hat Chemo Caps
https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Slouchy-Headwear-Sleeping-Multicolor/dp/B0CQ7M3FB5/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?crid=2S2NWOH3JS4Z2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pc6n6Gl7r_lH5Vyo3C7B_wuggQIsmiV5_XVtMCmqx3R6vJrlkhJ-EtiM1g96MmUsgqmr_hQioR1se64q10TV3ztkPZgOTAAiCHTPrtB2fUHnodVPrujUmlh995E5BVzbgeN6ht5DZHNcxj5Np_HCb6vBP3svo-HlvkW8samcA-0-KsNboaBin8XY3qb1LH3DrYw-HFABCLWhPAtsjQVvu88Nkrn2OFSN9HkLnFK-ySy4vrKANQl31zM0CScjjoltVqgvhhchFCwCxwthPppXE3SdwGpB-Mm5_2myzCcyBZw.4k06YDacuZu1qqBbCPh8M-GLlAfmKaucfCLYVDBeyWM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Chemo+hats&qid=1729172413&sprefix=chemo+ha%2Caps%2C523&sr=8-22-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1
You’ll want to keep things simple and easy for your caregiver to launder for you. I had a plastic bag where I’d put my to-go laundry. My husband did the laundry at our hotel and kept recycling for me. I had a small suitcase that fit in the locker in my hospital room that held my ‘stuff’.
Also had a small toiletry organizer with personal supplies that I could keep near by or in the bathroom.

Ok, here’s my list of clothing for hospital. I’m sure others will pop in with ideas for you:

A week’s worth of skivvies
Don’t worry about a bra.
Comfy PJs
Hoodie or Loose over-shirt. (Robe if you prefer)
A couple comfy t-shirts that fit loose enough around the neck to accommodate port access.
Couple pair of yoga pants
Warm socks for bed
Beanies/chemo caps, sock hat
Firm soled slippers (I wore Keen Howser slippers)
Take your favorite pillow and 2 pillow cases.
Small throw or blanket. Mine had penguins. 😉
Personal hygiene products (in the toiletry bag)
Definitely take lotion & lip balm!
Small extension cord
Phone, tablet, laptop, etc. for your entertainment
Snacks.
If you have a couple personal items to make your room feel homey that’s fine.

I was outpatient so I returned ‘home’ to the hotel the next day. But when I was in the hosptial for 5 weeks (8 wks total) for AML treatments, I had downloaded a ton of audio books that I never finished because they’d put me to sleep! LOL. I binged watched series on Netflix, etc. I also took a small bag of art supplies along…such as travel size watercolor, water brush, paper pads and a little hand stitching project.

Frankly, you’ll feel pretty tired, maybe nauseated and want to sleep most of the time the first couple of weeks. Your body will be going through a lot and it will take time to recover. It’s an understatement to say this will be the medical adventure of a lifetime…but on the other side of it is a 2nd chance at life.
I’ve given you a lot to digest today! I know it’s daunting and feels overwhelming. But this will all unfold as you go along so try not to stress. Your BMT team will do their best to keep you comfortable. Don’t ever hesitate to ask them anything or express concerns! This is not their first rodeo, but it is yours. 😉