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Guide for patients and loved ones

Hospital bag

With leukemia you may need to go into hospital unexpectedly. A packed bag reduces stress.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A packed bag by the door
Figure 1.A packed bag by the door

01Short answer

Pack three groups of items. Documents: ID, insurance papers, a diagnosis card, the medicine and allergy list, recent results and emergency numbers. Hygiene: a soft toothbrush, mouth-care products, mild soap, a towel, comfortable clothes, socks and slippers. Comfort: a phone and a long charging cable, headphones, a book, a notebook and pen, earplugs, an eye mask and a favourite pillowcase. Keep the bag by the door so you lose no time if you get a fever.

02Simple explanation

Documents, hygiene, comfort: three sections.

A ready bag means leaving quickly if you get a fever.

03Scientific explanation

During neutropenia, clean personal hygiene items used only by you lower infection risk.

Some haematology wards use special air filtration and limit what you can bring.

04What happens in the body?

Documents

ID, insurance, diagnosis card, medicine list, latest tests, your doctor’s and emergency numbers.

Hygiene and clothes

A soft toothbrush, mouthwash (if your doctor advises), mild soap, your own towel, comfortable cotton clothes and warm socks.

What goes in the bag
Figure 2.What goes in the bag

Comfort

A phone and long cable, headphones, a book, a notebook, earplugs and an eye mask; a family photo.

Comfort at the bedside
Figure 3.Comfort at the bedside

05Packing the bag

Four steps.

Documents — The folder is ready.1DocumentsThe folder is ready.
Hygiene — Personal items.2HygienePersonal items.
Comfort — Small joys.3ComfortSmall joys.
By the door — Ready at any moment.4By the doorReady at any moment.
Quick departureNo time is lost.
ComfortYou feel better in hospital.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
DocumentsID, insurance, diagnosis card, medicine list, latest tests, your doctor’s and emergency numbers.
Hygiene and clothesA soft toothbrush, mouthwash (if your doctor advises), mild soap, your own towel, comfortable cotton clothes and warm socks.
ComfortA phone and long cable, headphones, a book, a notebook, earplugs and an eye mask; a family photo.

07Key terms

Diagnosis card
A short written description of the diagnosis.
Neutropenia
A period of high infection risk.
Personal hygiene
Cleaning items that belong only to you.

08Key points

  • Pack the bag in advance.
  • Do not forget documents.
  • Keep hygiene items personal.
  • Leave the bag by the door.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I bring food?

Ask about ward rules; there may be limits during neutropenia.

Valuables?

Leave them at home if you can.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I bring food?

  2. Valuables?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. NHS. How to wash your hands
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask about Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: remission
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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