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Being well-prepared is essential when navigating a brain tumor diagnosis. From pre and post-surgery necessities to comforting solutions for managing symptoms and deficits, we've compiled a list of recommended essentials on Amazon. These are items many care teams may overlook.

HOSPITAL STAY ITEMS

SLIM PORTABLE CHARGER: Lightweight backup battery for your phone and electronics.

SOCKS WITH GRIPS: Prevent slipping and falling, particularly when in the hospital.

GENTLE CLEANSING FACEWIPES: Keep these nearby at the hospital and home.

CLEANSING BODY WIPES: Durable and thick waterless body wipes to replace shower or bath.

HYDRATING FACE CREAM: Hydrating, gentle, and silky face cream.

MOISTURIZING LIP BALM: Ultra-conditioning lip therapy is excellent for the hospital stay.

HEALING HAND CREAM: Moisture that stays even after hand washing (not sticky).

EYE MOISTURE DROPS: These can be used daily for dry eye and mild irritation.

TRAVEL TOOTHBRUSH & PASTE: Must have for your hospital stay.

EAR PLUGS: Brain tumor patients are often sensitive to noise, particularly after surgery, so stock up on ear plugs.

COZY VELOUR SWEATSUIT (WOMEN): Excellent for everyday use particularly comforting for doctor visits post-surgery and for when you go home from the hospital. Zip front hoodie jacket is cozy too.

COMFORT FLEX BRA: Super soft, easy on and off, with a clasp in the back, good for support and comfort.

SLIP ON COMFORT SNEAKER: These Sketcher shoes are soft, comfy, and easy to take on and off.

ZIP FRONT SWEATSUIT (MEN): Excellent for everyday use particularly comforting for doctor visits post-surgery and for when you go home from the hospital. Zip front hoodie jacket is stylish too!

COMFORT SLIDES (MEN): Lightweight Nike slides are excellent for the hospital, post-surgery, and for walking, they offer more support than standard slides or flip-flops.

OVERNIGHT BAG: Women's overnight bag for the hospital stay, excellent for travel as well.

SMALL CLEAR WATERPROOF BAG: Purse with full visibility to take the guesswork about what's inside.

WRAP AROUND DARK SUNGLASSES: For your drive home from the hospital, they can be worn over your glasses and they block most light which you will likely be extra sensitive to.

AT HOME COMFORTS

WEDGE PILLOW: A must-have post-surgery as laying down flat is rather uncomfortable for a few weeks.

NECK PILLOW: Post craniotomy your neck is very sore, this pillow helps a bunch.

SOFT NIGHT LIGHTS: Create dimly lit safe pathways in your home.

BABY SHAMPOO: The suggested shampoo to use when your scar is healing.

LAXATIVES: It can be difficult to poop post-surgery. Eat light before surgery and use a laxative before and after surgery to help prevent the extreme constipation caused by the medications used and from being under anesthesia for so long.

GIN GIN ANTI-NAUSEA CHEWS: Carry these everywhere you go if prone to nausea.

PAIN RELIEVER PACKETS: Keep these in your car, purse, backpack, or wherever you go. Tylenol is one of the best headache pain relievers suggested to take so don't leave home without it!

SLEEP AID: Sleep can be challenging, this brand is good and can help get you back on track.

ICE PACK RELIEF HEAD: Super helpful for head and neck pain particularly migraines and swelling.

GEL ICE PACK FOR NECK: Excellent for neck and shoulder soreness.

5 SMALL GEL ICE PACKS: Soft on one side, great for isolated pain.

HEAT PAD RELIEF: Great for shoulder and back discomfort, neck too!

PAIN RELIEF CREAM: Gentle, non-greasy, and fragrance-free, for pain, soreness, and bruise relief.

BUTTON FRONT NIGHTGOWN: Wide neck and button front for ease of dressing and avoiding over-the-head pressure when taking on and off.

MEMORY FOAM SLIPPER: Easy to slip on and off, with grips and memory foam comfort.

SUPER SOFT EYE MASK: Great for blocking out light especially when napping during the day.

ORAL MOISTURIZING GEL: Helps to maintain oral health.

DRY MOUTH XYLIMELTS: Dry mouth oral adhering discs to maintain moisture in your mouth for up to 8 hours.

WELLNESS & ORGANIZATION

MEAL PREP CONTAINERS: Prep nutritious meals ahead of time to take meal planning off your list of things to do.

INSULATED LEAK PROOF TUMBLER: Keep warm or cold fluids near you at all times, especially during recovery.

PLASTIC FOLDERS: To sort your medication prescription info and medical reports and documents.

MEDICATION ORGANIZER: If you have a brain tumor diagnosis you will likely be on more meds than usual, especially post-surgery. An organizer like this with AM and PM slots is very helpful.

PILL SPLITTER: Additional medications may require splitting so be prepared.

MEDICATION LOG: A variety of medications are used to manage this condition, especially post-surgery. Keep a log as many require a weaning off process. This will help you when you report back to your medical team as well.

FITBIT WELLNESS TRACKER: Track your sleep, pulse, and more as you work to maintain wellness.

BLUETOOTH HEADBAND: Ultra-thin exercise, meditation, and relaxing soft sleeping headphones.

FIRST AID KIT: Bumps, bruises, scrapes, and falls can happen, a first aid kit is always good to have!

AUDIBLE: Listen to books and podcasts plus read digital books! Engage your brain to stimulate healing and rerouting.

GRAY MATTERS (book): Learn all there is to know about the life of a brain surgeon.

All the above items are Brain Tumor Companion favorites and are advised to assist patients as they prepare for their medical journey both pre and post surgery. Amazon is an excellent resource as a one-stop shop, offering reliable returns, free shipping options, and fast delivery times.

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