Attractive chemo pump packs?

Starleen
Starleen Member Posts: 40 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Excuse my vanity, but one of the hardest things was walking around with this huge, ugly, uncomfortable pump/fanny pack thing. A co-worker gave me the cutest satchel in which it fit perfectly, and though it is such a small detail, it had lifted my spirits tremendously, as people see it and say "cute bag" rather than look at me with pity in their eyes. The whole thing fits in the bag, a dainty strap goes across my chest, and all anyone might see as medicinal evidence is the inch or so of tube sticking out before it goes under my shirt.

That's my story, but I spent a great deal of time trying to find a source for a bag like this specifically made for people living with cancer and chemo, and I came up empty! I can't believe there is no market for this. They would seem easy enough to make in all sorts of styles. If I could sew I'd be on it. Not for money, but just to bolster the confidence of my fellow fighters. If any of you know of anyone who makes these, let me know. I'd love to get more, and I'd love to share it with the cancer centers here in Austin.

Comments

  • StacyGleaso
    StacyGleaso Member Posts: 1,233 Member
    #2
    I think you are totally onto something! You should contact Kerry through this site. She also lives in Austin and you two could swap stories.

    I am convinced you will get through everything with flying colors!

    Stacy
  • vinny3
    vinny3 Member Posts: 928 Member
    #3
    Is there a label or anything in it that would give a hint who made it?

    ****
  • tkd3g
    tkd3g Member Posts: 767
    #4
    Hi.

    I started my Chemoradiation just about this time a few years ago.

    Old Navy had great little "fanny packs" in all different patterns. I don't know if they have them this year, but they works great.

    Lots of "nice bag" comments.

    Hope that helps.

    Barb
  • Starleen
    Starleen Member Posts: 40 Member
    #5
    vinny3 said:

    Is there a label or anything in it that would give a hint who made it?

    ****

    This one was made to be a purse, and there isn't a label. I am having a friend make a couple of prototypes that will wear well for 24/7 use. One for across the chest, the other around the waist. Apparently no one on earth makes these, you just have to get lucky in finding something the right height and width that has a strap that is both comfortable and durable. Unbelievable! I may learn to sew just yet!
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #6
    Hi,

    I agree that maybe we should find someone to market a little "bag" for our friend that we have to tote around. At least a little more colorful then the awful dark blue my bag was. Worst part is wearing it in the summer. I was almost a shutin the 2 days that I had to carry mine. Wintertime was better because I could hide it under my coat. LOL. I now understand how brave people with oxygen tanks are when I see them out and about. Not easy to hide that.

    Lisa F.
  • chynabear
    chynabear Member Posts: 481 Member
    #7
    lfondots63 said:

    Hi,

    I agree that maybe we should find someone to market a little "bag" for our friend that we have to tote around. At least a little more colorful then the awful dark blue my bag was. Worst part is wearing it in the summer. I was almost a shutin the 2 days that I had to carry mine. Wintertime was better because I could hide it under my coat. LOL. I now understand how brave people with oxygen tanks are when I see them out and about. Not easy to hide that.

    Lisa F.

    Great Idea!

    Is there any way you can post a pic of what the bag looks like to give us some ideas?
  • katefm
    katefm Member Posts: 112 Member
    #8
    Great idea. My husband was very resistant to wearing a "purse" style, and was happy to wear a basic black fanny pack. It would be nice to have a little variety, though, especially for summer.
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #9
    Your post was great! I wish someone had come up with a sensor...to let me know that I had caught the long string/tubing around a chair. I am still shocked that I didn't pull the darm thing out of my port...
    TO FASHION! IN SPITE OF ANYTHING - hah!
    Have you bought shoes to match???
    All the best to you - Maura
  • msccolon
    msccolon Member Posts: 1,917 Member
    #10
    CAMaura said:

    Your post was great! I wish someone had come up with a sensor...to let me know that I had caught the long string/tubing around a chair. I am still shocked that I didn't pull the darm thing out of my port...
    TO FASHION! IN SPITE OF ANYTHING - hah!
    Have you bought shoes to match???
    All the best to you - Maura

    I had to laugh when i read your post! To FASHION, indeed! I actually crocheted a carrier for mine that worked out great!
  • CAMaura
    CAMaura Member Posts: 719 Member
    #11
    msccolon said:

    I had to laugh when i read your post! To FASHION, indeed! I actually crocheted a carrier for mine that worked out great!

    Great idea! And, maybe it didn't feel so foreign -- like an alien appendage!!

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