Resources
Julie’s Online Favorites
There are so many helpful tools and resources available, but please don’t feel like you need to buy everything on this page! Consider borrowing items when you can. We were blessed by many caring people who lent us, gave us, or recommended resources along the way.
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What products do you use?” So I’ve gathered my favorite personal-care, kitchen, home, and wellness products in one place. Many are mentioned throughout Cancer To-Do List, but this categorized list makes them easy to find.
Most items can be purchased on Amazon, although many are available elsewhere as well. I’ll continue adding to this page as I discover new favorites.
I hope you find them helpful! When you purchase through some of the links on this page, Cancer To-Do List may receive a small commission, which helps support this website.
-
Julie’s online favorites for the hair, face, and body.
-
Julie’s online favorites for the home from air filters to favorite kitchen items.
-
Julie’s online food and groceries favorites.
-
Julie’s online favorites for exercise and pain relief.
-
Julie’s online favorites to have on hand or use during treatment. These also make wonderful gifts for loved ones dealing with cancer.
FOR THE BODY
Face
Cleansing
Brown rice bran — Mix with jojoba oil to create a gentle face scrub.
Olive oil — I use it to remove makeup, even mascara.
Moisturizing
Dry brushing involves gently brushing dry skin with a body brush, usually before showering. Brush toward your heart, under arms, behind knees, inner thighs, and bottoms of the feet.
Whole Body
Soap
Body Soap
Castille liquid soap— Thin enough to work perfectly in my shower dispensers.
Shower soap dispenser— I have one in each shower and simply refill it with Castile soap.
Hand Soap dispenser — Mix 1 part liquid Castile soap with 3 parts water. For example, use ¼ cup Castile soap + ¾ cup water.
Body moisturizer
Jojoba oil — I use it alone or mixed with essential oils such as eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, or lemon.
After my double mastectomy, I began using jojoba oil with frankincense essential oil on my scars and chest.
Detox bath
For my detox bath, I soak in a warm bath for about 20 minutes and add:
2 cups bath flakes (organic magnesium chloride) or Epsom salt (100% pure magnesium chloride is supposed to provide better absorption than epsom salt, but either will work.)
1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons ginger root powder
Optional essential oils
I typically do this 2–3 times per week as part of my self-care routine.
Air Filter
Water filters
Visit the Hydration page to learn more about water quality and why I chose these filters.
Carbon water filters
Bedroom
Sheets (100% organic material) - I also love these 100% silk pillowcases
Weighted blanket - great to use during chemotherapy
Eye mask (100% silk) - great for sleeping
FOR THE Home
kitchen
My kitchen is pretty small, so I’ve learned to choose functional appliances, cookware, and tools that I actually use. Below is a comprehensive list of my kitchen favorites.
Visit Julie’s Kitchen for food prep, simple solutions for eating well, favorite recipes, and organized shopping lists.
Appliances
High-Speed Blender: Vitamix
Convection Oven: When I did a water fast at TrueNorth Health Center, I learned about using convection ovens for healthier cooking. I have one and love it! I use it for baking, roasting, and warming food. I eventually realized I didn’t need a microwave, so we got rid of ours—but don’t panic if a microwave is easier for you! If you don’t have a convection oven, here is a great all-in-one option:
Toaster oven + convection oven + air fryer— one appliance that does all three!
Food Processor: 10-cup Food processor
Juicers:
Omega MM900HDS Low Speed Masticating Juicer— This is the juicer I use and love! You do have to cut larger fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces to fit the chute, but cleanup is much easier than with other juicers I’ve used—and that’s important to me!
Other options: Breville, Nama J2, or Super Angel
Popcorn Machine: Air Popper— Air-popped popcorn is a great snack! Add a tiny spray of olive oil so the salt sticks.
Rice Cooker: One of my favorite appliances! It makes quinoa and rice perfectly and keeps them warm until we're ready to eat. I have the smaller one, which is even small enough for traveling. You can even toss some greens on top after the rice cooks, and your meal is done!
Waffle Maker: Small Stainless Waffle Maker — Great for whole-grain waffles and even crispy, oil-free Potaffles (potato waffle fries)!
Cookware
Cast Iron: I love my cast-iron cookware—except for the weight! It cooks food evenly and keeps it warm longer.
Soup Pot/Dutch Oven (7¼-quart)— My favorite soup pot!
Stainless Steel: Another great option if you prefer something lighter than cast iron.
Multicooker Set— Includes 3-quart and 8-quart pots with a steamer basket.
Food Prep and Utensils
Chopper — Great for chopping and dicing!
Unbleached Parchment Paper — Great for lining baking pans and wrapping foods without needing to oil the pan.
I use my Vitamix high-speed blender to make our morning smoothies and so much more!
I love this little rice cooker! It makes perfect brown rice or quinoa, and I toss greens on top during the last few minutes to steam. So simple and nutritious!
We love our cast-iron pots and pans! The only downside? They are super heavy!
The Zyliss Easy Pull Food Processor chops carrots, onions, peppers, and other vegetables in seconds!
Food and Groceries
These are some of the foods, ingredients, and pantry staples I regularly purchase and use. I've put them all in one place to make shopping simple! Visit Julie’s Kitchen to see how I use many of these foods in my meals and recipes.
Almonds (sprouted)
Aloe juice (whole leaf)
Bread (sprouted)
Cereal (dry, sprouted)
Cranberry juice (unsweetened)
Food Powders
Lentils (dry, sprouted)
Maple syrup
Medjool dates (pitted)
Mung beans (sprouted)
Mustard (stoneground)
Oatmeal (sprouted)
Pasta
Parchment paper (unbleached)
Popcorn (organic) - use an air popper machine like this.
Quinoa (sprouted)
Rice vinegar - my favorite salad dressing!
Seeds— I add flax seeds to my morning smoothie and rotate other seeds for variety. I also sprinkle ground seeds on salads and soups.
Soy milk (unsweetened)
Spices— I love adding herbs and spices to my food! Here are some I use regularly.
All-purpose (basil, black pepper, coriander, garlic, thyme, onion, oregano, parsley, sage etc.)
Pumpkin spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove)
Teas — Here are some of my favorite teas.
Essiac herbs (visit the CAM Treatment page for the Essiac tea recipe)
Jason Winters (blend of red clover, chaparral, oolong tea leaf, herbalene spice blend, and Indian sage leaf)
Tortilla (sprouted)
Exercise AND Pain Relief TOOLS
CARDIO
Jump Rope— Choose the cable length according to your height.
Rower— Low-impact for beginners but challenging enough for advanced athletes.
SkiErg— Can be wall-mounted or used with a floor stand.
Stationary Bikes
Mini Trampolines
Higher-end option ($$$$)
Strength - Basic
Kettlebells— 9–203 lb. I currently use 35 lb.
Medicine Ball— 4–30 lb. I currently use 12 lb.
Strength - Advanced
Barbells— Choose according to your needs:
Beginner Technique Bar— 15 lb.
Women’s Bella Bar— 35 lb.
Men’s Echo Bar— 45 lb.
Bumper Plates— 10–55 lb.
Plyometric Box
Loop Bands— Great for lower-body and glute exercises.
Sled
Utility Bench— Flat bench.
Wall-Mount Rack with Pull-Up Bar:
Monster Bands— Can be used to assist with pull-ups.
Rings— Hang from a pull-up bar, ceiling, or other appropriate support.
Treatment TOOLS AND GIFTS
Many of the items on this page can make thoughtful gifts for someone going through cancer. Consider contributing toward CAM treatments, a lymphatic massage, acupuncture, or even hiring someone to juice or prepare healthy meals. Below are additional items that may provide comfort and support during treatment and beyond. Visit the Conventional Treatment page to learn more about how these tools and gifts may support them throughout their cancer journey.
Body Brush — Gently brush dry skin usually before showering. Using light strokes, brush toward the heart, paying attention to areas such as under the arms, behind the knees, inner thighs, and bottoms of the feet.
Castor Oil Pack— Soak a soft wool or cotton cloth with castor oil, place it over the desired area, cover it to protect clothing or bedding, and place a warm (not hot) heating pad over the pack. Relax while using it, then clean the skin afterward. Follow the directions included with your pack.
Chamomile Tea — May help soothe treatment-related mouth sores. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15693704/
Detox Bath - See my recipe above.
Eye Mask— Blocks unwanted light to create a darker environment for sleep. Darkness supports the body’s natural production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Foot Bath— A soothing way to soak tired feet, especially after treatment. I love one that heats and massages!
Heating Pad— Provides targeted warmth to soothe aches and discomfort.
Lemongrass Tea — A warm, soothing tea option.
Lip Balm— Helpful for dry lips during chemotherapy.
Lozenges — Helpful when treatment causes an unpleasant or metallic taste.
Sea bands — May help with nausea during chemotherapy.
Silk Pillowcase— Soft and comfortable, especially when skin or the scalp is sensitive.
Vibration Plate — A machine that creates rapid vibrations while you stand, sit, or exercise on it. There is some evidence it can improve lymphatic drainage.
Weighted Blanket— Can provide warmth and comfort, especially for someone experiencing cold sensitivity (cold dysesthesia) during chemotherapy.
Mastectomy recovery tools
Bras
Comfortable Clothing
Jojoba Oil — About a month after my double mastectomy, I began using jojoba oil on my chest and scars, sometimes mixed with essential oils such as eucalyptus, frankincense, lavender, or lemon.
Recovery Robe — Has four internal pockets—two on each side—to help hold and manage post-surgical drains after breast surgery.