How to Organize Supplements and Medication During and After Cancer
Staying Organized: How I Organize Supplements and Medications During and After Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and keeping track of various medications on specific days can quickly become a daunting task. After my first round of RCHOP Chemotherapy, my oncologist handed me a stack of notecards with instructions for each medication.
One of the most confusing was prednisone, which I only took for five days with varying doses throughout. Then there were as-needed medications, which I learned to take at specific times based on my body's response.
After my transplant, the complexity increased. I now had to take:
Antibiotics twice a day—but only once a week
Antiviral medication twice a week—but only once a day
Anti-seizure medication every day
Plus a daily regimen of supplements meant to support my body through treatment
With such a sporadic schedule, I needed an organizational system that made sense.
How I Stay Organized with My Medications
To manage my routine, I developed a simple but effective system for pre-sorting my pills. While this isn't an original concept, it's been a lifesaver for me.
Pre-Sorting Medications in Advance
At first, I only prepared a week’s worth at a time. But I quickly realized that the week flew by, and I was constantly restarting the process. Now, I organize 2 to 4 weeks' worth of medications at a time.
This system helps me:
Keep my countertops clutter-free and my mind clear
Store medications out of sight for better mental well-being
Always have my medications ready to go without scrambling
Since I live in a small space, keeping reminders of my cancer treatment tucked away in a linen closet has been an important part of my mental health.
The Best Pill Organizer & Why It Works
Over time, I’ve tried several different pill organizers, but one has stood out as my favorite. Unlike most one- or two-compartment organizers, this one has three compartments labeled morning, noon, and night, making it the perfect fit for my schedule.
Here’s why I love it:
1. Convenient Color-Coding
The color-coded design makes it easy to identify each day of the week at a glance. When I’m on the go, I can grab a specific sleeve and toss it into my work bag or suitcase—no need to carry the entire organizer.
2. Portability
Each daily sleeve is removable, which makes it incredibly travel-friendly. Whether I’m heading to work or on a trip, I can take only what I need.
For those with caretakers, this system also makes it easier to understand and follow your pill regimen without sorting through multiple bottles.
3. Three Compartments for Better Organization
Most pill organizers only have one or two sections per day, but this one includes three distinct compartments for morning, noon, and night. It’s spacious enough to hold all my medications while keeping my routine structured.
Having separate sections encourages me to:
Stay mindful about what supplements I’m taking
Avoid overloading on unnecessary pills
Stick to a routine that supports my overall health
How I Stay Consistent with My Supplements
For consistency, I rely on Amazon’s Subscribe & Save for most of my supplements. If something isn’t available there, I use the auto-order service offered by many supplement brands. This ensures I never run out—because let's be honest, by the time I realize I’m out of something, it’s usually too late.
Sunday Ritual: Sorting & Prepping Medications
Every Sunday, I set aside time to sort and pack my medications and supplements for the next 2-4 weeks. Depending on when my supplements are scheduled to arrive, I sometimes only prep two weeks at a time, but I always make sure I have a backup supply in case of unexpected delays.
For those who haven’t experienced cancer treatment, managing medications like this might seem like a chore. But for me, it has become part of my new normal—a small system that gives me control, structure, and peace of mind in an otherwise unpredictable journey.
What Works for You?
If you have a system that helps you stay on top of your medications and supplements, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and share what has worked for you—your experience could help someone else on their journey.
