Our Bournemouth Support Centre manager, Steffi, who’s had cancer, shares her tips on making the most of summer if you’re living with cancer.
It certainly might not feel that the living is easy if you or a loved one has cancer, but with a little extra thought I really believe you can enjoy the pleasures and benefits of these summer months. Lazy warm days and long leisurely evenings do us all good. And even if you can’t have the holiday you’d like, you can have little moments of joy and relaxation between life, work and appointments. Try to make time for them; they really can make a huge difference when you’re going through treatment or trying to get life back on an even keel.
Drink lots of water. Even if the sun’s not shining, we definitely need to drink more on warmer days. Just water is best, but you can get your liquid intake up by drinking juice, tea or coffee. If your mouth is dry or sore from chemotherapy, try making ice lollies from non-acidic fruits like pear, sip pineapple juice (it really worked for me!), suck on ice cubes and sugar-free sweets or chew sugar-free gum. Over-the-counter artificial saliva rinses or sprays and mild lip balms can also help.
Your skin may be super-sensitive from chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and some treatments recommend minimal sunlight for six months. It can take at least two months from treatment for your skin to react less severely.
Make sure you wear sunscreen and reapply it every two hours or so. Use at least SPF30 – about two teaspoons for your head, arms and hands and about two tablespoons for your whole body. Don’t forget to reapply it if you’ve been in the water and for maximum effect you should apply it twice; once half an hour before going out and once again when you’re ready to leave. We tend to think we’re more likely to get burnt on holiday but it can easily happen here even on cloudy days. Try to strike the balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting Vitamin D from sunlight. Seek shade when the sun is strongest – between 11am and 3pm.
If you’re suffering with hair loss or thinning hair, remember your head is very vulnerable to the sun. This is the time to have fun with floppy sun hats! Make sure your hat and clothes are made from fabrics with SPF if possible and wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Moving your body, however gently, and getting fresh air is so good for our bodies and minds. If you’re heading outdoors, remember it’s best to do it in the early mornings at this time of year. If you like to walk, morning walks can be beautiful and the air is much clearer and cooler at this time of day. Sun rises are beautiful and if you can get out to watch one it will really lift your heart. If like me though, you’re not so good at getting up really early, the evenings will be a little cooler than the middle of the day for your exercise.
Travelling can be heavy going if you’ve got cancer, but many of us feel getting away for a special holiday is an important way to get away from it all and create memories. Make sure you’re ready before jetting off. Travelling can be stressful at the best of times and perhaps have a chat with your nurse or consultant before you go. Consider taking a diary with details about your condition, allergies, current medications and dosages. Be mindful that anywhere really hot could sap your energy, so plan your itinerary accordingly and give yourself some breathing space in case you need time to rest. Check to see if you’ll need to declare your medication and make sure you carry any relevant documentation depending on the country you’re visiting. Pack it in your hand luggage so you can keep a close eye on it and it’s easily accessible, and make sure you’ve got enough for your stay and allow for delays.
The Post Office has put together a handy guide to help. Click here to find out more.
If family and friends are away over the summer you might be feeling lonely and isolated. Please remember that we’re here for you throughout the year and that connecting with others can help you feel less alone.
How can we help?
Click here to find the support that's right for you