7 summer tips for breast cancer patients

Here are some useful tips to take care of yourself during the summer season, especially if you are going on a holiday in a hot country or region, and to avoid risky situations. We found it in a very interesting blog the link to which you may find at the bottom of the page.

1. Protect your skin (including your head)

Breast cancer treatment is pretty harsh on your skin. The medications that you take (and your  treatments) can make your skin very sensitive or easy to burn. Protect yourself with loose fitting, comfortable clothing. A nice size floppy hat is great too. It helps to keep your head, ears and neck protected from the sun. If your scalp is tender from treatment, try putting on a silk scarf first and placing the hat on top of that.

2. Use sunscreen SPF 30 or higher

Again, medications and treatment can leave your skin very sensitive and vulnerable to sunburn. Please... PLEASE whatever you do, use sunscreen. And apply it often while outside.

You can choose from spray, lotion or cream, spray being the best choice when you are going out alone. Make sure you protect your skin. SPF 30+ (or higher) broad spectrum sunscreen is the recommendation from many cancer organizations. And remember to reapply often.

3. Drink lots of fluids (stay hydrated)

Being well-hydrated is important for everyone in the summer months. But when you're in treatment for cancer, taking medications, etc. hydration is critically important. Severe dehydration may cause you a hospital stay. Save yourself the headache and drink lots of water and fluids.

If drinking water isn't exciting enough, try adding fruit to your water to infuse it with natural flavor (instead of sugar and colorings). Also, coconut water is really great for hydration. It has natural electrolytes that make you feel really great. If you don't like the taste of coconut water (it is kind of an unusual taste), gatorade or powerade or something like that is also pretty good. Just drink fluids that will hydrate you and not dehydrate you (alcohol, wine, coffee, soda... all can dehydrate you).

4. Swimming is okay (with your doc's permission) but no hot tubs or saunas

You should be sure to get clearance from your medical team if you're still in treatment. Your doctor may caution you against getting into swimming pools. There are plenty of swimsuits for women after mastectomy, so you can check it out if you wish to.

5. Stay cool and shaded -- high temperatures can trigger hot flashes

The sun is good for a nice dose of vitamin D - and as breast cancer survivors, we are typically deficient in this vitamin. However, overheating is a real thing. Besides staying hydrated and not over-exerting yourself during the hottest parts of the day... spending time in the shade is very helpful. You can still get your vitamin D in the shade. Hot flashes on a hot day are sooo uncomfortable. And dangerous. If you don't want to stay indoors (and who does), sit under an umbrella or a large leafy tree with lots of shade.

6. Exercise (or do physical activities) during the cooler temps of the day (early morning/evening)

If you're determined to keep up your regular exercise habit in the hotter months outside, be sure to work out early in the morning or late in the day when it's cooler. Skip being active during the hottest part of the day. If you need to be out there though, grab yourself a cooling towel. These things are magical. Seriously. Just wet it and wring it out and put it around your neck to bring your body temperature down.

7. Take frequent breaks and cool/tepid showers when exercising outside.

It is totally ok to feel tired and to take a break whenever you feel like it. Sit down, or even better, lay down and take a quick nap (if possible).

Source: fabulous-boobies.blogspot.fr

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If you have your own tips on how to spend a holiday without any risk for your health, don't hesitate to share them here in this discussion.

Also, as always, your comments and opinions are welcome