Summer and Breast Cancer

Enjoy the Season by Taking Some Simple Precautions

(LifeWire) - Breast cancer patients can still enjoy the long, lazy days of summer. Whether it's a European tour or relaxing in the backyard, you can make the most of the season by applying the following advice.

Christine Pellegrino, MD, director of the breast clinic at the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center in New York, advises patients to keep their plans, including summer travel plans, as much as possible during treatment.

But don't feel obliged to overextend yourself. "I always tell patients, nobody's a better judge of how you're feeling than you are," Pellegrino adds. "Patients will have good days and bad days with chemo. If you're having a bad day, you're entitled to just hang out."

"Try to do whatever you can to maintain the normalcy of life," she says. "This is not an excuse to become a couch potato."

Travel and Treatment Schedules

Summer travel plans don't necessarily have to be changed because of breast cancer treatment, but Pellegrino advises patients to consult with their doctors.

"You might be able to delay treatment for a time -- it depends on the scenario," she says. "In general, if you have someone who's stable and treatment is working well, it's OK to have them take a break."

She also notes that being rested after returning from a vacation can be a good thing when starting a round of treatment. But, she cautions, "it depends on [the] individual cases."

Summer Sun Hat Udo Weber, Fotolia

Summer usually means time outdoors, which can mean sunburns. "Chemotherapy can increase sensitivity to the sun," says Pellegrino. "Wear sun block, wear a hat and cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for any length of time."

For women who'll be shaving before wearing swimsuits, Pellegrino advises taking care of sensitive skin areas. "Put some sort of lotion on to minimize the risk of inflammation and chafing," she says.

Many swimsuit designers have lines of swimwear for women who've had breast cancer surgery. Land's End, Amoena and others offer stylish swimsuits, as well as prosthetic swimsuit breast forms.

If you'll be spending time outdoors, remember to drink plenty of fluids. Because those undergoing chemotherapy may not feel like eating or drinking, dehydration is particularly a concern.

"It doesn't take very much to get dehydrated and feel very sick," says Pellegrino, who recommends having at least two ounces of water every hour or so.

To prevent pain and infection, the American Cancer Society recommends avoiding common summer risks like bug bites, sunburn and extreme heat. You can protect your feet by wearing shoes or sandals and your hands by wearing gloves.

Lymphedema -- a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the tissues -- can occur in the arm, hand and fingers after breast cancer treatment, particularly if treatment involves removal of the lymph nodes around the underarm and shoulder.

Lymphedema is also associated with air travel and changes in cabin air pressure. Talk with your doctor about a compression sleeve if you're planning to travel by air this summer.

All travelers should avoid sitting for extended periods of time to prevent blood clots. But, Pellegrino notes, people who have cancer have a higher risk of developing blood clots." She advises getting up and moving around on long plane rides and taking frequent breaks on road trips. "You have to move around a little bit on long trips, [and] flex and extend your legs and ankles to prevent blood clots," she says.

Don't Forget Your Meds

Your treatment may also leave you more vulnerable to motion sickness or seasickness.

"If you're susceptible to feeling some degree of seasickness, be proactive and take your medication as the cruise is getting started," Pellegrino advises. "But I wouldn't discourage someone from taking a cruise."

Wherever your travel plans take you, remember to take all your medications. "For any long-distance travel, bring all your meds and bring plenty of fluids," Pellegrino says. It's also a good idea to pack all important travel items -- including medications -- in carry-on bags. If you are on injectables, you will likely need permission from your doctor to care the supplies in your carry-on baggage. Consult your airline before flying.

Everything in Moderation

Vacationing breast cancer patients should avoid going overboard with alcohol consumption. "If they drink too much and they're getting chemo, they're gonna feel sick," Pellegrino warns. "They'll be paying a price for overindulging."

However, she's not opposed to women enjoying a glass of wine or a beer, as long as they remember: "Everything should be in moderation."

_Sources:

_{Christine Pellegrino, MD, director of the breast clinic at the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, New York. Telephone interview. 11 Jul. 2008.}

_{"Lymphedema (PDQ®)." cancer.gov. 1 Jul. 2008 National Cancer Institute. 21 Jul. 2008.}

_{"Lymphedema: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know." cancer.org. 2008 American Cancer Society. 21 Jul. 2008.}

_{Sakorafas, G., G. Peros, L. Cataliotti, G. Vlastos. "Lymphedema Following Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Breast Cancer." Surgical Oncology 15:3 (2006): 153-65. (subscription).}

_{"Sun Sense for Summer Days." cancer.org. 2008 American Cancer Society. 16 Jul. 2008.}