At the end of June, I experienced camping in the great outdoors for the first time in my life.
My family and I went to Pulaski County Park in Nancy, Kentucky. I woke up every day before dawn and watched the sunrise over the beautiful Lake Cumberland. The temperatures were in the upper 80s.
The serenity and warmth camp reminded me how much my father loved to watch the sunrise time and expense outside. After the diagnosis of mesothelioma dad, he was having a lot of working time.
family cookouts and lounging by the pool distracted him from his chemotherapy treatments, but the amount of sun and heat we worried because her oncologist said the drug my father were more sensitive to it to situations emergency related to heat and sunburn.
Anyone undergoing chemotherapy for mesothelioma should ask their specialist if too much time in the sun could harm them. It is important to know if your medications increase your photosensitivity, which is an immune system reaction triggered by sunlight.
Learn more about the symptoms and signs of exposure to heat or sunlight too before it's too late.
photosensitivity and other concerns for cancer patients
the Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of New Mexico says that people who undergo chemotherapy can become sensitive sunburn more easily than others."A sunburn that you have less than a week before chemotherapy may reappear or rarely sunburn can spread to the skin that is not exposed to sunlight," site web University shows
These chemotherapy drugs can increase photosensitivity.
- Dacarbazine
- fluorouracil
- Methotrexate
- Vinblastine
- Redness
- inflammation of exposed areas
- blister
- Weeping patches of skin exposed to the sun
- Peeling
Exposure to heat. Do not Over It
spending too much time outdoors in the weather conditions of the summer oppressive may exacerbate symptoms of fatigue.mesothelioma patients are already familiar with fatigue often associated with cancer.
coupling tiredness with exposure to heat can lead to a much faster conditions for those fighting mesothelioma and other forms of emergency cancer.
Warning signs of disease induced by heat:
- muscle pain and cramps
- Difficulty breathing
- Disorientation and confusion
- Increased body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
mesothelioma and the summer heat
because of these reactions, it is not uncommon for mesothelioma specialists warn their patients to take too much sun.during the summer of 1993, a doctor advised my father to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and offered advice to avoid severe sunburn.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network also provides patients with cancer recommendations on how to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Use Sunscreen
Ask your doctor what sunscreen brand would be more beneficial for your skin type. SPF 30 provides some protection against the sun, but if you are extremely sensitive, more SPF strength and more frequent applications may be necessary.Protect your head
Wearing a hat with a wide brim can protect your head and face from the sun, especially if you've just lost your hair due to chemotherapy.Light-Colored Clothing
Light colors reflect sunlight, while dark colors absorb. You can also opt for softer clothing assembly which allow the body heat to escape.Take frequent breaks
to take a break from the heat and sun by going inside where there's air conditioningcan offer respite.Stay in the shade
If you plan a trip to the beach, do not forget to bring a big umbrella. According to the Department of Energy of the United States, the shaded areas can be up to 25 degrees cooler than areas in full sun. Also, spend less time outside 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. because when the sun's rays are strongest.Drink plenty of fluids
Hydrating your body is key to avoid dehydration. Heat can quickly drain the water your body needs to function.Lessons Learned
During our recent camping trip, my daughter's face became Sunburned. I could almost hear my father advised me to reapply the sunblock frequently.After discovering the hard way that tanning his bald head was not a good idea, Dad always wore sunscreen.
Although my father did not comply with all the safety tips offered her oncologist summer, he learned that taking special care has allowed him to enjoy the memories in the hot summer weather.
