Cancer patients who have had radiation treatment know that exposure to sunlight can be risky for their radiated skin. And chemotherapy can intensify the damaging effects of sunlight during treatment. What's a cancer patient to do while having treatment? Curl up under a rock? Hide in the house all summer long? Balderdash, I say! It's time to get around that big, fat obstacle and have some cool summer fun!
Some cancer patients mourn the loss of their days in the sun. It's just one more blow to endure. Family caregivers can make all the difference in the world by thinking outside the box. If the beach is out of the question, don't let your loved one despair. There are always options.
Yesterday, I took the dog for a long hike through the forest on a hot day. The birds were singing at high noon. We were comfortable under the leafy canopy. Along side the trail, water gurgled in the stream. As I crossed the meadow, the sweet smell of grass and wild flowers filled the air. And then I reached the top of the hill, where the reservoir sat in all its glory. Blue sky, clear water, surrounded by forest -- what could be more glorious? I kicked myself for not bringing my camera with me. I could have painted a wonderful waterscape back in my art studio. But even as I sat upon the reservoir wall, I took in all that beauty and thought about how much my mother would have loved this peaceful place.
That got me thinking. Cancer treatment was tough on my mother. Anyone who's been through it knows what I'm talking about -- whether it's radiation burns or "chemo brain", it's always something. That's why having a tranquil outdoor sanctuary can be a real soul saver. But how can you share a wonderful spot like this with someone who has limited stamina and can't spend much, if any, time in the sun? How do you capture the majesty of a fine summer day for a cancer patient?
What about renting a paddle or pedal boat? Many public parks and vacation resorts offer these with Bimini shade tops. Even some aluminum fishing boats can be rented with a top. For about $15-$20 an hour, you can take your loved one around the lake. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a cooler. Some pedal boats can even seat four, so your loved one can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. If he or she loves to fish, go for the canopied fishing boat rental and drop a line for a couple of hours. What a great way to spend a summer day, even if you don't catch anything.
But what about cancer patients who have families on vacation? It's hard to do family activities with the limitations of cancer treatment, unless you get creative. Why not take the gang on a pontoon or patio boat? You can rent one of these for $200-$300 for half a day. Easy to navigate, you can even rent a tube to tow. What kid wouldn't love an adventure like that? Some pontoon and patio boats come with luxury touches, like BBQ grills, CD/stereo players, and comfortable seating. Some are built for 6 passengers, others for up to about 18 passengers. That means you could plan a group outing and really crank up the "cool" factor. If your loved one is feeling energetic, he or she can certainly slip into the lake for a dip. But if cancer treatment has put a limit on physical activities, what could be more lovely than spending an afternoon under a protective canopy? Your loved one can dose comfortably while the rest of the crew hangs out. Whether it's a lake in New Hampshire, New York, Missouri, South Carolina, or California, getting out and feeling connected to nature can feed the soul of a cancer patient. It's all about feeling alive. It's all about being a part of life. Surrounded by the people you love, comforted by the tranquility of a beautiful waterway -- does summer get any better than this?
Oh, wait. Maybe it could -- there are always houseboats to rent. Now there's an ultimate vacation for a cancer patient -- spend a week on the lake, just kicking back and being free. Whether it's a trip with college buddies, grandkids, or the immediate family, houseboats offer the chance to socialize and play on the water. Self-contained, with plenty of shade and all the necessary comforts, houseboats allow cancer patients to vacation without stress or exertion. That's really what a summer vacation is all about, isn't it? A little slice of paradise....
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