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Teal Sisters,

Yesterday was the official "first day of summer" yet we've already had some blasts of heat across the country. With our ever crazy weather, we will no doubt expect some additional hot and sticky days ahead. For those like me whose treatments (mine was chemo) took place during the summer months, what tips or advice might you have for other Teal Sisters in a similar position? Your experiences will I'm sure, be helpful for our sisters who may be about to undertake this journey during the summer months.

I'll add some suggestions to start. Would love to hear from other Teal Warriors. Thanks in advance!

1. Drink lots of fluid. I know we hear this a lot however with the added heat and humidity, coupled with the impact treatments can have on our body, ensuring you are well hydrated is so important. My hubby filled a jug for me each day and it sat on the counter. The goal was to finish it each day. It helped me to know how much/little water I was consuming.
2. Take care in the sun. During treatment our systems will be more fragile including our skin. Be very mindful of the impact of the sun. I always wore a wide brimmed hat when outside and a light shirt to cover my arms. I did not spend a lot of time in direct sunlight but didn't deny myself. 
3. Head coverage can be important. I was bald for the entire summer months. When I was outside I always had my head covered with a hat that had SPF in it. It had a nice brim so it also covered my neck and face. As well, I found strangely that my head got cold especially at night. I bought some light 'beanies' and wore those to bed. It also helped capture hair as it was falling out. I also bought some light 'beanies' to wear when I went out. Again, to protect my head from the sun but also because I couldn't control the temperature of places I visited and didn't want to get a cold head. If anyone is interested let me know and I can share where I purchased some of my head coverings.
4. Take advantage of the "Look Good, Feel Better" programs. They have online workshops running throughout the summer months on a variety of topics. The separate online sessions on Wigs & Scarves and Skincare & Makeup were so helpful to me. That's where I learned about the head coverings and how to manage my skin care. Plus you actually get some helpful products after attending the Skincare & Makeup session. Here is a link to the programs: Workshop Finder - LGFB

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Looking forward to input from others. Please also ask questions. We are here to help!!

#Healthandwellness #Supportandencouragement #Treatmentandsideeffects

@Alwayslearning. I think you highlighted most.  Hats, sunscreen, lots of water, skin cream, a handheld fan perhaps for the hot flashes which for me this year seem worse in the heat.  My neck fan helps at home during those times,and I try to carry my hand fan in my purse for when I'm out.

@Meinvan excellent reminder on sunscreen and skin creams in general for moisture.

The suggestion of a handheld fan is a great idea. I see folks with those sometimes when I'm travelling. I try to stand behind them to get the draft 😄. Did you buy in on Amazon?

#Healthandwellness

@Alwayslearning yes I have a handheld fan from Amazon, my sister recently bought me one of those neck fans from Costco too which has helped around the house on the really hot days.  The hot flashes were even more horrendous during our heat waves🥵

Alwayslearning and Meinvan; I think you both listed some great tips for managing the summer months through treatment. Last summer I was bald too and went through 2 chemo cycles. To be honest, I was feeling very self-conscious about not having hair. I bought myself a couple of nice hats and even got a Speedo-style swim cap (in case I was going to try swimming in the ocean). Some friends came to visit me at my cabin, and we had a crazy-coloured wig night to make the best of my situation. 

Hydration is important but after a while, water tastes a little boring so I suggest adding a sprig of mint, or slices of cucumber, or lemon/lime peel (or anything you like the taste of) to add flavour and interest. 

If you can, enjoy the delicious tastes of summer like berries and fresh vegetables, as they will help keep you balanced and strong through your treatments.  

@Trish great idea on the water flavour 'squirts'. I use those still and yes there are so many flavours and brands available. It's worth trying different ones until you find the one you like best. Great suggestion. Thanks.

#Healthandwellness

I do like the electrolytes in water.  I don't use everyday maybe once or twice a week especially if I do a long walk.

@LeslieA love the idea of the crazy-coloured wig night! How fun and a way to turn a serious item into something a bit more light hearted.

The water flavour ideas are great as well. Thanks for that.

#Healthandwellness

I had a suggestion from someone else I was speaking with recently. If you have an herb garden which many people do in the summer, and make smoothies, consider putting parsley in it.  It has lots of added nutrients. I had to google it and my goodness, parsley has a LOT of great things in it. It's highly nutrient-dense, low-calorie and packed with powerful antioxidants and essential vitamins. It is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which promote immune function, vision health, and strong bones. It also aids in digestion, acts as a natural diuretic, and naturally freshens breath.

I planted it this year in my herb garden and wasn't sure what I was going to do with it all. I tried it in my smoothy this morning. Couldn't taste it at all. I'm hoping to benefit from all those added nutrients, often so important when we are going through treatment. Just thought I'd mention it.

#Healthandwellness

@brendalee mine is pretty boring. Normally a banana (I freeze some so use half frozen and half non), a scoop of protein powder, parsley and almond milk. Blend and drink. Occasionally I will add in some frozen cherries or fresh mango if I have any. As I said. Pretty boring however the scoop of protein powder helps a lot to keep me full.

#Healthandwellness

@brendalee I've heard about kefir. I need to read up on it. I understand it's a great probiotic. 

Good luck at the oncologist 🤞

@brendalee hope the oncologist visit goes well today.🤞

The lab tested my bowel instead of Ca 125 so had to redo bloodwork!.  Found out today it's gone up to 17 from 11.  My guess is something could be going on, but it's within normal so will take it for now.  It's possible it's affected by all the issues I've had over the past  while...altho...it's how it started last time.  On the bright side stomach and stools much better, on darker side, still don't know what's up with bladder (which is symptom I had with recurrence...)

will not send out invites for yearly party...

Hi @brendalee ... nothing like having to redo bloodwork. Ugh. If it's of any consolation, my CA125 fluctuates all the time. In December it was 18 and two weeks later it was 21. It also went to 35 in late April (which of course sent me in panic mode). I had it tested in the U.S. and my oncologist said that readings from different labs definitely cause fluctuations. I know I had a lot of abdominal inflammation at the time, which I'm having managed with the visceral massage, so that was likely a contributing factor. My CA125 was tested at PMH (where I normally get it done) in early May and it was 28. Then in June it was 18 which is my normal range. So....fluctuations do happen. I KNOW how stressful any change can be, especially when it creeps up however I also know they look at all the other bloodwork for any signs of something else. The CA125 is just one data point in the story. A long way of saying...yes it went up however yes it is, as you said, still normal and well below the 35 point. I've been consistently told if it doubles or triples then that would warrant further investigation. I hope my experience helps ease your mind a bit.

I am glad your stomach and stools are better but sorry to hear about the bladder. Grrr.

Do you have a follow-up appointment with your oncologist to discuss the recent results?

#Supportandencouragement

@brendalee I love your friends quote also let me know what time the party starts. I actually make a pretty good margarita from scratch (blended limes and all) 😁

@brendalee all I can say is YUM! Have a wonderful time. You deserve some fun and laughter!!

#Anythingbutcancer

@LeslieA I should consider ground flax seed for extra fiber. Good idea. I forgot, I add avocado sometimes too. It makes it really creamy. Spinach is also a great idea to add. Yum!

I have never really been able to do smoothies, though I wish I could.  Something about the texture gets me.  And so many include bananas which I can't do🤢🤮 . Maybe one day I'll try again they are full of so many nutrients.

@Meinvan I totally get that. I do NOT like milkshakes. I don't drink anything thick. I find if I used frozen fruit the texture tends to be thicker/creamier. I have learned to adjust to make mine thinner. 😄

@LeslieA I bought the ground flax. Will give it a try. Thanks again for the suggestion.