summer – SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc.

Summer is almost here and after the summer of 2020, the anticipation to get back to normal is at its peak. While some folks are fully vaccinated, there are some who have not taken that step. It’s a personal decision that must be carefully considered. Whatever the choice, we must proceed with caution.

Last summer, we were happily home bound. The lock down gave us the opportunity to take a look around and make the best of our situation. It was time to make our home the place to be – we ordered potted plants for the porch, headed out to the nursery and purchased more indoor plants, planted vegetables in the garden, cleaned up the birdbath, added a sprinkler and some plants in it and watched the birds and squirrels gather around it to hangout. We put out the hammocks and chairs in the backyard, painted bricks and rocks, and had a field day ordering everything online (groceries, food delivery, household items, etc.). We would put our masks on and go for walks around the neighborhood. We read our books, watched movies and documentaries, listened to music, danced, worked out, had long conversations, and occasionally enjoyed breakfast or lunch while we sat on the porch. It was a great way to appreciate and enhance our home life experience.

We created themes for our backyard barbecues and brunches. We would order the items on line and then we would be in Hawaii, or somewhere in the Caribbean. Normally, we would go out to a restaurant with the family to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries but this time, we were setting up with balloons and animated themes – it was all sort of wonderful.

This summer, we are doing more of the same. While we may occasionally venture out, we will definitely enjoy the oasis that we have created at home. We also created a spot we call The Healing Center – it has plants and flowers. We go there to meditate, give thanks or just sit quietly. It is a very small narrow space, yet it is there where we are often treated to the songs of the birds as they serenade us, while surrounded by nature. It’s a complete vibe.

Summer 2021 is almost here and the anticipation to get back to the pre-pandemic stage is already evident. People are out and about, it’s only natural that we want to be able to mingle and flow freely as we once did. However, if you or someone you love immune’s system is compromised due to an illness or treatment, it is extremely important to protect and guard yourself whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Find ways to enhance your time. The pandemic served as a reminder to make the best of our situation. It was the time where we became master chefs, bakers, interior designers, gardeners, painters, artists – making the adjustments to continue to enjoy life the best way that we can. Let us raise our glasses, cheers to a fun filled safe summer 2021!

The challenge of cancer during a pandemic

Summer is here and what a year it has been. We are half way through the year and as it was just a mere six months ago when everyone who endured the winter season, looked forward to the warm weather and just before Spring arrived, we were faced with a terrifying virus that caused the country to ask their citizens to shelter in place while they figured out how to contain the coronavirus.

Everything changed within a matter of days. The number of cases climbed so high as hundreds of people were dying daily, then it was thousands and the hospitals were overwhelmed. New York was preparing for the worst using every resource available, including make shift hospitals in Central Park and the Jacob Javits Center. The Navy Hospital Ship Comfort came to help with the non-covid patients as the hospitals were running out of space and could not accommodate their regular level of patients.

It was just too much to take in. The news coverage was focused on hearing from the healthcare experts, while they too figured out how to address this relatively unknown monster. First, they said, just wash your hands and avoid touching your face, you’ll be just fine if you follow these simple rules. “Don’t wear a mask!” they emphasized, “Leave that to the health professionals.” We quickly learned that the advice was not enough. They initially thought it was most likely going to affect the elderly and immunocompromised – until it was not the case. The death rates were highest among the minority population, but make no mistake, people from all ages and races were dying. Yet, while all this was going on, some people pushed back and refused to take COVID-19 seriously they failed to adhere to the precautionary and safety measures. Somehow, it became about their constitutional rights.

However, for those with cancer, the concern is grave. What about the treatments? Will it affect my chance at survival? Can I go to the hospital for treatment? Will I catch the virus if I go to the hospital or my doctor’s office? How will I get there? Do I have a chance at all? Cancer patients are most vulnerable during treatment and cannot afford to be exposed to anything, not even the common cold. The body needs to work on regaining its health and as it is literally in the fight for life mode, the last thing it needs is to contract a virus, especially the coronavirus.

The plea to all is simply, wear a mask. Avoid large crowds, stay home, stay safe, try to keep your loved ones free from exposure even if you don’t feel sick or have any symptoms, you may be a carrier. In the event that you do not live with your family or have no plans to visit, be mindful that there are others who are merely trying to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

In the meantime, for the cancer patient, avoid going out unless it is absolutely necessary this summer. Stay home, wash your hands whenever you are handling anything from the outside, clean it off. Disinfect your your door knobs, the handles or the area where you open and close the refrigerator door, your toilet handle, the faucet knobs/handles, any area where others may have touched the surfaces, you want to keep your environment clean. If you have a backyard, go out and plant some flowers, vegetables or plants. Read a good book, watch some movies or binge watch your favorite shows, try out some new shows. Be creative, cook, draw, paint, bake, write, join an online group that features your favorite hobby, watch some things of interest on YouTube. Whatever it takes to keep you occupied, take this time to make the best of being indoors. Most importantly, wear a mask, even when you are home and someone comes to visit.

Summer 2020 will come and pass, make it a safe and enjoyable one.

Tag: summer

Lessons from summer 2020 looking forward to summer 2021

Cancer and Coronavirus