Summer advice from our specialist breast nurses

Summer can be an enjoyable but challenging time for women recovering from a mastectomy. The warm weather may make some activities more difficult, but with some planning and adjustments, you can still have a fun and safe summer.

Here are summer tips from our specialist breast nurses to help you stay comfortable and healthy during the summer months after a mastectomy.

Traveling

Summer is often centered around vacations and travel.

Here are some tips for easier traveling after a mastectomy:

• Pack light. Carrying heavy bags can put a strain on your chest and the surgical site. Try to pack as lightly as possible or use suitcases with wheels.
• Use a travel pillow. Support your neck and back with an inflatable travel pillow during long car or plane rides. This takes the pressure off your surgical area.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water when traveling to avoid dehydration which can exacerbate mastectomy pain and discomfort.

Plan ahead. Make sure your destinations have easy access to medical care in case you need help with dressings or pain management. Notify your doctor of travel plans.

Clothing, Swimwear and Hats

Choosing the right kind of after-mastectomy summer clothing can help you stay protected and comfortable as you recover:

• Wear loose, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or silk that don't cling to your skin and won't chafe or irritate surgical areas.
• Find mastectomy swimsuits designed with missing or removable breast forms, higher necklines and room for drainage.
• Cover up in lightweight, long-sleeved tops and pants when out in the summer sun to protect from UV radiation that could damage sensitive skin and cause sunburn around surgical scars.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face, chest and shoulders from extended sun exposure while recovering from radiation therapy or at high general risk for developing skin cancer.

Staying Cool

Dealing with heat during summer can be frustrating after a mastectomy. Here are tips to beat the heat:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day.
• Carry a portable fan or cooling neck wrap to use as needed for sudden hot flashes.
• Keep your home cooler by using shades, opening windows at night and using ceiling fans to improve air flow.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration which can cause discomfort, dizziness or fainting.
• Take quick cool showers or baths to immediately relieve overheating symptoms.

Protecting Your Skin

Recovering skin needs special care and protection during summer. So you should:

• Use sun-protective clothing - cover up with lightweight, loose layers like breathable shirts and pants when going outside. Wear wide-brimmed hats.
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30. Reapply every 2 hours you are in direct sunlight.
• Be extra careful to protect surgical scars with sunscreen even when covered by clothing since the skin is newly sensitive to sun damage.
• Schedule activities during early morning or later afternoon to avoid the most intense sunlight during peak sun hours of 10 am to 2 pm.
• Seek shade whenever possible if spending extended time outdoors.

Breastfeeding Tips

If you plan to breastfeed after mastectomy, here are some tips for summer:

• Drink plenty of extra fluids like water or milk since breastfeeding causes fluid loss through milk production. Dehydration can decrease milk supply.
• Consider getting a lightweight nursing cover to use for privacy and shade if breastfeeding an infant outside your home.
• Apply lanolin cream after feedings to soothe tender skin from summer sweating.
• Connect with a lactation consultant via La Leche League support groups to get personalized advice about breastfeeding after mastectomy and during cancer treatments.

Caring for Your Mental Health

A cancer diagnosis combined with mastectomy recovery during summer fun can negatively impact mental health:

• Connect with support groups, friends, and family for comfort - don't isolate yourself.
• Talk to your doctor right away if you experience feeling down, hopeless or have suicidal thoughts so you can get help.
• Express your feelings through writing in a journal or creative therapy like art and music.
• Set realistic daily goals for your energy level and recovery capabilities so you don't get frustrated by overexertion.
• Treat yourself gently, take breaks as needed and don't compare yourself to others. Recovery is an ongoing process.

Other Tips

Some additional tips for protecting your well-being during summer include:

• Get a lymfovene arm compression sleeve to reduce lymph fluid buildup during hot weather.
• Sleep in a supportive mastectomy bra rather than going braless to minimize pain and discomfort at night.
• Apply zinc oxide sunblock on scars rather than chemical sunscreens that may irritate delicate skin.
• Clean skin gently with fragrance-free, moisture-rich cleansers after sweating to avoid dryness or infection in surgical areas and creases.
• Eat cooling foods like fruits, salads and yogurt which hydrate the body and don't require heavy digestion during hot days.

The key is listening to your unique needs and not overexerting yourself during summer heat and activities. Pay attention to your energy levels, drink adequate fluids, protect surgical areas and speak up to your medical team about any concerns.

Mastectomy recovery varies for every woman - be compassionate with yourself while still enjoying all the fun of summer as best you can!