I live in Cyprus and in the summer here it is very warm. Is it safe to swim in a pool that you know is cleaned and checked regually and how about the sea? Due to start chem on Thusady.
Hi Rosie
Definitely don’t swim in the sea. Goodness knows how many bugs you could pick up from there. As for the pool, if it is a public pool I shouldn’t take the risk, no matter how clean you may think it is. If it is your own private pool, and nobody else uses it, that might be safe, but I still wouldn’t risk swimming in it. Sorry, many have had to forego their swimming whilst having chemo.
poemsgalore xx
Hi,
Will you be having a port or a PICC line inserted for your infusions? If you have a PICC line then swimming is out I’m afraid. It is OK to swim with a port.
However, I wouldn’t risk the sea at all. The last thing you want are germs and bugs whilst on chemo when your immune system is very much compromised. Personally I wouldn’t have swum at all in any public place. It isn’t worth the risk. You also have to be careful of the sun as your skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and you will burn easily. The highest factor suncream on all exposed bits is essential - including your scalp if your hair thins or falls out. I say this from experience. My forehead (which my long fringe used to protect) went very red last June despite suncream. It was an area not used to being exposed when I had hair. Now, 9 months later, my forehead is still red. It is beginning to look permanent.
Hi Rosie14…this is a difficult one! I worked (in a school) throughout chemo and used the pool 3 times a week, except on low white blood cell count days, when I was forbidden to work! The pool is rigorously maintained. This decision was supported by my Oncologist provided my skin didn’t get majorly dry and that I should be extra careful during radiotherapy. I was not hampered by any line/port as had FEC-T chemo via cannula. However, my cousin who had her treatment at the Christie in London was told swimming was not recommended! I was hospitalised once with an unknown infection, probably not related to the pool. I actually found that swimming helped with fatigue and my general wellbeing. Ideally, ask your team and follow their advice, as it all seems to differ so much in the UK, and probably different again in Cyprus? All the best for your forthcoming treatment…