Natural disasters, like hurricanes, can cause power to go out, roads to close, streets to flood, and food and water to be in short supply. While a hurricane affects everyone, cancer patients are especially vulnerable; treatment can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection or injury, and displacement means routines are disrupted. The best time to plan isn’t when a hurricane is looming – it’s when skies are clear.
Here are a few hurricane preparedness tips for cancer patients:
1. Write a Plan: Write a plan well in advance and share it with family members. Being prepared with a plan alleviates some worry and assures family members that the patient is taking care of himself or herself.
2. Keep Records: Cancer patients should keep records of their cancer journey, including information about their diagnosis, cancer stage, treatments, medications and prescriptions, and contact information for doctors and caregivers. While we live in a digital age, having written documentation is important due to power and service limitations. Keep these documents in a plastic, water-safe bag.
3. Medications: Before a storm, patients should make sure they not only have necessary cancer treatment medications, but also those that treat side effects like pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is also a good idea to talk to one’s doctor regarding medications that don’t need to be refrigerated.
4. Food and Water: Stocking up on non-perishable food and drinking water is important for anyone, but especially for cancer patients. Side effects of some treatments include suppressed appetite and dehydration; as a result, those affected by cancer should stock up on high-protein snacks and drinks that help restore electrolytes. A good rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day of water for drinking and sanitation purposes. When stocking up on food, a three-day supply is typically advised.
5. Treatment Plans: If a storm is approaching, consult with your oncologist about a plan to stay on the current treatment schedule. If you’re planning to evacuate, your doctor may be able to assist you with finding a facility that can continue your treatment while you’re gone. When evacuating, be sure to bring medicines in the original, labeled bottle as well as written treatment plans and your doctor’s contact information so that you will have accurate information for any new healthcare providers.
6. Infection Risks: Following a natural disaster, there are many risks for infection that can threaten a patient’s already compromised immune system. Try to get as much rest and sleep as possible. Make sure you’re eating and drinking. Put together a kit that includes clean dressings, bandages, antiseptics, medications, and a thermometer. Keep the supplies in a water-safe container. For more advice, visit ready.gov for tips on putting together a kit.
These tips are courtesy of Woman’s cancer navigators, who provide one-on-one guidance and support at the Breast and GYN Cancer Pavilion.