It is important for patients to discuss backup plans with their doctor in case of disruptions or changes in treatment due to unpredictable weather conditions. It is important to stay cool, hydrated, and protected from the sun.
The BOTTOM LINE: Myeloma patients should proactively plan ahead and consider potential challenges that may arise from unpredictable weather patterns. Discuss backup plans with healthcare providers and have necessary medications on hand.
Please note that Ask Dr. Durie has been discontinued, and it was designed to address myeloma questions of the broadest possible audience interest. If you have a question of a personal nature, please contact our InfoLine Coordinators at 800.452.2873 or [email protected] (Please do not send email attachments or lab reports.).
This week's "Ask Dr. Durie" comes from a patient who wants to know what tips do I have in coping with the really wild weather patterns that we've all been experiencing. In a recent blog, I commented about the recent heat waves and bad weather that are being experienced all across the U.S., actually all around the world.
And so, this patient is asking, well, what should we all be paying attention to? And this actually is a is a very good question. You know, we are we are faced with unpredictable heat waves. Just recently, unpredictable flooding in Vermont and very, very poor air quality where the smoke is coming from, fires in Canada, all kinds of different issues which can be affecting all of us and myeloma patients and very unpredictable ways.
And so, it is important to realize that these things can have an impact. Obviously, if the weather is very hot, if the temperature is 110 or higher, you need to really make a major effort to stay cool and obviously be protected. Make sure that you're staying hydrated, drinking enough water. Make sure if you go outside that you're wearing a hat, protecting your skin with sunscreen or covering clothes.
The normal issues that are important are especially important for patients with myeloma who are also coping, with the management of their disease. The other important aspect is that since these things are really quite severe and can be rather erratic, suddenly you can go from having pretty good weather to very hot weather or maybe even flooding.
You do need to be prepared for this type of an erratic change. And so, talk to your doctor about backup plans. You know, if you're not able to come in one week for treatment, should you continue taking your medicine for one more week? Or what would be the best strategy if there are any interruptions or changes in your treatment protocol?
Also, would it be a good idea to have some medications, even antibiotics, for example, available in case you're not able to get immediate care because of high temperatures or some change in the and the local situation? There is a an important need to be aware to plan ahead. And the IMF, through its support group teams across the country is available.
You can contact the IMF, the info line, but you can also contact the support group leader or team members in your area to get support and to get help. So please don't hesitate to reach out if the disruptions are really impacting your day to day. And so, the BOTTOM LINE is plan ahead. Think about what would happen if you're not able to get your medicines. If you're not able even to get food or to be able to go in and get different things done.
And so think about who could maybe be able to help you. Which members of your team or friends or family are going to be around and able to assist you? So think about these things and have a good backup plan. We are all very highly challenged these days with this really crazy, bizarre sometimes. So, try to be as ready as you can.
Dr. Brian G.M. Durie (1942-2025) was the co-founder of the IMF. He was a Professor of Medicine, Hematologist/Oncologist, and Honoree MD at the University of Brussels.
