More Coronavirus Tips for Cancer Patients

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As the coronavirus pandemic continues and communities enact various measures like closing schools and businesses and recommending or mandating stay-at-home rules for most of the public, as a cancer patient, you may be frustrated or worried by these additional layers of uncertainty and change.

We understand.

Remember, though, that you can exert control over many aspects of your life—even in these trying times—especially when it comes to protecting your health.

If you’re continuing treatment—or other necessary medical visits—these are simple steps you can take to increase your control of the situation—and decrease your likelihood of contracting the virus.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water, thoroughly (at least 20 seconds) and often.
  • Carry sanitizing wipes and apply them to all handles—door handles inside and outside your home, on your car, store doors, grocery carts, etc. Just don’t reuse the wipes. And/or you can wear disposable gloves to and from your appointments, trips to the grocery store, etc.
  • Be aware that alcohol-based sanitizers and wipes are only effective for 15 seconds—or until they evaporate.
  • If you enter any space that you suspect is not adequately sanitized or encounter people not following social distancing guidelines, remove yourself from the situation.
  • When you’ve made it home, take your shoes off and leave them outside where the sun’s UV rays can sanitize them naturally. Or spray your shoes with a good sanitizer or wipe them with a sanitizing wipe.
  • Sanitize any takeout containers or delivery boxes—top, sides and bottom. Feel free to ask the courier to leave the bags/boxes outside your door if you’ve already paid and tipped to minimize contact.
  • Avoid putting bags or boxes from outside your home on counters. Leave them on the floor or put them in the sink to unload.
  • After emptying them, immediately throw them away—and then sanitize your sink and wash your hands.
  • If your hands are feeling a bit abused by all of the washing—you’re wearing gloves when working with any cleaning solutions, right?— keep some organic coconut oil next to your sink to soothe dry skin and prevent painful cracking. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
  • If possible, talk with your doctors to see if you can move your treatments outside of a hospital setting. Finding a location where you won’t be as likely to be exposed to the virus can be essential in preventing it.

Those are things you can do at home and while out and about. Here at TBRO, we take a number of precautions to protect you while inside our space, from frequent sanitizing to changes in appointment scheduling to avoid crowded waiting rooms. Our standalone facilities are also dedicated solely to your radiation treatments, so you’re not exposed to anyone being treated for infectious diseases. Because we’re here for you.

More than a thousand men and women diagnosed with cancer each year turn to our trusted team of cancer specialists. We encourage you to call us at 850-610-3743, ask us a question, or consult with us to get a second opinion, so you too can experience the difference.