Just wanted to ask about the sad lamps u can get to use during g winter and such I've always struggled and someone just told me about them. Now my chemo(drip) stayed in a bag so light didn't get to it. I finished my chemo in January and am fixing to start radiotherapy on 21 of February and what I'd like to know is if I could use one of these lamps for 30 minutes a day? atleast till the sun starts coming out again. It says to check with doctors if u are being treated for anything ..
Hi Frazzled
Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Lindsey and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I see you have already used out online forums and I hope you have found these useful.
Light therapy is one of the recognised treatments for Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Light boxes generally filter out the harmful UV rays. But some medications or treatments can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light which means exposure to bright light might not be recommended.
Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. The effects from chemotherapy can last for a couple of months after treatment. Radiotherapy can also cause skin sensitivity and you will be given instructions on how to care for your skin during your treatment.
It would be advisable to talk to your specialist nurse or doctor about your thoughts to use a SAD lamp.
Struggling with the winter months and cancer treatment can be difficult. You could speak to your GP about other things that might help with SAD. Measures you can take yourself include taking regular exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Our web page explains the ways Macmillan can help with how you are feeling.
kind regards
Lindsey
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ LRob/AON
