There's a certain kind of New Jersey summer that stays with you. It's the windows down and the music up as you drive down the Garden State Parkway. The smell of sunscreen on the boardwalk. If you grew up here, or have spent enough summers here, the shore isn't just a destination. It's part of who you are.
Treatment may change how you experience a summer day at the shore, but it doesn't have to take it away. The goal isn't to recreate summers exactly as they were before. It's to keep making memories in ways that work for you today. For some people, that may mean planning around fatigue, navigating a treatment port, or managing discomfort that wasn't there before. Loose, breathable clothing, a comfortable chair in the shade, and shorter outings can make spending time by the water much more enjoyable.
Maybe you head to Island Beach State Park early in the morning before the temperatures climb, or drive to Belmar simply to sit by the ocean and listen to the waves. You could have a light lunch in the comfort of an air-conditioned car overlooking the beach, or take a slow walk along the shore before the crowds arrive. If you’re unsure what your body can handle, your Astera care team is here to help. We talk with patients every day about energy levels, treatment schedules, sun safety, and ways to continue enjoying the activities that matter most.
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the physical changes. You might worry whether a place you’ve always loved will feel different. Maybe you miss jogging on the boardwalk, surfing the waves, or playing volleyball on the beach. Those feelings are completely understandable. What often helps most is not carrying those emotions alone. Whether you lean on a loved one, connect with a support group, or talk with someone on your Astera care team, sharing what you're feeling can make it easier to rediscover the places and experiences that bring you joy.
Maybe your run becomes a walk. Maybe you cheer from the sidelines instead of playing the game. Maybe you float in the water instead of swimming laps. Those moments aren't any less meaningful. The shore has a way of meeting you where you are, and so do the people who care about you. The ones who carry the chairs, match your pace, and understand that being together matters more than checking off an itinerary.
At Astera Cancer Care, we believe your life shouldn't stop because you're receiving treatment. Our team is here to help you find what's possible, work through the challenges, and continue enjoying the people and places you love. The best summers aren't always the busiest ones. Sometimes they're the ones where you simply showed up, breathed in the ocean air, felt the sun on your face, and appreciated being there. The Shore is still yours. And we'll help you keep enjoying every moment you can.