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Can I get in the water at the beach 10 months post SCT and while on Dara+len maintenance therapy?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Crestview, FL
July 15
 · 
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

That's a great question for your doctor. Everyone is different.

July 15
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I haven't been to the beach since my SCT July 2025, but I was swimming in my own pool shortly after coming home from the hospital. I swim everyday when time and weather permits. It's the only exercise that I can do without pain. Plus I love it!! I'm on Revlimid for maintenance. Nothing else.

July 15 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

JB, I had my sct in 06/24, I was on acyclovir until 06/25. Acyclovir makes you very sun sensitive, so no beach for me Summer 2024. 2025 was a different story, I wore long sleeve sun screen shirts and a hat, but I was at the beach in the water. This Summer, pretty much the same routine. Never have had an issue.

July 15
MyMyelomaTeam

Is it safe to swim in the ocean or beach water after a stem cell transplant while on maintenance therapy?

This is a really important question to raise with your transplant team before taking the plunge (pun intended). After a stem cell transplant, your immune system takes a significant hit and can take anywhere from six Show Full Answer

Is it safe to swim in the ocean or beach water after a stem cell transplant while on maintenance therapy?

This is a really important question to raise with your transplant team before taking the plunge (pun intended). After a stem cell transplant, your immune system takes a significant hit and can take anywhere from six months to a full year to recover — sometimes longer. Ocean and beach water carries natural bacteria and microorganisms that a healthy immune system handles easily, but for someone on maintenance therapy post-transplant, the risk of infection is much higher than normal. Here are some key concerns to keep in mind:

- Infection risk — Your white blood cell counts may still be lower than normal, making it harder to fight off waterborne bacteria
- Open skin — Any cuts, sores, or mouth sores from treatment create entry points for bacteria
- Maintenance therapy side effects — Drugs like lenalidomide can affect blood counts, adding another layer of vulnerability
- Blood clot risk — Some maintenance medications increase clotting risk, and long beach days with heat and dehydration can compound this

The general guidance is to avoid swimming in natural bodies of water until your immune system has sufficiently recovered and your care team gives the green light. A chlorinated, well-maintained pool is typically considered safer, but even that needs to be cleared with your doctor first.

Always check with your oncologist or transplant team before swimming anywhere — they know your specific blood counts and recovery stage best.

July 15
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Ok. Thank you. That was what I was told.

July 15

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