This summer, I’ve had the chance to slip away from the office for a couple of vacations. For me, traveling pretty much means making my reservations, packing my bags, and making sure we have someone lined up to watch our pets. In other words, it’s not that big of a deal.
But what about people who are battling cancer? What is travel like for them? On one hand, I would think that getting away from it all for even a weekend could be really relaxing. Ideally, a trip would help get their minds off of things and they could rest and try to feel better.
On the other hand though, traveling is not always easy. Anyone who has gone through security at an airport knows this. Plus, all of the preparation to get ready to go could be very taxing to someone who is already not feeling their best.
If you think about it, there are actually other reasons a person with cancer might need to hit the road or fly the friendly skies. In addition to traveling for pleasure, others might need to travel for business. And some patients travel to other parts of the country for their treatments. No matter what the reason, traveling while battling cancer seems to be something that many people have to deal with.
This past week I started researching this topic online and it turns out there are many websites with sections devoted to tips to make traveling with cancer as easy as possible. I thought I would share some of what I read with you here, and then at the bottom I’ll list the links that I was using to gather my information.
Before going any further, it is important to note that there are some situations where traveling with cancer is not advised. For example, if you have a lot of trouble catching your breath, if you are anemic, had recent surgery on certain areas of your body (like on the brain, colon or chest, among others), if you are at risk of increased brain swelling, or if you have ear or sinus issues, it might be better to delay your vacation until a later date.
But if you are healthy enough to get away for whatever reason, the tips that I found online that may help make traveling a bit easier include the following:
• Get medical documentation from your doctor before you leave. This may include a letter from your doctor approving travel (airports might require this if you need extra help), a letter from your doctor detailing your diagnosis, treatment and medical instructions, copies of recent tests, a list of medications, a recent prescription in case you need a refill, and an identification card for all special equipment you might need to use.
• Pick your vacation spot wisely. Now is probably not the time to head off to Timbuktu. It is best to be in an area that is close to good medical care. Look up local hospitals and specialists before you leave and carry this info with you, just in case you need it.
• Check in with your doctor before you check in at the airport. Let him or her know that you are hoping to travel, outline your plans, and see what he or she says. Your oncologist might offer even more suggestions and tips on how to make your trip easier.
• Check your health insurance. Make sure before you leave if your plan will cover treatments out of your area. It would be extra stressful if you needed help while on vacation and your insurance didn’t cover the cost.
• Stay as healthy as possible. To avoid infections while on the road, wash your hands a lot and use hand sanitizers and/or wipes.
• Respect your body’s limits. Cancer patients can feel tired and weak. It’s okay if you’re not up to your usual five mile hike down the Las Vegas strip to go shopping. Hit a few stores and then rest by the pool instead.
• Have all of your contact information written out in both English and, if you are traveling abroad, the language spoken in the country you will be visiting. Information can include treatment plans, medications, and the names and contact information for oncologists and other medical professionals.
One of the websites I found on this topic is based in the United Kingdom. I thought this article was filled with really helpful advice:
www.cancernet.co.uk/travel.htm
The other information came from a newsletter published by Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). CTCA has so many patients traveling to one of its facilities that everyone who does so actually gets help from a travel coordinator. How great is that? This person will schedule your airplane and/or train trips and everything, as well as get you your reservations at a hotel.
www.cancercenter.com/newsletters/may_2009_newsletter.cfm
As always, I would love to hear from anyone who has personally dealt with this situation. If you are or have fought cancer, were you able to travel? Did you try any of the tips listed above? Did you do anything else that made a difference for you during your trip? I look forward to hearing from you!