Travelling abroad during chemo treatment for brain tumour

Hello Allotmentqueen

Thank you for contacting us on the Online Community.

I am sorry to hear that your husband has been diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumour recently, and that you have been told the prognosis is not good. That must have been such hard news to hear.  I am really glad you have got in touch. It’s understandable you’d be wanting to organised some special holidays for you as a family with not having been away together in so long, but I hear you wanting to make sure that your husband can be supported as best as possible if needed whilst away.

It sounds as if it may be best to check back with the oncologist where they would deem as having good health facilities for someone with your husband’s diagnosis and treatment Allotmentqueen. With this being something they highlighted as an important consideration, they may be able to elaborate on what things to check or whether the places you are considering would be suitable.  

We do have our team of Cancer Information Nurses on the Online Community and Macmillan Support line who are available to support with  general medical questions relating to a cancer diagnosis, however their area of expertise is UK based cancer care and so it sounds as if it would be difficult for them to advise on where may be suitable to holiday overseas.

Do you have a copy of our booklet  Travel and Cancer may I check Allotmentqueen? It sounds as if it may be helpful as it talks through planning a trip, accessing travel insurance, healthcare abroad, as well as including helpful checklists and information on avoiding health problems and taking medication abroad.

In terms of travel insurance, we also have our team of Financial Guides available on the Support Line to provide information and guidance on accessing travel insurance as a cancer patient, as well as our Online Community Group: Travel Insurance Forum for Cancer Patients  where people share their experiences of accessing travel insurance and travelling  if helpful. It’s important however to ensure that any insurers highlighted can provide cover to suit your individual needs.

I realise your priority today has been accessing support with travel Allotmentqueen, but it feels important to ask how have you been coping? Do you have plenty of support around you at the moment? Please know as well as our Information Nurses and financial teams, we are also here on the Macmillan Support Line as a place to talk things through and access emotional support if ever needed- so please do stay in touch.

I hope this information has been helpful. Do just let us know if you have any other questions or need further support.