I know this is the least of people's worries BUT I've just been diagnosed and am due to go away on a week's holiday in a fortnight. Is it unreasonable to ask for , say, an appointment to be changed to fit in with that? Or should I take what I'm offered and cancel the holiday?
Thanks for getting in touch with us. My name is Tricia and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.
I am sorry to hear you have had a cancer diagnosis and that can be quite a shock. You may have lots of questions about your diagnosis and treatment options if you haven’t discussed those already.
There are ways to help with coping with a new cancer diagnosis as it can affect you in many ways including emotionally and practically.
As you say you had already made plans with a holiday booked and this is an important aspect to consider as no doubt you have been looking forward to the holiday.
As we are not aware of your specific circumstances regarding the type of cancer, staging and grading or your treatment options, it is difficult to say what would be your best decision regarding the holiday.
I would suggest that you contact either your cancer nurse specialist or consultant’s secretary. If you don’t have contact details, you can phone the hospital switchboard to be put through to them. If you haven’t been allocated a nurse specialist you can just ask for one that is to do with your cancer – such as lung, bowel, bladder or whichever cancer it is.
Hopefully you can then discuss your situation so they can find out how going on the holiday would affect any further tests or treatment, whether the timing will work out for you to go on holiday or whether it would be detrimental if a delay.
Having a diagnosis of cancer can affect your travel insurance. So you would need to check with them what happens if you go on holiday regarding cover, now you have a diagnosis and what happens if you cancel the holiday due to your diagnosis.
I hope this is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch at any time on the Macmillan Support Line as we are here for you if you wish to talk further about your diagnosis, ask questions, seek guidance or just a listening ear. We are also available by phone (see below) if you would find that a useful way to communicate.
Sending best wishes,
Tricia
Macmillan 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: TT/CC
