My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer just 2 weeks after we had booked a week's holiday in Gran Canaria - unfortunately we hadn't quite got round to sorting out holiday insurance (yes I know we should've sorted it out at the same time as booking but these things happen!) He is on his second hormone therapy implant and is due to have a CT planning appointment in a few days time. I have two questions I would like to ask please if that's ok. Firstly, how long after the planning appointment does the actual radiotherapy treatment start? Secondly, we have worked out that the radiotherapy treatment of 20 sessions could possibly finish just two weeks before the holiday starts - is it possible that he could be well enough to go on that booked holiday or are we being too optimistic. We have tried to cancel the holiday but the holiday company aren't interested in refunding us the money. I have lots of information on the possible side effects of radiotherapy but can somebody tell me just how bad they are and if there could be a possibility of us going away? My husband is looking forward to this holiday and I would so like to try and keep his spirits up by giving him the hope that it may be ok and we can actually go. Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
Hello Deehope,
Welcome to the Macmillan online community, although I'm sorry you have the need to join.
First of all, I don't know if you're aware that we have numerous online forums dedicated to specific cancers including prostate (I'm a member there as I have incurable but treatable prostate cancer) as well as a general travel insurance forum which you can join if you wish to post questions to an audience with a shared interest. I've inserted links below should you wish to join.
Turning to your immediate problem, I don't know when RT is likely to start but because HT has started (which should halt development of the cancer) time might be on your side. After the planning scans it could be several weeks before the first RT appointment so this might allow time for your holiday beforehand. Alternatively it might be possible to defer the start of RT until you've had your holiday if the medical team agree this is OK. On the other hand if RT is completed before your holiday you might then find it difficult to get insurance because many insurers require a period (6 weeks or so) after treatment before providing cover in case a treatment related healthproblem arises during this time.
I'm sorry I can't be more specific but the situation will hopefully be clearer after the planning scans in a few days. It might be a good idea to discuss with the medical team then to see if there is any flexibility which will allow you to take your holiday.
I do hope you can get this sorted, and that your husband's treatments are successful.
Derek.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
