Going away

I finished my chemo radiation in October 2025. We did a road trip to France in February 2026 and that was absolutely fine. At that point I had just learned that I'd had a complete response to the treatment of the pelvic area, but that I now had metastases in my liver. Currently on chemo. but still manage to get away within the UK between each treatment. Oncologist says I'm fine to go abroad, but I haven't tried that whilst on active chemo as there's too much uncertainty about whether treatments might be delayed, so can't really book until last minute. But the minute my chemo finishes we will be off abroad - hopefully to Japan!!! Go and enjoy it. It matters not if you are a little less energetic than previously. Just chill and have fun. You'v e earned it! x

Thank you for your reply, that’s tough to hear for you… hope treatment helps xx

Hello HannahB 

I would really grasp the opportunity, it sounds absolutely idyllic and restful especially if you are still suffering from fatigue.  We do a fair but of travelling and I just make sure I always travel with a cushion as I, too, have pelvic pain and extremely sensitive skin.  And rest as and when you need to; the mistake is trying to do too much and feeling defeated.  I regularly take an afternoon nap and have accepted that this is the new norm for me.

I am in Italy with my family at the moment and they know and totally accept the situation and make allowances if I need to rest.  So just make sure that yours know that although treatment is finished and that you are clear, your aren't back to your old self yet.

I hope you have a wonderful time!

Irene xx

Thank you so much, we went to Cornwall few weeks back and was emotional as couldn’t do what I thought I would, my head isnt helping… but it’s not a busy holiday it’s just the getting there the travel etc I’m sure once I can relax will feel nice just not up for going out every night etc so want to still feel part of it. Enjoy Italy xx

Hi Hannah

i have been away a couple of times since my treatment ended and the biggest issue for me is always the inevitable change of diet and thus change of bowel habits. I don’t know about you but I get urgency and only have a short time to get to a toilet! Luckily this generally occurs in the morning so it is manageable. We did stay in some campsites in France recently and I’m sure the noises coming out of my cubicle caused a bit of sniggering! Anyway, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink loads of water and enjoy yourself. I think that mentally, being away from your own environment for a while can be a great reset and you may well come back feeling more positive and less worried.
Have a wonderful time xx

Hi HannahB,

Congrats on finishing treatment and being near 11 months out! Like Dahlia68, I too suffer from urgency, and for me, at least, that has been the biggest issue with travel. In the mornings, I need to be close to a bathroom. That being said, I've managed two trips to Europe (I live in the US) since treatment ended 15 months ago. My main strategy is to create a relaxed atmosphere to do my business in the morning (i.e., no early morning tours/hikes/whatever) and to bring supplies should I get caught out and have an accident. Fortunately, I've only had one, but even one is pretty horrifying. I think having supplies at the ready helps reduce anxiety.

It sounds like for you it's mainly pain and fatigue, though. I'd like to echo Irene and say that pacing yourself is so important. I'm sure your family will understand if you need to take a nap or skip an excursion. You've been through a lot and your body is still healing!

Hang in there. It really does take a while to bounce back from treatment. Wishing you a great trip! Xx

Hi

Well done on getting through your treatment and starting to feel a little better..

Im 17 months out of treatment now and have had a few breaks away..

Try to relax and do things at your pace.. get some nice walks in..

For me it was the diet I needed to be very careful with.. no oils or garlic or tomatoes ( triggers diverticulitis I now have)  but as long as you take things at your own pace you will have a lovely time xx

Take some stool softener with you.. and immodium just to be safe x

Sending big hugs 

Hi , 

I went to the south of France 8 weeks post treatment and although was told not to swim and take it easy , I did it and was very therapeutic.. 

2 years now post treatment I don’t think I could manage it as a lot of late effects have kicked in 

if you are feeling good in yourself go and enjoy , we all have good days , not so good … 

enjoy 

Chrissie xx