Chemo and holiday

Hello Teddybear

where are you hoping to travel to? Remember you will be somewhat immunosuppresseurs and vulnerable to infections, as well as potentially feeling unwell in yourself..

will you have access to medical care if needed?

if you are going overseas you will probably not get INsurance to cover you while undergoing chemotherapy. 

Everyone is different so it’s hard to say how you will feel. 
i spent a few days at my Sisters after my third cycle just for a change of scene, and once I knew what to expect .

can you wait and see how you feel before making any definite plans?

Hi, thank you so much for your reply. I think it would make perfect sense to wait and see.

I also second waiting to see how you feel.

Personally I couldn't have faced going anywhere during all of my treatment, I just wanted to be home and feel safe and hibernate. 

Chemo side effects affect everyone differently but I would have worried about needing to access emergency medical care, plus insurance might be expensive.

Thank you - I don't have my chemo consultation until Tuesday and I think I am just being too optimistic 

Hi, I managed a few weekends away during chemo, including camping, but only when I was well into the routine and I knew how I’d be effected. I also would not have felt comfortable getting on a plane, though it was during the Covid times of last year.  You'll have a better idea of how the side effects are after cycle 1.  Good luck

I faced the exact same dilemma in the summer, I was supposed to be in Cornwall for the week, between 1-2. The nurses told me that it wasn’t a great idea, if I did fall ill I’d be far from my specialists, on holiday more exposure to bugs being in higher traffic areas and that as I was in EC I would loose my hair week 2 and that if I did feel ill, how was I going to get back easily. It just made me think. I learned that none of my cycles were without their surprises and she was right, day 12 my hair started to fall out and whilst I was ok, I didn’t feel great. I was pleased that I cancelled my holiday, it wouldn’t have been relaxing. Some people really are fine, most of us have something be it digestive issues, nausea, headaches, etc. x

Hi Anna. Thank you for getting in touch. I have my chemo consultation today so I am sure they will say the same as you. I am also having EC but am opting to shave my hair off after my first treatment. We have no control over any of this so I decided to take control of this one thing. I hope you are doing well at the moment x 

I shaved mine the second it started to fall out but it’s inevitable so getting rid of it earlier is also a good plan. I finished chemo  on 9th November so yes I’m feeling a lot better, it’s a long haul when it stretches out ahead of you but take it step by step and you’ll be surprised how quickly it’s behind you when you look back, good luck xx