Travelling abroad

I'm still going through the diagnosis stage with my possible cancer. But I read your message, and had some thoughts, as someone who's been long term ill (progressive neurological illness) and flown abroad a lot.

First question: do you have adequate travel insurance? And do they know about your full health situation, including the cancer? This is really important. There is a dedicated travel insurance section in the forums here.

You're likely to get tired on the journeys and in the airport. I recommend that you ask the airline to arrange extra support for you at the airports, which can for example mean that you have the option of being able to use a wheelchair to get from the check in to the departure gate, and can also get extra help to get on/off the plane. You may not have needed these before, but now you might be extra tired, and find it beneficial. This needs to be arranged in advance with your airline, and can be done after the tickets are booked and before the flight date.

I'm severely immunosuppressed from my other (non cancer) disease and its treatment, and I know that many people like me are still wearing masks in airports and on planes, even if they don't wear masks at other times still. Not everyone wants to do that, but it can reduce the infection risk.

I'm sure others will chip in with more ideas. Wishing you all the very best! It will be lovely to see your sister again. My husband's (Spanish) aunt lives in Tenerife, and we hope to go see her some day.

Hi, in addition to VivD's advice, I'd add to make sure you have plenty if your prescription meds with you, a bit extra in case you get delayed for any reason.  I am a bit paranoid and I always carry my extra in a different bag, just in case I lose anything.

A really good bug spray is important, to minimize that risk as well as the usually stuff about long sleeve shirts etc. Also really watch the sun on your radiotherapy area, I got caught out on holiday and I was only in the sea for about 10 mins at a time but had underestimated the sun and my sun cream.

You can also apply to the NHS for a GHIC (global health insurance card) which means you're entitled to state healthcare in Europe in the same way a resident is. This is free through the NHS website. But it doesn’t replace travel insurance.

Sounds like fun though, have a good trip.

I’d totally agree with the other two posts, ensure you have good travel insurance, needing to claim can sometimes end in arguments or at the very least, delays. Daughter and her partner needed to cancel a holiday once as daughter got bad sinusitis and was medically advised not to fly; her insurance company settled speedily, her partner had far more trouble. 

And do take precautions with taking extra meds (just in case) plus good provisions for bites and sun! Hope you have a great, incident-free break and return refreshed.

hugs xxx

Hi I’m just back from portugal, had lumpectomy July 25, radiotherapy September 25, still got swollen, lumpy breast and swelling under arm which has been checked and is “normal” late effects of radiotherapy. Make sure you wear loose clothes on flight, I was in quite a bit of pain due to the pressure on the flight causing more pressure on boob. It resolved the day after I landed. ( I wish I’d known this in advance, when I spoke to BN  when I came back she said it was quite common to feel like this on a flight). Factor 50 on you boob even under clothes. 
I had a great time , was a bit tired, but was nice to feel a bit normal. Enjoy