Going on holiday

Hi Sherwood Lady,. I had hysterectomy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy last year, the final brachytherapy session was 30th August.  We went for a short holiday mid September, by the seaside in UK, although I wasn't at my fittest or most energetic I certainly enjoyed the break.  I swam in the hotel pool, strolled about and had a nice relaxing time.  I don't think I would have wanted to stand around in airports or taken any long flights.  Also, because the radiotherapy had affected my digestive system, I couldn't enjoy the hotel restaurant food as much as I would have liked.  Overall though that holiday was exactly what I needed.  Have  you had your brachytherapy yet or donyou have a date?   If you can wait to see how you feel afterwards before deciding you'll have a better idea xxxx

Hi

Thank you for your reply

Got my 1st appt on thurs to find out when.brachytherapy starts 

We have to pay for our hols in a couple of weeks for jan 

Maybe thinking of cancelling the canaries in jan  and just booking a cottage in england 

Lynne

Hi

I’m 11 weeks post op and 3 weeks post brachytherapy. The brachytherapy was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting I had four treatments the longest of which was 7.6 minutes. It takes longer to set up than to do. I had no side effects to speak of and even the tiredness didn’t affect me much. I am going to Majorca next Thursday and can’t wait for a bit of sun and relaxation.  I won’t be doing much but that is the joy of a holiday isn’t it. I’m sure you’ll be fine by January. Once all the treatment is over the emotional side is so much easier to deal with. I found that the hardest part through the whole process. I cried constantly and only told my closest family and friends. Now though it is over I can speak about it without getting teary. There is light at the end of the tunnel and a future to look forward to.

take care xx

Hello

Thank you for the reply glad your over op and therapy

I went to the clinic today not having brachytherapy i am having 25 radiotherapy sessions

All the cancer was removed with my op

But  there was cancer cells in the blood vessels dont know if that is normal so want to deal with any stray cells lurking

Be so glad when it is done and can move on

Good luck to us all

Xxxx

I had brachytherapy in February and had booked a cottage holiday (long weekend) in Yorkshire for July. I wasn't as recovered by then as I expected to be and although I went I didn’t have the energy to do half of what I wanted to do. I’m no better now and wonder how long it will be until I have a day when I don’t feel unwell. I completely underestimated the effects of the radiotherapy but everyone is different. If you’re just having a relaxing holiday you should be ok.

Oh I’m sorry to hear that it’s obviously different for you. One thing I would say though is while I was waiting at my appointments in the radiotherapy department I did see a number of people and everyone was very positive. I found counting down the days helped every night when I went to bed I would say to myself only x more days to go to the end of treatment. I wish you all the best. xx

Hello I had 25 sessions of external radiotherapy from mid Feb to mid March 17. I found I got tired very quickly thanks to a good number of early morning appointments and day travelling. I’d also finished chemo about 6 weeks before and wasn’t fully recovered from that. Radiotherapy affects your body’s cells which adds to the fatigue because your body is working extra hard to heal you. Drinking lots of water helps and you may need to pace yourself for a while afterwards. The radiotherapy continues to work in your body for 2/3 weeks after treatment ends so you may still experience any side effects and tiredness beyond your finishing date. We went on holiday to NAjorca at the end of May 17, just over 2 months after all my treatment ended. The CNS advised short haul was ok so long as I took precautions against possible lymphoedema (wear compression travel socks, get up and walk round the cabin, drink lots of water during the flight). We did a fair bit of walking but slower than usual and with lots of stops to admire the views! I took some Imodium with me because I’d had some bowel problems during treatment but didn’t need it. I did avoid very rich, fatty foods and foods with lots of spice or garlic as these seemed to affect my bowels (still do to some degree) We enjoyed the break - it was relaxing and gave us both some confidence that we could now plan and do normal things. Bear in mind that travel insurance may cost you more than usual because you’ll have only recently had your op / radiotherapy. 

I hope that helps a little. As Galanthophile said, we are all different and react differently to treatment. We made our booking fairly last minute once I started to feel more able to do things. Chat to your Nurse and to the doctors treating you and see what they advise. I hope you’ll be able to take a break, whether it’s here or abroad., x

Hello

Thank you for your reply

Your reply was interesting and i will certainly take on board your suggestions of drinking more water and being careful and taking it gently

We have moved our hol to the following jan and hope all will be well

We are taking a hols in a cottage in england in jan and just take it very gently

My consultant said she hoped i would be ok by then but you never know what your body will do

Thank you again and keep well

Xxx