Christmastime during oncological treatment. How to prepare?

There is no doubt that Christmas is a special time of the year. For some people, this is one of the few opportunities to meet all of their loved ones at the same table. In many cases, the opportunity to spend Christmas Eve with the family requires traveling. While it is not a problem for a healthy person, for a cancer patient, traveling can be quite a challenge. So, how to prepare for Christmas during oncological treatment?

What are the contraindications?

Many cancer patients can travel without any problems on one condition — as long as they are mindful of precautions. One of the limiting factors for the patient is the initiation or ongoing of chemotherapy, which should not be interrupted. A journey, especially a long journey to a distant region, could disrupt the cycle plan. After its termination, the immune system may be weakened and therefore prone to various infections. Such patients should take particular care to minimize the risk of contracting a virus, bacterium or mycosis. Some patients require hospitalization and constant medical care. Christmas in hospital does not mean the worst, but it is sometimes necessary for the patient's recover.

How to prepare for the travel during Christmas?

A very important point in preparation is to ask yourself, “Is my body ready for this now?” Fatigue caused by oncological treatment may turn out to be a significant obstacle, not only during a long journey, but also when staying with the family. For many people, the buzz characteristic for most of the family gatherings can also be overwhelming. Sometimes the burden can be a large number of people, and sometimes the unpleasant atmosphere that happens during family gatherings, even during the holiday season. Therefore, it is also worth considering this issue. As part of the preparations, it is worth contacting a doctor to discuss possible health risks during the holiday trip. What's more, you should also think about prescriptions and medications in advance. For this purpose, a visit to the doctor may be necessary. Fortunately, modern telemedicine allows you to contact specialists without leaving your home.

What should you remember about?

When preparing and packing, the most important thing to remember is to take the right amount of medication — this is the first thing to check on the list. In addition, it is worth getting an antibacterial gel that will allow you to quickly get rid of microorganisms from the surface of the hands. The gel itself is not everything, however, if possible, you should also wash your hands frequently. The combination of these two things will minimize the risk of infection, which could further weaken the body during treatment

What about the diet during Christmas?

A diet during the holidays does not have to mean that you do not eat Christmas dishes altogether. However, remember to consult your dietary choices with a dietitian or doctor before going on holiday. Most cancers need to follow rules that are tailored for each case. For example, people with liver cancer should avoid fatty foods. What does this mean for them? On Christmas, instead of, for example, turkey with heavy stuffing, they should choose an alternative in the form of steamed or cooked meat.