Going on vacation while fighting cancer. Guide

There is no doubt that everyone needs a vacation. You can also travel during oncological treatment. But one thing that cannot be overlooked is proper preparation with the support of a doctor. What you should know? What cannot be forgotten? Where to go? And how to prepare?

Things to keep in mind

Travel is not forbidden for most people diagnosed with cancer. However, there are factors that can significantly limit your trip or prevent it altogether. For this reason, you should ask yourself a few important questions before going on holiday.

Is this the right time?

Before setting the date and place of departure, consult your doctor. It will help you plan key issues such as the length of the trip, additional prescriptions or the way you travel. But can you travel during chemotherapy? One of the limiting factors for the patient is the commencing or ongoing chemotherapy, which should not be interrupted. The journey could disrupt the cycle plan, so it’s recommended to avoid travelling longer in such cases. After completing therapy, 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.

How to pack?

Packing luggage for a holiday trip is a real challenge for many people. People with cancer must take special care of this aspect. The most important element of their luggage is an adequate supply of medicines. In the event of a flight by plane, they should be included in hand luggage. Placing them in a suitcase or a bag that will later be in the luggage compartment is at risk of losing them. It is worth getting an antibacterial gel that allows you to quickly get rid of microorganisms from the surface of the hands. It will be useful not only during the trip, but also after returning from it.

Is sunbathing a good idea?

This is one of the next issues that patients plan their trip on to consider. This is especially true for people who go to the seaside or to warmer regions of the world. Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. What are the recommendations?

• Sun exposure after radiation therapy. People undergoing radiotherapy should avoid exposure to the irradiated part of the body. It is recommended to avoid sunbathing until the end of treatment and until all skin reactions have disappeared. Keep in mind that irradiated skin may be sensitive for a few more weeks (usually 1-2 weeks) after the end of treatment.
• Sun exposure after chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. This phenomenon is known as phototoxicity or photosensitivity. It can cause sunburn, which in turn can weaken your immune system.

What form of rest should you choose?

Choosing the right form of vacation largely depends on the well-being of the person planning the trip. First, vacation time should be a time to rest and an opportunity to break away from routine. Longer trips require proper preparation, taking into account many contingencies. It can overwhelm many people, fortunately a shorter trip can also be a lot of fun. It is also a very good idea to plan short trips around local areas. In our daily rush, we may not realize how many charming and interesting places surround us.

Can I do it physically?

This question is sometimes difficult to answer. A travel plan filled with many attractions can motivate you, but for some people during cancer therapy, completing all of them can be a huge effort. A trip to the mountains may not be the best idea for a person during or after intensive treatment. A better option in this case is a mildly shaped terrain that allows for walks. Coastal towns are perfect for this. In order to avoid complications, it is best to consult the plan of the trip with the attending physician. It may turn out that even a walk around a city with interesting architecture will be as entertaining as extreme activities. The most important issue when planning attractions is to listen into the body's needs.

A few words of summary

Regardless of the limitations associated with treatment, it is worth planning a longer vacation that will allow you to break away from your daily routine. It is a great opportunity to regenerate and gain strength, especially in terms of mentality. A vacation trip can also be a way to celebrate the end of therapy. During such a trip, it is also worth taking care of the right company, which will additionally make our time pleasant and will support us in more difficult moments.