Traveling for the Holidays While Undergoing Chemotherapy
Many people travel throughout the holiday season to visit friends and family, but if you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, travel may seem overwhelming. Travel is certainly possible for people who are in the middle of chemo treatments, but there are some simple tips to keep in mind that can ensure the trip goes smoothly.
Consult Your Doctor
Before you start planning a getaway, speak with your doctor to make sure it is safe and determine any precautions you will need to take. Get recommendations about doctors in the area you’re traveling to in case an emergency were to occur during your vacation. If your doctor does not know of options in the area, research so you are fully prepared. Additionally, check with your health insurance to make sure it provides coverage if you are out of state.
Bring Additional Medication
Make sure you have more medicine with you than you should need. This way you have any necessary prescriptions even if your trip ends up going longer than planned. Keep them with you, not in your luggage, just in case the luggage gets lost or delayed. Also, having copies of your prescriptions is a good idea in case you lose something and need to go to a local pharmacy. If you are planning to travel out of the country, make sure that the medication you take is legal in that country and get any required paperwork taken care of so you can bring it into that location.
Set Up Assistance at the Airport
Once you get to the airport, it can be completely exhausting to walk from check-in to your terminal and then on to baggage claim when you arrive. When you pick up your boarding pass, let the attendant know that you would like assistance to the gate. They can arrange for someone to pick you up and give you a ride to your terminal.
Stay Full and Hydrated
Side effects of chemotherapy include dehydration and nausea, so it is important to be prepared for this on your trip. Drink as much water as possible throughout your trip – this will prevent you from getting dehydrated and will help you fight fatigue. Additionally, bring along snacks or pack your own lunch in case you go somewhere to eat and find that nothing on the menu appeals to you.
Relax and Enjoy
Ultimately, the point of a vacation is to get away from the stresses of everyday life and relax. Enjoy yourself while being careful not to over-exert yourself. If you don’t feel up to doing something, pass on it for the day and come back to it later if you are feeling better. Remember that taking some time for yourself is important and that a relaxing vacation will work wonders for your spirit and body even after you’ve returned home.
Do you have any tips for traveling during chemotherapy? Share them in the comments below.