Exploring anywhere is good for the soul. In the case of cancer survivors, it can be a contributor to life through social, mental, and physical enhancement and re-connection. There is some balance here between the go-go and the whoa, as there are limits to what a cancer survivor can and should do.
I have been through this with three cancer survivors. While not everything, this list is what I have found to help determine if a jaunt is a good idea, no matter how small or large. The safeguards and how to modify the trip accounting for their specific cancer recovery and status needs are prime. Every form of cancer is different, so experience with one does not apply to another and how to potentially travel.
Talk with the Cancer Physician First. An exploratory chat with the oncologist/surgeon is the start of determining where the person is in the recovery, stabilization, and remission process. Movement is limited depending upon the form of cancer and the specific surgery or treatment. In the case of post-surgery and medication, monitoring points likely need a physical check-in.
Air Travel. Ask the oncologist at what point the person can fly, any restrictions, and special considerations during both ground transport and the flight. Air travel can cause edema or swelling from the pressure changes, which is especially important to consider for those with brain or other organ cancer issues. Air travel may be a risk if the person has a low white blood cell number or reduced platelets due to chemotherapy. Pressure changes and reduced oxygen are also factors. If available, take advantage of pre-boarding and assistance like motorized transports and wheeled chairs to minimize physical strain.
Cancer Fatigue. Don’t try and show them the world; all cancer survivors have fatigue issues. Their strength and endurance will be much lower than usual. Specific fatigue levels are a question for the attending medical professional and the affected person. Compare their average movement ability during the day with the projected trip requirements as a starting point.
Mini-Test Their Abilities. A little day trip in your area to know limits will help you and the affected person understand readiness. Whether it is going for lunch, a short shopping trip, or a walk in a park, this can help all determine current function. You can be there to assist as well as observe. More importantly, the cancer survivor will tell you how they feel compared to what they expected. Not least in this area is how the cancer survivor thinks about how others see them publicly.
Spa Treatments Require Physician Approval. Many cancer survivors have circulation and recovery issues. While a massage is suitable for a healthy person, there may be issues with the treatment, causing a physical overload on an already stressed physiological system.
Travel with Medications & Supporting Documents. Airlines will allow travel with specialized medications, even syringes and bottled medications. Mark the medications in their original containers and pack them safely. Have the attending physician write a letter describing the patient under their care, their medications, and related factors. Airlines generally respond well to this additional support documentation. Before you fly, check with TSA on the itinerary’s medication specifics and the guidelines with any foreign countries.
Medical Backup at Each Stop. Just about every major city across the world has a cancer center. Get the name, address, phone, and email before you leave into a printed list and cell phone contacts. Complications can arise suddenly. Your attending physician letter presented at a cancer center will have the staff in tune with the person’s specifics, treatments, and notes. This also gives some peace of mind to yourself and the affected person.
Hotel Planning. While noisy, a room by the elevator is best as it reduces walking distance. If you might need a wheelchair or scooter occasionally, pre-arrange with the lodging option before the trip. How the person needs to rest in the room requires knowing if they need to sit with feet up, need a recliner, or anything else is essential. A handicapped access room may or may not have the required appendices. Adjacent rooms and even a walk-through door between rooms are also prudent.
Hopscotch. With the cancer survivor, think of daily activity as little jaunts with rest periods. Most hotels will give walking distance of attractions nearby. Walking a block or two might be taxing for those with cancer fatigue. It is also good to have alternate plans based on distance and time of day. If they can’t make it the furthest distance, then a shorter-distance venue or transport might be feasible.
Social Overload. Cancer survivors, no matter which form they have battled, likely have had less social interaction than previously in their lives. While the physical dimensions of the trip may be reasonable, the interaction with other people might be too much all at once. Pick situations that match their level of comfort and preferences with interaction. For example, the restaurant may be appropriate, but a booth in the corner makes the person feel a bit out of the limelight and more at ease.
Travel Insurance. Get travel insurance that allows cancellation for any reason and has medical coverage provisions. You might not go, the trip may end halfway, or there may be medical complications. Insurance can cover everything from airline tickets to hotels and even tours. The process was a bit arduous on my own, and it was better to work with a travel agent on the itinerary and then pick the best coverage.
Germ Smart. Many cancer survivors have compromised immune systems. Understanding the risks while traveling and at the destination is another factor. While you can sanitize a seat and wear a mask on the plane, where the person sits is essential. That is a good thing if they can be on an empty row with minimal passengers ahead. What the person eats is critical not only from a nutritional perspective but also from potential microbes. Before the trip, discuss this with the oncologist about what to avoid, especially in strange places where food preparation specifics are unknown.
Itinerary Approval. Write down your itinerary on one page from departure to return. As much as possible, note physical requirements like walking and the distance or difficulty. Be specific about the type of accommodations, transport, food options, etc. Ask the oncologist for their review before you book the trip. They may spot an issue that needs modification or even cancelation. The affected person will be more comfortable knowing their medical professional has reviewed the trip outline.