Hi
does anyone have any idea when the ‘safe’ time to travel after chemo and radiotherapy is? i have just finished chemo and would like to visit my aunty in france before radiotherapy. i heard a while ago about a lady who travelled after 10 days who caught an infection on the plane via the air con and died!
In 2003 I flew to South Africa 10 days after my first chemo with my oncs blessing (and phone number and email address !!) This year I flew to South Africa 10 days after my 4th chemo. It was not easy, but these were holidays booked each time before my diagnosis. I am still here to tell the tale.
Good luck
Maria
I flew to turkey 3 weeks after my last chemo with my oncologists blessing it was before i started my radiotherapy and it was a very welcome relaxing break . You are at just as much risk sitting next to someone with a cold on a bus . go for it and enjoy .( I did wear my flight socks and drink plenty water on the flight )
I flew after almost every chemo as I had to have my treatment in Bangkok and am based in Yangon. I usually flew a week after chemo, wore a mask and tried to avoid being near children and anyone with any obvious infections. I know this is not long haul but still in an enclosed environment. I finally flew back to the UK, long haul after radiation and was still pretty weak (and fell over the seating in Dubai airport!!) but no ill effects.
Bon voyage!
P
PS - sorry I forgot to mention, that I had to get a “fit to fly” letter from the onc or doc each time…
The best thing would be to speak to your Onc or chemo unit. Also find out when the nadir is for the chemo your having. If it’s say 5 - 10 days then make sure you wait until after then. I’m not sure but I think varies chemo to chemo.
It is a very confined space with a lot of people so chances of picking up an infection are higher. I’m probably more cautious as I developed neutropenic sepsis but that was around day 5 as I recall.
I had a wait of about 7 weeks until rads so it may be that you can wait a while anyway.
Your holiday will do you so much good and that will outweigh any possible risk: I flew during my chemo cycles and soon afterwards as well: - and I survived to tell the tale!