I am in the Sept chemo starters and I wanted to ask if anyone has flown during chemo? My onc has said it depends on how I feel but wouldn’t stop me if I felt able to do it.
So has anyone flown and if so did you have any fears and how did you deal with them.
Thank you for this, definitely following! Hope you respond well to your treatment! I am also to start chemo in October and hoping to travel in December for my sister’s wedding. Haven’t received much guidance when I asked.
I haven’t flown since before Covid lockdown and have enjoyed the British Isles. Yes it does depend on how you feel but also if you can get insurance and how much that would be with you having active treatment. You have to think about what would happen if you were to become ill and during chemotherapy you are immune suppressed and more susceptible to infection and germs.
These links may be helpful
This was recommended https://www.freespirittravelinsurance.com/
This is the company they are discussing above.
I hope this information helps you make your decision 
I had chemo in late 22 and i flew to Spain for my cousins wedding a week after my second chemo. I did take extra precautions like wearing a mask in crowded situations and not going in swimming pools but i coped well with chemo on the hole and this little break was just what i needed at the time . I got insurance with cancer cover from LoveitCoverit. If your feeling up to it go and enjoy x
Thank you so much for these. My insurance is sorted and in place it’s more the risks/fears/worries etc.
Thanks so much for your reply, really interesting to read. Can you elaborate on what precautions you took, mask and hand sanitizer. I won’t be able to swim as I’m having a picc line but anything else? Thanks again
Hi there…i didnt fly during treatment …
But would recommend you take a good thermometer so you can take your temp every day…make sure all your meds are in your hand luggage in labelled packaging and take a copy of your repeat prescription list and a copy of your clinic letter with your diagnosis …in case you becone unwell ( you probably will be fine) …me personally would stick to oudoor activities to limit the amount of contact with people …also i wpuld eat outdoors ( if you are going to a hot country) because wherever there are people there will be a risk of infection …children especially with bugs and viruses…i guess wearing a mask on plane protects others more than you …and others round you wont be wearing one so not really a protection…also iwould ensure i knew the nearest hospital details and how to get there day and night …ensure you have plenty of picc line shower covers…if you get stopped at security for patdown then tell the officer you have a picc line in situ…make sure your travelling companion would have access to your health history and treatment plan in case they need to advocate for you … im a prepper in all walks of my life!..so probs im a bit OT …hope you have a good time
Hi
I didn’t travel overseas during my chemo last year but i did do a lot of things on the days / weeks when i felt ok and also had the risk of infection drummed into me so as others have said preparation for the what ifs is great so make a list and tick it off as you plan
Absolutely wear a face covering and take your thermometer and notes in case you need A&E or a pharmacy
Download a translation app on your phone just in case
I did go on a spa weekend a week after finishing chemo and had a delayed 10 night holiday in Cape Verde ( it was booked when my surgery happened so we had to move it) and still took precautions as it was a few weeks after finishing radiotherapy but had fun and enjoyed the ‘normal’ but did get tired more easily
Best wishes with your trip
Ask your team or the nurses on here if you have specific worries
Take care
Hi i did the usual mask on plane and any unavoidable crowded space . I was told not to risk going in pools because of the infection risk but the sea was ok . I watched what i was eating to make sure it was properly cooked and sanitised hands regularly. Be cautious but dont let it spoil your trip. X
Can I ask what ins you used? Looking to go away post chemo
Xx
I got annual travel insurance with Aviva
I don’t agree with the masks protecting others not you. I worked in a school and wore a FFP2 mask at all times unless I was outside or on a couple of occasions when I ate my lunch in a ( what I thought was a) free room for 30 minutes. I already had underlying health conditions before bc.
I caught covid once after eating lunch with my mask off eating my lunch after finding out a covid positive child had been in that classroom in the morning in a small group. On numerous occasions there was covid in one of the classrooms I worked in (I covered teachers planning time) and did not catch covid or any other bug or infection again. I ate my lunch either outside or in my car, the only times I took my mask off.
Prof Trish Greenhalgh who wrote The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer with Dr Liz O’Riordan has published and shared lots of research to show masks work for both parties. I would always wear a mask while travelling abroad, or on public transport, and still do at GP surgery as there could be many people with bugs and infections I don’t want to catch.
See my post above
My insurance is through my husbands work insurance. I will find out but I think a few have been mentioned on here. Enjoy your holiday when it comes round x
I shall definitely be wearing a mask and using hand sanitiser. Everybodies tips (thanks all) are helping me compile a list although how do you travel with needles as I’m going to have to inject myself for immunity booster thingy. I might translate all documents before I go.
I’ve read that book unfortunately I didn’t think much to it what did you think?