Long haul flights after radiotherapy

Going through breast cancer treatment Radiotherapy
1

Hi everyone,

 

Just wondering what are your thoughts on how long to wait after radiotherapy finishes to doing a long haul flight. I have done a 4 hour flight no problem within 3 weeks of finishing but I am now considering a long haul flight in a couple of weeks which will be just over 10 weeks from finishing.

 

I am going to see my Oncologist in just over a week but the price is really good at the moment and I am worried there will be no flights/rooms left if I leave it.

 

Cheers,

 

Kaz xx

2

Hi did you have lymph node removal? I so how many? I would imagine if you have not had problems with lymphedema you would be ok to fly long haul!! If you have a BC nurse perhaps you could give her a call and she may be able to advise you or even speak to your rads team direct. Good luck! Hope you can go there’s nothing like a long haul holiday to make you feel good about everything!!!???

3

Well I’m off to Central America for 2 with the family about 6 weeks after finishing and I’m planning for It to be OK.  I spoke to my oncologist initially about it and he didn’t think it would be an issue at all.  He did say he’d think I was mad if I was planning to go immediately post treatment as you can never know how you’re going to react, etc. but otherwise, you just need to take the usual precautions.  

 

For me this means, compression socks for the flights, lashings of factor 50 for the affected area (I’d be using factor 30 everywhere else in any event), a rash vest for swimming and I plan on keeping it mainly covered up.

 

 

4

Hi Kaz

I am flying to America early June.

My rads will have been finished for 4 weeks by then.

I checked with the oncologist and the B.C nurse and both said no problem.

I will wear flight socks and be vigilant protecting my skin.

xx

5

Hi Dealdoh

I have just returned from 3 weeks in America.
My rads had been completed 4 weeks when I flew out. The holiday had been booked over a year and prior to my diagnosis.
I haven’t experienced any problems either with flying or my skin.
Just need to be vigilant and protect the skin.

I used InsuranceWith and it was around £145 for 3 weeks. However I do have other medical conditions which bumped up the quote.
I also waited until active treatment ended before obtaining quotes.

Hope this helps