Holiday Travels

For many cancer patients, the holidays will be coming to them. Friends and family will do the traveling to get to where they are in order to celebrate, and the patient can stay home where they are comfortable and get the rest they need. But for some, especially those for whom their treatments have ended or are not physically debilitating, there may some car or air travel in store. Two of the biggest challenges for a cancer patient who is traveling are comfort and energy. Both can be managed fairly well with a little advance planning.

If you're flying, be aware that you will be required to remove any hats you are wearing at the security check point in the airport. If you normally wear one due to hair loss, you might want to put a scarf on under it. If you are uncomfortable removing your hat at all, explain that you are undergoing cancer treatments and ask the security personnel if you can step behind a wall to remove your cap.

One common issue that accompanies many cancer treatments is lymphedema or edema. This can be very uncomfortable on a normal day, but when riding in a car for long distances or flying at high altitudes, it becomes even more painful. If you're flying, purchase your ticket by phone rather than buying tickets online and request a seat with more leg room. Many jets have a row of seats at the front of the coach cabin that provides a little more space for this kind of adjustment. In a car, scoot the front seat back as far as it will go and ride with your feet up on a pillow or bag in the floor. Plan to stop every couple of hours to take a short walk and get the circulation flowing again.

Many airlines do not provide pillows or blankets anymore, so be sure to pack a lightweight fleece in your carry on luggage that you can get to easily. If you can't carry an actual pillow with you, pack an inflatable bath pillow in your bag that can be blown up once you're on the flight to help you with lower back or neck pain.

Long-lasting energy is key during a long trip, and calories and protein are the best way to go. Peanut butter sandwiches, a bag of nuts or trail mix, and string cheese are easily packed and carried. Remember that you can't carry drinks into the airport, but it might be a good idea to purchase a big bottle of water once you're through security to help you stay hydrated on the trip.

Many people undergoing chemotherapy can have compromised immune systems. If you are not sure what your white blood count is, check with your oncologist's office to find out if they think it's safe for you to be in public spaces like airports and airplanes before you make your travel plans. At the very least, carry hand sanitizer and use it often as you encounter public restrooms and other areas that could hide some nasty germs (those plastic security bins at the airport, rental cars, etc...).

Always check with your oncologist before planning travel when you're undergoing cancer treatment. While we can provide a few tips, they know your specific situation and physical condition and may have other concerns than what we have touched on here.

We at Hope Cancer Resources wish you and yours a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year in 2011!