radiation - how soon can I travel afterwards?

GeraniumRose

Hi girls - I have had chemo, followed by mastectomy and lymph node removal, and 7 weeks from surgery am feeling well, pool swimming again, cording is reducing and wound site is fine... about to start radiation ( 5 weeks, daily doses) and have this question about whether or not to go to Ireland for my step-son's wedding on Aug 8 (2016)???... I would be having to fly only 4 weeks after end of radiation ( and it's half way round world, we live in New Zealand) .

So I'm wondering if anyone can share their story re wether energy is likely to have returned much, whether any skin irritation likely to have repaired, enough for me to feel happy about international travel?

I realise we all respond differently, but a review of others' experiences might help me make this difficulet decision. It would mean a lot to me and my husband to be there.

cheers

Rachel

sbelizabeth

Hi, Rachel. Everyone is different, of course. But I would have traveled for a wedding four weeks after the end of radiation.

I had pretty intense radiation treatment and there was a "radiation dermatitis" wound on my back that took a long, long time to heal up. Fortunately, not everyone's skin reacts like mine did. But my husby traveled with me, and faithfully changed dressings every day. My energy level was fine. It was completely do-able.

muska

Hi GeraniumRose, I had five weeks of radiation after chemo. The immediate aftermaths of radiation should be gone within a week or two, I think you should be able to travel four weeks later. Just be careful and avoid direct sun lght to the radiated skin.

Twinmar

GeraniumRose - I flew to Europe from Minneapolis one week after finishing radiation (7 1/2 weeks of it!). I was lucky in that I had no burns and no fatigue from the treatment. Travel and sightseeing was not a problem whatsoever.

GeraniumRose

rather late replying but I did get the same message from several ladies and did go all the way new Zealand to Ireland, via Santa Monica there and back for the swimming and had a fantastic time! Was careful with the sun and took afternoon rests often and it was so great to have a great break. Thank you, ridiculously belatedly, for your post and encouragement. Rachel ☺