What about travel? I have a trip booked...

Options
Blueorange
Blueorange Member Posts: 76
edited June 2016 in Just Diagnosed

hello again,

I have a trip to Europe all booked and paid for. My best friend is getting married in July. I got my dx on May 23rd and now I'm worried that I may not be able to go.

What are your experiences with traveling soon after surgery/treament? I don't even know when I'll be starting treatment yet. Is it even possible to consider going mid July if surgery is mid June?

I've been looking forward to this trip for two years...my mom and 7 year old daughter would be going as well.

Thank you for any experience, feedback, etc

Gaea

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited May 2016

    I had my surgery Sept. 23 and traveled a month later (four hours each way by car). Some airlines have guidelines about how far post-op you must be before they'll let you fly, because they are concerned about blood clots--a risk for most passengers, but highly elevated risk for someone who recently had surgery. (When I had my first knee replacement in June 2012 , I just squeaked by KLM's 12-week post-op rule to fly to Europe). Only you know how you will handle the surgery, and unfortunately, you can't know till then. Waiting 2 months (late July) post-diagnosis for surgery is not optimal, but some women I know had to wait that long due to either surgeon availability or additional imaging requirements. It helps that your tumor is grade 1--slow-growing.

    Did you purchase trip cancellation insurance or use a credit card that offers it automatically?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited May 2016

    Hi Blueorange, you didn't mention what kind of surgery you would have in mid-June. Are you getting a lumpectomy?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2016

    Chisandy,

    I hadn't thought about blood clots, that could be an issue. I wish I had some idea of when I will be able to even meet with an oncologist.

    So I have no idea when anything is happening, or what. I guess it could end up being late July.

    Thanks for your response. I'm going to look into refunds and/or changing dates just in case

    All the best to you,

    Gaea

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2016

    Chisandy,

    I hadn't thought about blood clots, that could be an issue. I wish I had some idea of when I will be able to even meet with an oncologist.

    So I have no idea when anything is happening, or what. I guess it could end up being late July.

    Thanks for your response. I'm going to look into refunds and/or changing dates just in case

    All the best to you,

    Gaea

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2016

    Hi Muska,

    I'm not sure yet. I have not met with an oncologist. The Dr who reviewed my results said either lumpectomy or mastectomy. I am trying to get into a center which is not near where I live...so I have not been able to really talk to anybody yet about all of my options.

    Best,

    Gaea

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited June 2016

    If you have a lumpectomy, you should be able to travel a month later if all goes as planned.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited June 2016

    when I was diagnosed, my doc asked if I had any vacations or other important events scheduled before we set a date for surgery. When I asked if that would be okay, she said that some women go through a round of fertility treatments to preserve eggs before beginning treatmen and if it is okay for them, it would be ok for me to wait a few weeks.. Grade one is the least aggressive, if it were me, I'd wait until after your trip to begin treatment. A few weeks either way won't make a difference.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • movingsoccermom
    movingsoccermom Member Posts: 225
    edited June 2016

    I traveled from Germany to Poland and back, 3 weeks after my lumpectomy. I then flew Germany to California (14 hours flying in total) 6 weeks after the surgery where I did my RT. I didn't have any issues with either flight and just made sure security knew I had recently had surgery and they were more gentle with their search on that side.

    Good luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2016

    I would let your oncology team know that you have a trip planned and have your surgery upon your return. 6-8 weeks isn't abnormal amount of time to wait- especially if you haven't met with your BS to discuss treatment and surgery plan.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2016

    Thanks Hope,

    I was thinking of that as an option as well. My only concern is the, emotional part...the waiting.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hopefloatsinyyc
    Hopefloatsinyyc Member Posts: 211
    edited June 2016

    I know all about that! I have a 7 week wait here... 3 more weeks of waiting to go. I actually booked a short trip during this time to keep me from getting depressed, so if the doctor allows, having time to enjoy "normal" and keep your travel plans, may not be so bad!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Blueorange
    Blueorange Member Posts: 76
    edited June 2016

    Hi Hope,

    I talked to someone at the cancer resource center near me who will be contacting Dr s on my behalf. I should probably get the staging part of testing done so I know how quickly I need to start treatment. If I can wait a few weeks I will do that and go on the trip. My best friend is getting married, I would be so sad to miss it!

    Gaea

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories