Practical Issues - Travel

Daily Life | Financial Issues | Travel | Working and Cancer | Senior Citizens | Pet Care

Many individuals love to travel, especially senior citizens who may be more financially independent and better able to afford vacations then they were in their younger years.  Cancer can put a damper on travel plans, but many trips can still be accomplished with proper planning, even if you’re dealing with the challenges of mesothelioma.

Some destinations will certainly be out of the question, such as locales where health problems may exist.  Cancer patients may have compromised immune systems due to the disease or its treatments.  That means communicable diseases are easy to catch so avoiding unnecessary exposure is advisable.

Adventure vacations may be difficult also - at least for now.  So, if your idea of a great trip includes white-water rafting, rock climbing, or sky diving, you may need to put that on the shelf for a while.

Other travel concerns will need to be considered and discussed with your doctor before planning a trip, either for business or pleasure.

Air Travel

Individuals with mesothelioma may have difficulty with air travel due to the changes in air pressure in the cabin, which can affect breathing.  In addition, if you had recent surgery to the chest area, including pleurodesis, you should avoid flying. 

Traveling Long Distances

People with cancer, especially lung cancers, are prone to developing blood clots.  Clots can be worsened when you’re sitting still for long periods of time, so extended flights or car rides could cause a problem, unless you stop for some exercise or get out of your seat and walk every once in a while.  Air travelers should drink plenty of fluids during a long flight.

Immunizations

Your cancer may prevent you from tolerating the immunizations that are necessary to travel to certain parts of the world.  Live vaccines are especially dangerous, like those for yellow fever, polio, or typhoid.  In-activated vaccines are usually safe but may not work as well for people with compromised immune systems.  If you were previously vaccinated against a specific illness, you may need to be re-vaccinated after chemotherapy treatments.

Further Precautions

It’s best to be vigilant about what you’re eating as you travel in order to avoid stomach problems.  Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or cover up completely, as your skin may be especially sensitive after chemotherapy or radiation.

If you’re traveling with medications, you may need doctor’s notes for particular prescriptions, including opiates like morphine, which are used for pain control and to assist you with breathing difficulties.  Be sure to check with your doctor and/or your airline before making final plans.