HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Vacation during Chemo

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/6/2015 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
I am starting my Chemo...Docetraxel in a few weeks and we have a vacation planned during that time, after the 4th infusion. I have talked to friends who have worked all through the therapy and I am in great health and know everyone reacts differently, but wanted to get some opinions based on members experiences. We had a 12 day Cruise booked in January. any thoughts?

Age at detection 58
PSA at detection 9
Biopsy 3/2015, 4 of 10 cores positive, Gleason: 3+4
Bone scan negative,
DaVinci 6/26/15
Pathology: 41.5 g, %involved by tumor 20%, no seminal vesicles involvement, Apical margins involved Gleason same 3+4
PSA 7 weeks post op 0.275
PSA 8 weeks post op 0.49
PSA 12 weeks post op 0.79
HT Started 9/30/15
Chemo will start 10/27/15
Posted 10/6/2015 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
I have told friends and family that I am not going anywhere while ongoing chemo because if I have a bad reaction one time I want to be close to a hospital. But that's just me.
Posted 10/6/2015 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks...I want to get away if I feel up to it and enjoy some relaxing family time.
Posted 10/6/2015 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
You should be fine if you're careful. That said, mingling on planes and other spaces with the general public isn't the best thing to do if you are susceptible to getting sick. I think you'll want to use a lot of sunscreen and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. Other than that, it's whatever you're up for. You'll probably need to plan for some down time.
I went golfing a couple times after infusions but when I crashed I crashed hard. I needed a dark room with no movement and no sound towards the end of my treatments.
Good for you if you can pull it off...
Posted 10/6/2015 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Do you have trip insurance?

Mel
Posted 10/6/2015 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
yes Mel I do.......

Since this is my first time with the chemo, it is impossible to know how I can react but I am trying to keep the life as normal as possible.

I have also been reading that sun is bad when on chemo so perhaps I should keep researching.

Age at detection 58
PSA at detection 9
Biopsy 3/2015, 4 of 10 cores positive, Gleason: 3+4
Bone scan negative,
DaVinci 6/26/15
Pathology: 41.5 g, %involved by tumor 20%, no seminal vesicles involvement, Apical margins involved Gleason same 3+4
PSA 7 weeks post op 0.275
PSA 8 weeks post op 0.49
PSA 12 weeks post op 0.79
HT Started 9/30/15
Chemo will start 10/27/15
Posted 10/6/2015 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
I say go for it if you are up to it. Too many people let the cancer and the treatments dictate to them what life is going to be like. Personally, I've started living more. Went zip lining the first time Saturday before starting my chemo. You just have to figure out when the chemo crash happens, plan around it I think.

I say go on vacation, if you have to go take an hour nap in the day, you can. Live life, don't be a prisoner....fight survive and thrive....with Thrive being the goal!!!

Jordan
Posted 10/6/2015 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
CLDCR,

In February 2015, my husband and I traveled to Tahiti, Bora Bora, New Zealand and Australia after his
#3 cycle of docetaxel. His PSA was responding to the chemo and there being no time like the present, packed our bags and went for 25 days so cycle #4 was delayed for a week. We were also on a cruise ship which allowed Frank to rest when necessary...that's the beauty of cruising, you take your bed wherever you go. We took some extra precautions as the flights were long...15.5 hours from Melbourne/LA...had hand-sanitizer and masks with us.
Lots of hand-washing etc. I also took extra supplies of his prescriptions, supplements and anything I thought might come in handy if he got sick. The trip went off without a hitch...we had a wonderful time and created some great memories.
I say go for it...Lisa
Posted 10/6/2015 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Lisa.....what about being in the sun??? Was Frank any more sensitive than usual......I love watersports
Posted 10/7/2015 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Frank brought some very, very lightweight sun blocking pants and t-shirts. He would unzip the pant legs for snorkeling, swimming etc. and zip them back on as soon as he was out of the water. The shirts were long-sleeved and dried so fast that he could snorkel and swim and kayak and white-water raft wearing them without getting hot. He also sat in the shade as much as possible. Also, wore his ballcap. He's not a sunscreen user so this was a good solution for him. Believe shirts were from Columbia and pants were from Orvis.
Posted 10/7/2015 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
I started chemo back in late August, had 2 treatments so far. I too had a cruise planned for later this month but chose to postpone until after treatment just in case I needed medical attention during the cruise. I wouldn't want to rely on a cruise ship doctor or a doc on some island in the Caribbean. We decided we could wait until treatment is done, it'll still be there.

Hopefully the cruise is during one of your good weeks during chemo. I'm getting Taxotere every 3 weeks per CHAARTED Trial and the first week I feel like crap. The second week is better but eating is not the pleasurable experience that it usually is, so far the first two times my tongue and mouth became very sore and food didn't taste right during the first and second week. 3rd week is the best and then it's time to go back to the spa.

Be sure you take your docs advice, he or she will want to see what your white cell count does during treatment.

Ed
Posted 10/7/2015 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hello CLDCR,

After each of my chemo infusions, there was the usual "chemo crash" about three days after each infusion, give or take. A couple of days later, then I could literally feel my body beginning to "ramp up" and my energy would begin to restore itself ---

My treatments were once every three weeks --- so there was always that GOLDEN WINDOW of a couple of weeks where I felt great before the next infusion --- so it would be great if your vacation is timed "just right" between infusions ---

I was fortunate --- I felt good enough to go to work every day, full-time, and I didn't miss a single day --- my work is a passion for me --- I rested some in the evenings on occasion when I needed to --- I drank lots of water --- ate healthy foods --- and watched out for flu and cold germs and so forth --- my doctor ordered a flu shot for me and all of that --- and by some miracle, I didn't even get a head cold during my months of chemo treatments. I know I have a lot to be thankful for in that regard and I am very mindful of that ...

So --- if I can get to work each day, I hope you can have a few days of "get-away" vacation in the midst of your treatments --- it would be a good affirmation for you if you could get your doctor's blessing with your travel plans in mind ...

Keep in touch with us as you begin your treatments ---

We are ALL here for you ---

My best to you,
Cyclone
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply