Travel and Bucketlist Living

asrotman
Apr 17
4 min read

Updated: Apr 25

Traveling and exploring new places whether solo or with travel companions has always been at the forefront of my zest for living life to the fullest and funnest. It’s important to create things to look forward to and distract during treatment, and for me that’s travel and foodie finds. Here, I will endeavor to share tips on how to continue to travel; not letting treatment get in the way but also respecting limitations and the extra planning required. I don’t believe that having a travel bucketlist, or any type of bucketlist for that matter, is something morbid. Rather, it provides goals and something to encourage always looking forward.

Before I Go:

First and foremost, know and log cancellation policies and dates for hotels etc; don’t push it and be prepared to cancel, push the date, cut short, pivot, etc. It’s ok if it doesn’t work out, your health and safety are more important. Also, you can elect to purchase travel insurance for hotels, flights, and such. Often companies honor refunds with a doctor’s note.
I tell my doctors I have travel planned. Usually they are on board as it’s important to have positive things on the horizon, things to look forward to. If they have concerns we talk through them, but ultimately whether or not I go is my decision.
When selecting a destination, I typically stay between the US and Canada. If I venture beyond, I narrow it down to locations with shorter direct flights, and ease of booking new flights home should changes in travel become necessary. I’ve also come to select destinations that cruise ships travel to because I know these cruise companies have hospital relationships at these destinations and that makes me feel secure in knowing I too will be able to find reliable healthcare options should something arise. I save the other destinations and more exotic locations for when I am not in active treatment, but the above planning still applies.
When planning trip timing, I wait a few rounds of treatment to see what days I am most impacted by symptoms during the cycle. This way I can plan my travel for the days I am feeling best.
I always have a contingency plan. Whether that’s deciding to come home sooner than planned, or understanding what the Emergency Room access is at the destination should I need it. I adhere to strict symptom guidelines and air on the side of caution always. If I do need to visit an ER, it is most often because of a fever, a common chemo side effect or sign of infection. I have been instructed to tell the ER that I am a patient undergoing chemo and I have a fever (100.4 or higher) and require antibiotics.
- Often times, to mitigate this risk I travel with emergency broad spectrum antibiotic pills to take the minute I get a fever. I recommend asking your doctor for these to have on hand before you go anywhere.
In order to make the contingency plan more robust, I always am covered by travel insurance, including evacuation if required. I recommend purchasing such a robust insurance policy if traveling in active treatment; better to be the most safe with the best return home options possible.

While en Route:

When flying, I always wear compression socks and leggings and I am sure to get up and walk around. This reduces my discomfort and minimizes risk for clots, which I have with my current cancer type.
Because of my jpouch (which I affectionately call my fake colon) the change in cabin air pressure causes me discomfort. Even worse, I puff up and get general body swelling, which at least resolves itself in a day upon landing. I avoid certain foods that can make this worse. I stick to low acid options and avoid alcohol so I feel my best upon landing; this means no spicy, fried, salty foods, cruciferous veggies, salad bar, deli meat, high-sugar yogurts, sushi, beans. While coffee is also on the avoidance list, I always find that one difficult not to endulge in and tend to sneak in a Starbucks ;).
Better safe than sorry, mask on the plane. If you’re low energy I also recommend adding a wheelchair to your flight accommodations. You don’t over-exert your energy, get right to the gate, and board first.

While You’re There:

Minimize contact with strangers to minimize risk of germ exposure.
Follow best practices for your port if you have one; for example, can you get your port wet in an ocean or pool?
Don’t over-exert yourself. Relax, enjoy and be safe! Vacation helps!

My Typical Packing List:

Compression socks and leggings
Heating pad (mine is vibrating which has been great for a little extra pain relief and lymphatic drainage)
Medications
Water bottle
Written or phone logged important phone numbers (ex. Med flight info, doctor’s on and off hours contact info)
A relaxing activity like an adult coloring book or paint by numbers and a good book
High value (SPF 50) sunblock and after sun cream since you are more sensitive to the sun
Head coverings be it scarves, baseball caps, winter hats, sun hats
N95 Masks or similar
Thermometer
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Shawl or light blanket for the plane if you get cold on flights