Travel after radiotherapy?

[fiona]

When I went out last month it was with my oncologist's blessing and they moved my chemo treatments around so I could go. They recommended I had a couple of courses of antibiotics with me from my GP in case of infections - needed one of them, still got the other. I have to be careful in the sun as had 23 lymph nodes removed but Feb sun was fine, but I still put higher factor on than I would have previously for the time of year. Still came back with mild tan - sadly went straight back into chemo so undid most of the feelgood factor!

BTW Angela I take multi-vitamin with iron and echicinacea which my oncologist was fine with. My bloods have been great so far and everyone tells me I don't look at all ill - in fact my GP's words are you look fabulous! (And that was before the hols in Florida!) Can't pretend I don't have down days and I would really welcome on the onset of spring instead of this winter carrying on. PMA (positive mental attitude) is the way to go.

I can tell you Angela nothing beats sitting on the lanai with sun shining[msnsmile2]. Are your taste buds up the creek as well? Can't even enjoy a glass of wine, but managed to force down a bacardi and coke without any trouble[msnwink]!

[greenpete]

I underwent 6 weeks of radiotherapy last August after having a lumpectomy and 15 lymph nodes removed. I went out to our villa in December and managed to sunbathe for short periods of time (weather permitting!). [msnsmile] My oncologist just advised me not to expose the radiated areas to the sun for at least a year.[msnsad] I am going out again in April to May and do intend to sunbathe,[msnsmile2] but again I shall be covering up here and there! but that's mainly 'cos my in-laws are coming with us and I don't want to put them off their holiday[msnwink]

I have thought of going to our local gym where they have a Tanning Cabin. A 3 minute session maybe twice a week,for a few weeks just to acclimatize my skin. The only thing I'm not sure about is the thickness of cover to protect my 'radiated' areas.

Angela, so long as you are careful and do not expose yourself to strong sun rays, you'll be fine. Take plenty of moisturizng cream/lotion. Have a great holiday.

Anna

[Newhomebuyer]

Anna that is so encouraging, thank you. Would you mind telling me who provided your insurance?
These boards are amazing. The help that is out there for so many issues connected with travelling to Florida is incredible.

[greenpete]

Hi Angela,

We always take out an annual family insurance, but when I tried to renew with my then existing company, they 'loaded' the premium due to my high blood pressure even though I'm on 'permanent' tablets etc.
Anyway, I rang Marks and Spencer travel insurance and told them all the facts i.e. breast cancer, high blood pressure and hubby's high blood pressure. I was amazed at their quote. Much cheaper than our original insurance company whom we had been with for years. Even got a discount by paying with my Marks card! [msnsmile2]. It's certainly worth a ring. Good luck


Anna

[fiona]

Anna did you get cover for your breast cancer? I couldn't get anyone to cover me for that, our existing insurers will 3 months after I get the all clear, and covered me for everything else. I made several phone calls and got the same response. Luckily I didn't need any treatment!

[greenpete]

Fiona and Angela, are we talking of Life Insurance or Travel Insurance. In my last reply to Angela, I was referring to travel ins. Marks and Spencer did ask questions about my breast cancer op but were satisfied that I was not going to Florida or wherever to have further 'ops' or treatment. They did'nt seem that interested apart from the polite, 'oh I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you are feeling better now'. They just wanted to know what drugs I was taking and if my ' radiotherapy treatment' had finished.

Anna

[fiona]

Ah maybe because I was only half way through my chemo treatment that they are not interested? Sounds logical.

[greenpete]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by fiona
Ah maybe because I was only half way through my chemo treatment that they are not interested? Sounds logical.
[/quote]

Fiona, as a matter of interest, can you tell me which hospital/clinic you attend for your treatment. I had my treatment at the Royal Berks Hosp. Reading though I was a private patient at Bupa, Dunedin.

Anna

[Newhomebuyer]

I was talking about travel insurance Anna. I am planning on going to the information centre at Christies today. If I get anything useful I will post about it tonight.
I hadn't even thought about life insurance. [:O]
I picture myself out on the lanai Fiona. It always cheers me up.

[fiona]

btw I was talking about travel insurance, haven't even thought about life insurance!

I am being treated out of the Parapet Breast Clinic attached to King Edward Hospital in Windsor. The chemo unit is in the main wing of the King Edward Hospital, but the radiotherapy and most of my appointments are done in the Parapet. All the staff I have had any dealings have been lovely and so caring. I alternate between there and the Thames Valley Nuffield as Bupa are picking up the tab. All my consultants are East Berkshire based but I have a friend (also in Maidenhead) who has just had 6 weeks of daily radiotherapy and had to go to Guildford. Seems mad to me but it all depends on where your consultant seems to be linked. I had the mastectomy at the Princess Margaret in Windsor, and I have to say this has really gone downhill since I had a myomectomy when I was 3 months pregnant with my eldest (19 yrs ago now). I had to walk in my theatre gown and slippers through the entrance hall to the theatre which meant going outside (under a plastic cover) in November - temporary theatre!! I'm seeing the plastic surgeon in a couple of weeks to discuss the reconstruction and I am going to make some comments on this to him! Unfortunately, it is far more convenient for the family to get to me in Windsor (15 mins) than Slough (30 on a good day) so looks like I am stuck with it. Craziest part of all this is I have to drive to Slough to have my bloods done on the Friday before chemo day (a Monday) unless it is being done at the Nuffield when they do it on the spot. I have mucked the system up this week as we are away in Frankfurt from tomorrow and get back Friday night. So I have to dash over the Nuffield on Sat am to get the bloods done and the chemo will have to have been ordered on the assumption all will be ok. Forgot to ask permission to go away and got told I am being very ambitious as it is work not a holiday![msntongue]