Negosentro | How to Travel Carefree if You Are a Cancer Patient | Traveling as a cancer patient doesn’t make traveling any less exciting and enjoyable. In fact, it could serve as a break from the daily stresses that come with the diagnosis. However, before you get your suitcase out and start packing, there are a number of things to consider. Here’s what you can do to make your trip less stressful and more relaxing – just like it should be.
Take care of travel vaccinations
Depending on the destination you are traveling to, you want to check whether you need to get vaccinated before you go there. Most of the time, cancer patients won’t be limited in terms of destinations and can travel wherever they want. However, in some cases, certain destinations may be off-limits as they may require travel vaccinations you may not be able to get as certain types of vaccines can have adverse effects in cancer patients. Certain vaccines can also weaken your immune system, and can not be administered if you’ve received cancer treatment recently. On the other hand, those vaccines that you can get should be administered a couple of weeks prior to traveling as a way of providing immunization from various infections. If your immune system is weakened, you can get ‘inactivated’ vaccinations (e.g. flu, cholera, hepatitis A and B, rabies, etc.) as they’re safe, but your doctor will tell you which ones you need to get and how many days before your departure date.
Be cautious and protect yourself against infections
When traveling, there’s an increased risk of infections, and while getting vaccinated can be an effective way for your body to build a certain level of protection, there are steps you can take to further protect your body against infections. A medical mask can be quite effective when you’re traveling and come in close contact with other passengers (e.g. air travel) when the exposure to germs is higher than normal. This is especially important for cancer patients whose immune system has been weakened due to treatments or medications. You should also pay attention to what you eat. Steer clear from any raw meats and vegetables that are uncooked, and be sure to avoid buffets – just to be on the safe side.
Get insured prior to departure
Cancer doesn’t only affect you physically and emotionally – it can also be a real financial burden. In these cases, protecting both yourself and your family from unexpected costs is imperative. It doesn’t help that the cancer statistics show how 1 in 5 Singaporeans will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. However, with new technology and improved cancer treatments, the survival rates are improving. Still, getting a cancer plan in Singapore is a necessary step for those looking to ease the financial burden that comes with this condition. It acts as the financial back-up in cases your health insurance limits are reached, and gives you a peace of mind so you can focus on getting better and actually enjoy your travel. Other than ensuring you have a good cancer plan and health insurance, you should also apply for specialist travel insurance. There will be medical screening, so make sure you’ve got all the medical information when applying.
Consult with the doctors and the airline if traveling by air
If your destination requires air travel, you want to make sure that you can handle it before booking a flight. Some cancer patients may not be able to do so because of the air pressure as well as oxygen levels that tend to change. Anemia, brain tumors, breathlessness as well as recent surgeries may all pose problems to cancer patients, thus preventing them from traveling by air. Even if you are feeling well and don’t suffer from any of these conditions, it’s still best to consult with your doctor first. If they approve of the trip, have them write a detailed explanation of your condition so you can have it with you when on board. Also, look for an airline that can accommodate you and be sure to talk to them to see whether they can arrange any additional facilities and assistance. Most airlines will be able to respond to your requirements, whether you need a supply of oxygen during the flight, a seat with extra space, or help with boarding and luggage.
Bring all the medications you may need
During your travel, you need to make sure you have easy access to all your medications and supplies. When packing your medications, always bring extra in case you lose them. Make sure that the medications are kept in their original bottles that have been prescribed to you as they list the dosage, medication name, and the name of your doctor. Also, talk to your doctor to see whether you’ll need to take any additional medications. Depending on your destination, you may need to take drugs for motion sickness or traveler’s diarrhea, so make sure you’ve got everything you may need just to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Getting away from home and heading to some exciting new destination can be a great way to escape the daily worries and focus on having fun and relaxing. If you manage to plan your trip carefully, follow your doctor’s advice, and take good care of yourself while away, you can ensure a trip that is safe, pleasant, and most importantly – carefree.
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Mia Taylor is a 33-year old blogger who writes about beauty, fashion and travel. She had always been passionate about fashion and over time she had developed a style of her own. Mia loves to mix and match and get inspire girls with her advice about outfit and accessories. She loves telling a story about her travels, providing beauty tips with readers.
