Forum Discussion

Viv_C's avatar
Viv_C
Member
12 years ago

Chemo and travel

I start my chemo this week, with 3 cycles of 3-weekly FEC then 8 doses of weekly Taxol. I would appreciate any advice on whether I am mad to think of travelling to dragon boat events in the third week of the first 2 cycles.

The first event is at Falls Creek, a 5 hour drive from where I live in Melbourne. The second is in Tasmania and I planned to take my car on the overnight ferry, then spend a couple of days driving around Tasmania with my partner before the event on the Derwent River. With both I could just watch if I wasn't well enough to paddle.

A nurse on the Cancer Council help line told me it would be risky to travel if I was not able to reach a hospital very quickly - within an hour - in case of fever. She thought that an overnight ferry trip was very unwise.

When I arranged my chemo schedule I told the oncologist I wanted to attend two dragon boat events and he was fine with the idea, but I didn’t give details about the actual travel involved. I will ask him when I have the first chemo on Thursday, but would appreciate any advice from people who may have travelled during their chemo treatment.

Thanks

Viv

6 Replies

  • AnnaB's avatar
    AnnaB
    Member
    12 years ago

    Have a great trip and I'll be asking the neutrophil fairy to watch over you.

    AnnaB

  • Viv_C's avatar
    Viv_C
    Member
    12 years ago

    I asked my oncologist about these trips and he said 'go for it, you've got to keep on living your life.' So I came home from my first chemo, booked the ferry trip to Tasmania and organised a lift to Falls Creek with a team member who is, conveniently, a nurse. I figure if I have problems with neutropenia or if I feel too tired I can always pull out of either or both trips later. I looked at the fine print and can reschedule the ferry trip to a later date without financial penalty although I can't cancel it completely. And as Deanne says, having something to look forward to might help me through.

    Thanks again to everyone for all your helpful comments.

    Viv xxx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    I felt fairly normal week 3 of FEC rounds. I think the positives of having something to look forward to will probably help you through each round. I had a weekend away during that 3rd week of each of my FEC rounds and it definitely helped to get me feeling better more quickly. Those sorts of things tend to give more energy than they take away. I hope you are able to go. Good luck! Deanne xxx
  • Viv_C's avatar
    Viv_C
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for your quick responses and good advice. I will probably just have to wait and see how my body reacts. I have pre-paid some minor costs that I won't get back if I don't go, but I probably shouldn't book the ferry, which is expensive and not refundable, until and unless I am sure my body will be up to it and my oncologist says it is OK.

    And Anna, you should certainly try dragon boating if you are interested. If you are in Melbourne we have a couple of  'come and try' sessions coming up (one tomorrow night).

    Viv

  • CarmelS's avatar
    CarmelS
    Member
    12 years ago

    I flew with my husband from Canberra to Melbourne after my 4th (of 6) chemo & then drove home in his newly purchased 4wd the same day. I was tired & I certainly wasn't well enough to do any of the driving but I must say it was so good to get out of the house even if it was just for one day. Check with your onc; but also err on the side of caution.

    Carmel

  • CarmelS's avatar
    CarmelS
    Member
    12 years ago

    I flew with my husband from Canberra to Melbourne after my 4th (of 6) chemo & then drove home in his newly purchased 4wd the same day. I was tired & I certainly wasn't well enough to do any of the driving but I must say it was so good to get out of the house even if it was just for one day. Check with your onc; but also err on the side of caution.

    Carmel