Forum Discussion

DoubleD's avatar
DoubleD
Member
10 years ago

Travel

Hi ladies.

I had advanced breast cancer at diagnosis in December 2014. I have had bilateral mastectomies, chemo and radiotherapy to my chest and spine. I am also having Herceptin and Perjeta every 3 weeks and have been told that this will continue indefinitely. My partner has 8 weeks leave at the end of this year and we would like to go on a trip somewhere in Australia and possibly New Zealand but I would miss 2 treatments. I have been told that it will take 5 treatments to get my drug levels back up so that's 15 weeks. I am worried that if things worsen I will blame myself for choosing to miss my treatment. Have any of you managed to organise travel and treatment?

Thanks

Dawn

5 Replies

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago
    Hi Dawn I hope you spoke with your oncologist today, and got some positive answers. I know that a friend of my parents with multople myeloma has had a number of trips away, within Australia, and has been able to organise to have chemo in different places. i hope you're able to organise something. Take care. Lyn
  • DoubleD's avatar
    DoubleD
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Brenda5. At least it sounds a reasonable prospect. I will talk to my oncologist on Tuesday

  • DoubleD's avatar
    DoubleD
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks KatieT. I would be happy to plan my trip to ensure I'm somewhere where I could have treatment so think I'll ask my oncologist if organising treatment away is possible. Glad to know there is some wiggle room! You are right, we all need our special times

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Within Australia and its own health system should be fine to organise doses at planned stop overs. Talk to oncology and also your McGrath breast nurse. Sometimes air travel with chemo can be an issue with the bloods not being right so perhaps you can adjust some to be via road or rail? Its even possible that chemo tablets could be given rather than infusion on a few doses. There are lots of options. 

  • KatieT's avatar
    KatieT
    Member
    10 years ago

    It's important to have special times like your planned holiday.  I know of cases where oncologists have made connections with other hospitals to arrange for a treatment to be given and that would probably be easier within Australia.  Also, I was able to move a Herceptin infusion forward a few days to allow for a holiday once and at the time when speaking to the onc about it he told me that they have a weeks' wriggle room either side of that three week cycle.  I don't know about the Perjeta.  I think you should have a chat to your doctor and see what can be worked out in your case.  

    If you decide to have the infusions at home perhaps you could plan a holiday with multiple stages where you come back for it along the way.