By Helen Wilkes, Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist
“Just because you have mesothelioma doesn’t mean you can’t travel — it just means you need to plan differently.”
For many people living with mesothelioma, going on holiday or travelling will have little or no impact on how well you are. In fact, getting away can help improve your mental health by allowing you to take a break from everyday pressures. Having a diagnosis of mesothelioma can make travel more complicated.
Traveling with mesothelioma requires careful planning to ensure that your health needs are met while you are away from home.
Here are 12 top tips:
- Consult with your healthcare team. Speak to your doctor and/or nurse specialist before making any travel plans. They will tell you whether your cancer or mesothelioma treatment may make travelling unsafe. They can also tell you what you might need to consider when travelling abroad.
- Plan any trips or holidays before you travel. Travelling can be tiring, and the further or longer you travel, the more you could be affected, particularly if your health isn’t good.
- Adjust your expectations and be realistic about how much physical activity you can handle. Travel may be exhausting, and it’s important to pace yourself. If necessary, adjust travel plans to focus on relaxation and leisure activities that accommodate your energy levels and symptoms.
- Travel insurance is very important. Medical treatment abroad can be very expensive and so travel insurance with appropriate medical cover is essential. You will usually have to pay extra to cover pre-existing medical conditions, including mesothelioma. It is a good idea to get quotes from providers that specialise in cover for people with medical conditions. Travel insurance also covers the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting short a trip. It is also important that anyone travelling with you, who would not want to continue the trip if you were unable to come, is either covered is your policy or has informed their own travel insurance provider of your health condition.
- Prepare for emergencies. Research nearby hospitals in the area you are travelling to. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers including your primary healthcare team. Make sure your family or travel companions are aware of your treatment schedule and any special medical needs you may have.
- If you’re travelling on active treatment, schedule treatments around your travel dates if possible to ensure you’re not traveling immediately before or after a treatment cycle when you may feel particularly unwell.
- If you are taking regular medicines, make sure you have enough to last the whole trip, including if your return is delayed for a couple of days. Some countries limit the amount of drugs that can be taken into the country so be sure to check this before booking.
- Carry in your hand luggage; all medicines – clearly labelled and in their original packaging, covering letters, and licences for controlled drugs as customs officers will usually need to see them. Take a copy of your medical records, treatment plan, and a list of all medications, including dosages and any special instructions.
- I If you have mobility issues or need assistance, notify airlines, hotels, and transport providers ahead of time. Many facilities offer special accommodations, such as wheelchair assistance or priority boarding. Check that your accommodation is equipped with any necessary accessibility features, such as ramps, lifts, or easy access to medical services.
- If you have a permanent lung or abdomenal drain in situ. Please seek advice from your doctor before you travel.
- Ask for a fit to fly letter and carry this in your hand luggage.
- You may be able to fly if the lung drain has been inserted 6 weeks prior to your flight.
- Check with the airline before you travel.
- Carry drainage bottles in your hand luggage and have the rest in the hold luggage. Make sure that you have enough including extra in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.
- Ask your nurse specialist/doctor for the contact details of the supplier of the drainage bottles, if there is a problem abroad you can contact them for advice or further supplies.
- If you use oxygen and are flying your healthcare team or GP can advise you. Get a fit to fly letter. Speak to the airline before you book your holiday. Each airline has a different policy on carrying oxygen. Ensure you have enough oxygen bottles in case your holiday is unexpectedly extended.
- If you are travelling to a sunny destination, then speak to your healthcare team about any extra care you should take. Some mesothelioma treatments can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Ideally use products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and wear a sun hat. You should also stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
