Cruise between chemo treatments?

[allison k]

Is there anybody here who has cruised between chemo treatments? My SIL will be at the very end of her course when we plan on going in April. First MD they talked to wasn't too sure about it. My sister (an MD - soon to be oncologist) said that if was in between it should be possible.

If there's anyone here who was cruise on chemo before or know of someone who has, your input would be soooo appreciated.

 

[lbgraves]

All I know is that my MIL was inbetween chemo treatments last year & had to cancel for the cruise we were all suppose to go on together. I would think that her doctor would know best though. MIL has stage 4 colon cancer & went thru radiation for the second time & 4 rounds of chemo last year. Her white count is extremely low...especially when going thru chemo...and they determined that she would be putting herself at too high of a risk being exposed to something on the ship. I think that it would also depend on how she responds to the treatment & what form of chemo she is receiving. My MIL was pretty much incapacitated when she was going thru the treatments.

I hope that your SIL does well with her treatment!

 

[clh2]

While anything is possible...the practical parts really need to be considered. I have a coworker who underwent about 6 months of chemo for breast cancer, and by the end of the chemo - her blood counts where so out of whack that her doc sent her home from work in the middle of a workday, and wouldn't allow her to return until after the treatments, plus she was absolutely exhausted by that time in her treatment.

There is no way she would have considered a major trip at that time in her treatment.

I would be worried about what if you needed something related to medical care, what if it wasn't available on the ship.

 

[calpacagal]

We just met with our Make a Wish person tonight! She was really nice and told us that we'll be going on the cruise in June or July.

My son has leukemia and is still going through chemo. It's a 3 year deal for him. His doctor said it was fine for him to go on the cruise. I think it's different for kids because as soon as he gets out of chemo at City of Hope, he's out running around with his sisters just like any other kid.

We'll be giving him his chemo pills while we're on the cruise. Maybe we'll give him one of those famous Mickey bars to go with them!

I hope your SIL does great!

 

[pearlieq]

A couple of things to consider:

--Her immune system will not be very strong and cruise ships are notorious germ factories. This is probably the greatest worry.

--How is she feeling? Is the feeling OK or is she constantly tired, nauseated, plagued by digestive problems, and dealing with sores?

My mom did travel between rounds of chemo, but it was a work conference and not at all taxing. I'm not sure how much she would have gotten out of a cruise at that point.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

I think she needs to make that decision with her doctor. So many things happen to your body during/after chemo. Everyone responds different-some feel awful, others feel fine. Blood count will be a major consideration...

I wouldn't rule it out though. My FIL was between chemo when he went on a week long fishing trip in Ontario with my DH and my 3 DS's. He did have clearance from his doctor-who actually encouraged it--sort of a emotional boost. He was very tired, but accepted that and did what he could.

I would definitely get good trip insurance. If she feels fine and gets clearance, then doesn't feel up to the trip, or her blood counts are not acceptable to her oncologist, and has to cancel or postpone, she'll be all set...

Just my 2 cents...

 

[cruisin4fun]

Do you know what type of chemo is involved? Some are much worse than others. I just finished ABVD chemo for Hodgkin's 1-1/2 weeks ago and I would get on a ship and enjoy myself today if someone wants to send me a ticket....!! My white blood cell counts dropped each treament but recovered within 10 days by taking shots. My doc probably wouldn't let me get on a ship until my bloodwork was ok - at least two weeks.

We were booked for a Nov 26th cruise long before my diagnosis in May. I found out the hard way you have to buy insurance within 14 days of deposit to get pre-existing conditions covered. We had not. We discussed it with my doctor and she advised to move the cruise since it was too iffy to say in August whether I would be able to travel in November. We rebooked for January (and paid an extra $1000 - yuck!) and bought good insurance.

It looks like I could have travelled this November after all (although I will be just finishing up radiation treatments). But I feel we made the right decision since we weren't covered by insurance and didn't know how things would play out. Plus, I will be fully recovered from treatments and my hair will have some time to grow back!

Good luck with your decision. If you do decide to chance it....get good insurance. You will have peace of mind that all you stand to lose is the insurance cost.

 

[cruisin4fun]

Oh, and thoughts and prayers to your SIL......a positive attitude is the best!

Same to you Calpacagal. I hope your Make a Wish trip is wonderful for your family. i can only imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes with a child fighting leukemia. Thank God for all of the great research and doctors we have these days.....and for places like City of Hope!

 

[Joe&Peg]

I underwent chemo for Hodgkin's (15 years ago, still in complete remission!) During most chemo treatments, patients are seriously immuno suppressed and susceptible to infection. While I was in chemo, I contracted some sort of avian form of TB that put me in the hospital for two weeks. My doctor said everyone is exposed to it, but it doesn't take hold in people unless their immune system is compromised. With that in mind, and with the number of people who on this board have reported getting sick on cruises due to the close proximity of so many other people, I wouldn't think it would be a very good idea. But, as others have said, trust your doctor first and foremost.

 

[jnc1970]

I am getting over cancer right now, and I re-scheduled our disney cruise because of the surgery that I had.
I recently finished Chemo, and in between one of my cycles, we went on a 12-day vacation to Universal Studios and then on to the beach at Daytona. My Doctor did give me clearance to go, and I was a little concerned about germs and physical strain, so hand sanitizer with me everywhere I went, and when I was tired, I laid down.
I must say that the emotional lift that it gave me made me feel better and forget all that was going on. Just being with the ones you love, doing such a fun thing, does make you better. I am sure that the positive emotional impact of this break made a positive physical impact on me.
I was careful, and we took it easy, but it was one of the best vacations we have ever had. I will remember it forever. There was no way that I was going to let cancer steal that from me!
I think she should go if her doctor clears her, but just use caution,and tell her to remember that the most important rule is to make memories to cherish. I know it will be great for her!

 

[ohiominnie]

My MIL just sailed with us in September. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February and had been on chemo since then. Just before the cruise she got her first dose of "maintenance chemo" which is given for 3 weeks in a row and then a week off for one year. The cruise (4 day) fell smack dab inbetween treatments, so she didn't have to miss any. She felt up to cruising but did not over-do it with any excursions or wild partying, but I think the get-away was good for her.

I think it's just a case by case decision made by the patient, the family and the doctor. Best wishes that things turn out well!

 

[travel with kids]

I was going through Chemo for breast cancer when we booked our first DCL cruise. We would have sailed 3 months after my last dose of chemo. My MD thought it should be fine, if I took the correct precautions. However, two weeks after my last chemo treatment, I had an unexpected reaction. DCL was extremly helpful and allowed us to reschedule our cruise for a year later.

I hope your SIL is doing well. I know that the thought of a cruise is such a welcoming thought while going through chemo. If she is planning to do so, I would make sure that you can change your flights, cruise if needed.

 

[qofhearts]

HI!

My husband was in between chemo last year when we went and he will be again this year. He has stage 3 melanoma. Yes, you are wondering, why the sun with melanoma- WELL he didn't get it from sun exposure, it was a mole and we have been practicing non sun bathers for most of our lives due to my fair skin and his. So we take all the precautions- Palms trees and special swimwear from Australia that blocks 95% sun. Hey if the Aussies can enjoy their beaches, they are advanced in sun protection!
Doctor OKd both trips and we are just being cautious about hygieneon board- taking the wipes, washing hands a lot! DD and I both have gotten flu shots. Both times we brought on medications and his shots (he had adjunct Interferon and Nuepagen(whitecells)) thanks to the fridge in the room.
We were fine, he had a great time and got lots of RnR! He also gained weight thanks to all the yummy food. Honestly, I think it's the best medicine. He's got 6 more rounds to go this year and this was his incentive to make it half way. If it was me I would have gone as some special normalicy is always good medicine with cancer.

LIVESTRONG!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Is there anybody here who has cruised between chemo treatments? My SIL will be at the very end of her course when we plan on going in April.

I wasn't sure what you meant - will she be in the middle of chemo or at the end? If she's at the end and feeling up to it I wouldn't see why not if it's ok with her medical team. I actually cruised before my treatment and again at the end. I don't think I would have been able to go away anywhere in the middle of chemo, though, I was just barely able to get around the house and town, would not have been up to a big trip.

Best wishes to your SIL, and thanks to you for asking about this for her.

travel with kids (and anyone else who may be interested), come on over to the Breast Cancer Survivor's thread and say hello:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=810357&referrerid=70088