FLAIR TRIAL-FCR-HOLIDAYS

[Fayeryan1]

Hi members ..i complete my final FCR treatment in the UK on October 11th..we have a motorhome and have been travelling around the UK in it during treatment when I have been well..the question is we would like to travel to spain in it 5 weeks after treatment completes to our holiday home there for a couple weeks relaxation ....how long has anyone else waited ? No planes or hotels involved .

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hi!

It depends on your immune numbers to some extent.

Neuts, Lymphs, Immunoglobulins. T cells and some other stuff.

The lower they are the more the infection risk, and if you get an infection potentially the more serious it is, and harder to treat.

Nothing is black and white. Or predictable.

Travelling exposes you to more infection, In your own motor home, and home, you are of course shielded to some extent.

Ambient infection in Europe is likely to be same-ish all over.

So, then you are left with local medical services, access to them, their ability to manage sepsis, and the attitudes - likely to be different to the UK. I say different, as the may well be better!

Lastly, ask your Haematologist!

I have elected not to visit my favourite remote Greek Island. And, have

cancelled my plans to visit the Azores this year, while they have 3 big

hospitals, they are 1000miles from any mainland. I just got nervous.

In the months before FCR I spent 3 weeks on the Outer Hebrides. My Haem Team were alarmed, because its super isoloated, and in a Force 9 Gale - you have only the Navy helicopters to get to a hospital. I loved it there BTW!

To answer your question, my first trip away from home in UK was at 6 months. Foreign trip will be 15 mths post FCR. My levels remain low... My Haematologist said "Go!" - BUT Be careful - what ever that means...

I guess you gotta live. A nice home in Spain sound idyllic. Identify the local medical services. Shmooz them a bit.

Wishing you well!

Jig

[Fayeryan1 in reply to JigFettler]

i am a bit nervous to go but i will get advice and maybe an up to date blood test just before the expected travel date.🤞🤞🤞

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi Fayeryan,

I think you’re right in saying all you can do is wait until much nearer the time and see how your bloods are looking and how you’re feeling.

You know the safeguards you’ll need to take and have already sourced what sounds like extortionate but a predictably high travel insurance quote. Make sure you have your EHIC card (if we can still use them by then), written info on your treatment, emergency antibiotics, plenty of anti-bacterial wipes and importantly, advice on the need to receive irradiated blood only after FCR should you be unlikely to need a transfusion. Ask your specialist about that. I’d also take a good thermometer.

I really hope you’re feeling great by then because the rest will do you good (just be careful with the sun 😉).

I’ll miss you on the Unit by 1 day.

Regards,

Newdawn

[Marie-54]

There are great doctors in Spain. It is not like you are headed to an isolated location. As planned get your bloodwork done just before you leave. My doctor also gave me a prescription which I had filled before I left and took with me. The presription was for Clavulan and Ciproflaxin which are broad antibiotics that I was to start at the first sign of an infection. I was instructed to continue to take my temperature several times a day as it is usually the first indication that something is off. If it goes above 38, then hie thee to a doctor. Then I was told to go enjoy myself, but to make sure I washed my hands often and kept them away from my face.

So my advice to you would be to take the trip if the Doc says bloods are good, carry your antibiotics, take your temp and have that glass of wine and put the trials of treatment behind you.

You are on the mend. Go have fun.

[Fayeryan1 in reply to Marie-54]

thats very comforting advice ..denia hospital is amazing and 2 mile away we have been several times with other family members ..i will ask about the anti biotics when i get my bloods done ...i always carry my thermometer😊

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Fayeryan1]

Be very wary of taking Ciproflaxin if it’s offered to you in Spain. The possible disabling effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics are often discussed on here.

webmd.com/cold-and-flu/fluo...

Newdawn

[GMa27]

I drove to Disney World 2 months after my last chemo and reached remission. My numbers were slightly off but my oncologist said just enjoy! I had no problems. I didn't fly for 8 months after chemo. 💕

[Fayeryan1]

👍😀