advice on travellling please.

[bosue]

I am due to have my last chemo (carboplatin) on 16th November and on the 17th travel down to Cornwall on public transport to visit my grandchildren and have just been told there is chickenpox going around their friends, should I still go or delay the visit ?? I miss them so much.

[Hidden]

Hi,

I think it very much depends on how you are generally. Have you been prone to infections during your treatment, or sailed through it without?

If your immune system is pretty robust (and it might be wise to take some immune support, if you aren't already), I would be inclined to risk it. If not, it might be asking for trouble. Having said that, in 2 weeks, things might have got better amongst the children.

I would ask your chemo nurses or oncologist, then make a decision. You will get such a boost from seeing the family, hopefully without the added infection!

Very best wishes,

Isadora

[Hidden]

I'd get advice from your oncologist. The consequences of chicken pox on a compromised immume system would be very unpleasant. Could you possibly delay your visit for a few weeks until the outbreak dies down?

[wendydee]

I agree about getting further advice. You may be able to find out how many and in what area the children are affected (your daughter/ daughter-in-law may be able to ask at the school, if she explains why). Having had shingles, even after having had chicken-pox in my childhood, after having OC, it wasn't an experience I'd recommend. Maybe waiting a little while would be wiser, however hard it is.

[spanishanna]

Hi, I agree abut getting further advise, but personally I wouldn't risk it with a weakened immune system. I had chicken pox as an adult and it is awful.

To boost my immune system I take Echinacea and Multi Centrum which is a good multi vitamin. These are taken on the instructions of my GP. However if you are still having chemo you have to check with your Onc that it is OK to take with your chemo. There shouldn't be a problem, I am on Carbo & Avastin and allowed to take it.

Also travelling on public transport I think you have to take great caution. I fly to the UK regularly to see my family and use Clinova face masks. I checked with my GP friend in the UK about the effectiveness of them and they are just about some of the best you can get. They are ugly, but not not once have I picked up bugs when flying and you know how many bugs you can pick up on planes. I think trains and buses are the same. I carry one in my handbag at all times. The price initially looks frightening but they are heavily discounted and can be bought via the net from Chemist Direct.

Anna x

[RuthPOvacome]

Hi I am one of the support line nurses and I think you should definitely get the opinion of your chemo team at the hospital but I think it would probably be wise to delay your visit as your immune system will be compromised and if you did pick up chickenpox you could be very unwell. I appreciate this is not the answer you were looking for but I would go along with what your docotors and nurses say.

Hope the chemo has not caused too many side effects

Best Wishes

Ruth

[EllenMc]

Delay the visit, wot's a couple of weeks in the grand scheme of things to prevent any further health issues. You will see them again and you will probably be stronger and healthier. Our thoughts are with you and I totally understand how desparate you will be to see them, but your health is the most important issue at this time. Take care and be healthy, Ellen xxx

[bosue in reply to EllenMc]

Thanks Ellen for your kind thoughts, we have decided to delay our visit and make do with skype. Ive read you take ginger, how do you take this ? is it capsules from a health food shop? I'm really interested . thanks again love Sue x

[bosue]

thanks everyone for your advice and kind thoughts, we have decided to delay our visit and hopefully I wont need another course of chemo fingers crossed.