MBC and cruising

Thank you everyone for your contribution regarding travel insurance and cruising. I have had a drug free holiday with the permission of my Oncologist that allowed me to have a wonderful break away with my husband to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary. The Norwegian Fjords were wonderful and stopping at Lerwick in the Shetland Isles completed our trip.

I have felt tired but I’m sure that was from the “phew” feeling and releasing those endorphins after not travelling abroad for over two years.

We had to test for Covid before we left. It was so well organised by the Cruise company, all the staff wore masks and the ship was constantly cleaned. The staff worked so hard. We had to carry an alarm lanyard in case anyone developed Covid symptoms or Nora Virus and they came into contact with us.

Back to reality next week. Blood tests, Xeloda and CT Scan.3 days visiting the hospital.

Love to Clare and Sandra, missed our contact while away, and RIP dearest Jo. I would have loved to share this with you.

Have a good weekend everyone.

[Bettybuckets]

What a wonderful trip. But why did you have to stop xeloda? I’m talking about a trip back to nz and my onc says that should work cuz by then I might be on xeloda. Also can you post pics? I went to the fjords of Norway at 20 and would love to see again!

[Hidden in reply to Bettybuckets]

Hi, I managed to post one picture. The site doesn’t afford you more. It would be great if you could return. It worked out we travelled on my last day of my two week cycle on Xeloda and I was cruising on the date is was due. My Oncologist was fine with that. No other reason although my feet and hands were sore from the treatment. I’m hopefully back on it next week if blood work good.

[Bettybuckets in reply to Hidden]

Xeloda is next for me but I am worried about the hand foot as I want to keep cycling and I worry does that mean I can’t feel my hands so how will I grip a bike. Do you think you could cycle on it?

[Hidden in reply to Bettybuckets]

I was ok for two cycles but this 3 rd cycle has really dried out my hands and soles of my feet. I use a prescribed moisturiser it it hasn’t really worked. I think my Oncologist will suggest reducing my dosage as I am on the highest dose of Xeloda.I am sure with soft padded gloves and memory foam insoles in your shoes you will be able to cycle. It seems to be worse on the pressure points of my feet and hands.

Please always remember we are all different. It’s better we have some discomfort and have successful treatment. You may be fine and I am wishing this for you.

Take care

Cheryl

[Bettybuckets in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Cheryl- I was out with my family tonight and fell down hard.. on a dark walkway. Hope my bones didn’t break. Have a pet scan in a few days.

[Contrarielle in reply to Bettybuckets]

Oh no, I hope you are OK. I have just had my first round of capecitabine (it's not the xeloda brand here) and am on rest week. So far so good. I've seen the advice from other ladies here and am trying to be good about moisturising my hands.

[Hidden in reply to Contrarielle]

You really must moisturise hands and feet. I do it twice daily and can hardly walk today my feet are so sore. I’m sure my Xeloda dosage will be reduced next time I see my Consultant.

[Bettybuckets in reply to Contrarielle]

Thanks for worrying about me. The scan will tell all in a few days.

[Hidden in reply to Bettybuckets]

Oh no. It’s so easily done. I really hope you are ok love. Let us know x

[Eliactida1955]

Everyone needs this and I’m glad for you to enjoy life and live. I have done it several times and just went on the Norwegian Jade it Turkey israel and cypress and santorini while spending the whole summer in Greece. I took myself off my oral meds for about 10 days and had a blast wanting to cruise again the end of July. Thank god we are able to do it and we don’t have a crystal ball. We are alive! Stay strong and live life!❤️🙏✝️🌹

[Hidden in reply to Eliactida1955]

Feeling positive vibes from your message and thank you. It was wonderful and hopefully we can cruise part of the Med next year.Best wishes

[Susan1953]

I am so encouraged and happy for you. We all need to enjoy life and live for the cure. I am going to Italy for 2 weeks in October and have not yet discussed my trip with my MDA doctor. I have been on Ibrance 5 years and doing well.

[Hidden in reply to Susan1953]

Ibrance in my opinion is far easier to tolerate than Xeloda. I took it with Letrozole for 30 months. I was also allowed a drug free break whilst taking it. I’m sure you will be fine and really enjoy your holiday.Best wishes

[Adele_Julia]

I can’t wait to get the wound vac off and a final flap put on my right breast area. We’ve been wanting to take a cruise for over 2 years ! Yours sounds magical ! Heart hugs Julia

[Hidden in reply to Adele_Julia]

Hope all goes well Julia. I’m feel,sure time will pass quickly and you will be on a holiday before you know it.Wishing you all the very best.

[Hm50]

So pleased you have had amazing time you so deserve it. I’d love to do this but worry about being able to get insurance. Who did you go with for it?

[Ursula_I in reply to Hm50]

I have this question too! I have been quoted £2400 ish for a train trip to France and Spain with AllClear I do have brain mets, though.

[Hidden in reply to Hm50]

We just went for the cheapest with Staysure and didn’t mention any ailments. We thought we have to take a chance. If you are stable and feel well why mention it. Insurers really do not want to know so why pay exorbitant amounts of money to them. BUT please do what you feel is right. Everyone has different opinions. We just needed to show the Cruise Liner we had some insurance. It wasnt even checked as it’s not their responsibility.Take care

[BluHydrangea]

So happy that you have had a good holiday! It’s so re- hewing to travel after our quarantine and being home for 2 years!

[Totheriver]

That is awesome. Sometimes you just need a break. I took a 5 week break from Ibrance this winter to go to Florida. My oncologist was not too happy but she said it is your body. I needed the mental break as much as the physical one. It did not affect my scans. Theresa

[Hidden in reply to Totheriver]

That’s fantastic and inspires everyone on here xx

[Hidden]

Yay you are back. I missed our texts.So glad you had a lovely time, and that you felt safe.

You have a lot of catch up reading to do.

Hope the hozzie days are short and sweet

Clare x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hugs lovely xx

[viennagirl]

That sounds like an awesome trip Flowerfairies. I hope you can take many more vacations - as they are certainly the spice of life.

My husband and I would like to go for a holiday to some exotic location this winter but I am worried about travel insurance. I am asking around and I did get a reply from Pacific Prime XX and it was reasonably priced at around $800 CDN for us both for basic Emergency Insurance - like breaking a leg etc. But it doesn't cover any pre-existing conditions. Do you know of any company that offers to cover all emergency and all health issues that arise while travelling.

And to make things even scarier the insurance agents enjoyed telling me a scary story. This agent (a man called Antonin LeVesque) said that there is a traveller from Canada in Mexico City right who had a heart attack and is in the hospital and has rung up a bill of $70,000. Does that sound like it is a true story.

My husband thinks we should chance it an just pay for the $800 emergency insurance and not worry about anything to do with our other health issues. He is recovered now but had a stroke last year. And of course I am classed as stage 4 mbc. However, I am now considered NED. I think that means I am symptom free. But that is no comfort when the insurance companies would likely link anything that happened to me to my diagnosis of mbc and anything that happened to my husband would likely be linked to his stroke - even likely a heart attack. This scares me and I just don't want to travel. So I just don't know what to do but sure would love to take a vacation - especially after a wet and soggy winter and spring in British Columbia. Just craving some sunshine. Hugs Marlene

[Hidden]

Insurance Companies always give you the worst senecio. They want to sell you the highest costing policy.You do what you think is best basing it on your health situation. If you are feeling well and everything is stable and your husband is well go for the cheapest option. This is just my opinion though. Other ladies may think otherwise.

I really hope you have a good trip if you book one. Ours was worth every penny/dollar.

I live in the UK so I just wouldn’t be able to recommend an insurance company, I can only tell you what we did.

Best wishes

Cheryl