My mother has been taking the Ibrance & Letrazole treatment since November and I want to take her on a trip to Europe (Italy & Spain) in about 2 weeks but I'm scared something might happen during the trip. She recently got a fever and I took her to the ER but I'm scared she might get sick during the flight or in Europe... I spoke with my mother's oncologist briefly about the trip and she said my mother is okay to travel. I will be speaking with her again in a couple of days but I just want to get an idea and start doing my research.
What should I do if she does get sick (fever) during the flight or in Europe?
Any good traveling medical insurances I can purchase for her?
Any traveling advice and precautions I should take?
I have so many questions but I just want to be prepared incase anything happens.
Kind regards,
Joanna
Written by
jmartineez16
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I'm on Letrozole and going to Japan next week so I've been thinking about the same things! I had blood work done so I know my white blood count and it's not too low now. Has your mom's been checked recently? I'm taking an herbal supplement to boost immunity, also echinacea and vitamin C. On the plane I've been advised to take antibacterial wipes and wipe down my arm rests, tray table, window...basically the whole area around my seat. I know it sounds a bit extreme but then again it's better than getting sick! I also plan to get a box of gauze masks and wear them on the plane....my son is going to decorate them for me! And I'm going to take melatonin and sleep as much as possible so I don't get too tired from jet lag.
As for travel insurance, I always use Allianz. If you buy it when you first book your tickets they will cover pre-existing conditions. Here's the link, you can call and ask about coverage.
I'd suggest planning an easy schedule with plenty of time to rest. And be very flexible so if she does get sick you can just stay in one place until she feels better. Check with her health insurance company about coverage for emergencies.
I hope that helps and i'd love to hear other ideas about staying well while traveling. Have a great trip!
Hi Patty, thank you so much for your response! It was super helpful. I spoke to my mother's oncologist a couple of days ago and she said my mother was fine to travel. I was just concerned because yesterday my mother had a fever and I panicked a little but I will be speaking to the oncologist again just to make sure. Thank you so much for the tips! These are all great ideas.
By chance, could you please tell me what Allianz plan did you purchase? Im not sure which one I should get.
I’m not sure about Allianz but I think we got the mid-range policy. I suggest you check with your mom’s health insurance to see what kind of coverage she has overseas then pick the best policy to fill in the blanks. I’d go for more rather than less coverage if you can afford it, just for the peace of mind. And it’s not a waste of money if you don’t end up needing it, it’s a blessing!
Hi. The first thing is to talk to your doctor and really know if you can make such a long trip. Unfortunately Ibrance is a strong medicine with many side effects. I know that the children want to flatter us with a lot of attention but sometimes we have to wait a bit. This medicine means that many times we do not have enough energy even if we say that we can. Just so you know that a trip can be exhausting. Consult with your doctor. Many carinos that this fight we won 🎀🌺🌹
Hi, jmartineez16! I was on Ibrance and Letrozole for 26 months with low white blood cell and neutrophil counts, but still traveled extensively to Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific. I was fortunate not to get sick, but I've always been a germ phobe and particularly stay away from people who are sneezing and coughing. I think it's helpful to keep a somewhat flexible schedule w/o too many pre-planned, pre-paid activities, so if the urge strikes your mom to take a nap in the park on a warm, sunny afternoon, with you at her side, she can just do that and not worry.
I was always told that if you develop a fever while on Ibrance that you need to go to the hospital, because it can be dangerous. I've always kept that advice in mind.
I agree with the others, however, that you should just go out there and have a good time, while keeping mindful of your mom's energy level. What a good daughter you are to take her on a trip!
Thank you so much for the response Dianne! These are all great tips. I feel a lot better knowing others travel and everything turns out great. Thank you for sharing your experience, it was super helpful! Hugs
You're more than welcome, Joanna! I figure that there's no point in extending my life if I can't live it, at least for a while. I know that every case of cancer is different, but as long as your mom is strong enough to travel, it might lift her spirits to have a new adventure! I will keep you both in my thoughts.
I’m in the UK and found a brilliant travel insurance company called Insurance With
but are you in America?
If mums oncologist is happy for her to travel then do it..maybe you could take some antibiotics with you just in case?
I was diagnosed last year and have been on several flights and regularly go to theatres etc where there are lots of people
and never had a problem
Maybe take antiseptic wipes..masks are a waste of time as are only effective for about 10 minutes...I think you are worried because you care so much but think of just having a brilliant time..if the worst scenario happens then there is excellent healthcare everywhere...not as if you’re going somewhere remote
Hello Barb! Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post! I do live in America but I think I will be purchasing the insurance with Allianz. Thank you for the travel insurance recommendation though! I will ask her doctor about any antibiotics she could take just in case she gets sick. I am so happy to hear that you have been traveling and have not had a problem!! Thats awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience! Hugs
Before you buy trip insurance read the exclusions. You usually have to buy the insurance within 2 weeks of paying for trip to get preexisting conditions covered. I’ve been to Europe several times while on Ibrance. No problems. Frequent hand washing. Wipe down the airplane tray table. There is good medical care in Europe. I wouldn’t worry. Make sure her medical insurance covers her abroad. If not there are travel medical policies you can buy if the trip insurance doesn’t cover it. Again, read the exclusions carefully before you buy a policy, especially as regarding preexisting conditions. Have fun.
Thank you so much Nstonerocks! I've already spoken to an insurance company that will cover her medically but thank you for the advice! Thank you for the tips, I will definitely be doing some of these things. Thank you for sharing your advice! Warm wishes!
Hi, jmartineez16! I should have mentioned that I generally use World Nomads travel insurance and have been very happy with them. I took out a policy with them in the fall of 2016 when it looked like my medical team was going to want me to begin infusion chemo immediately, requiring that I cancel my trip. World Nomads refunded me for the cost of my airfare (my only pre-paid expense) even though I had a pre-existing condition.
Though I see not all agree below, I use anti -viral masks (new one for each flight) and antiseptic wipes to clean my little allocated plane area, and so far have done well on these meds and traveling time to time for nearly three years.
Thank you for your response Kakoburr & thank you for your advice! Its great to hear that you have been doing well on the meds and that you have been traveling! Warm wishes!
What a wonderful thing for you to do for your mother!
If the doctor clears her that is good. Ask the oncologist what you should do in the event of an illness while traveling.
As a Registered nurse, an infectious disease one at that I can tell you your concerns are valid. If your mother's WBC counts are down she is at a higher risk for infection. Probably a good idea to know what the cell counts are as close to your departure date as possible. Check the CD website for traveling for the immunocompromised-travelers:
HANDWASHING IS THE #1 WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF INFECTION. Take plenty of hand sanitizer with you. Take saniwipes as well and avoid touching unclean surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces your mother must touch that are in crowded or densly populated areas (airplane seat/tray) even hotel room. Take a good hand lotion to prevent her hands from getting too dry from frequent handwashing. I would let your mother drink only bottled water or soft drinks. Even ice can contain contaminants. Avoid fresh produce as unwashed or improperly washed produce can carry bacteria that infects the GI tract. We have even seen this problem in 2018 in the USA. You are traveling to areas known for wonderful cuisine. Just saying enjoy your trip be be very mindful of the potential for food borne illnesses. Make sure your mother remains well hydrated. Take medication from home. Like tylenol or ibuprofen so you don't have to try and purchase locally if needed. Check the CDC website for any travel or health advisories to the area you are traveling to. Look at the health care facilities in these areas, (internet), have a plan in place in the event your mother does get ill. Know ahead of time how to call an ambulance or where the nearest hospital is. I would definitely check out travel insurance. Make sure mom gets plenty of rest.
Have fun, make wonderful memories. You will never regret spending this time with your mother. We just lost our dear mother a few weeks ago, not from cancer but just advanced age and general decline.
My husband and I took an Alaska cruise while I was on Letrozole and Zometa. We bought travel insurance when we booked the flight with a travel agent friend who has worked with other people in treatment for cancer. So I suggest travel agents as good people to talk with about travel insurance and medical records. I carried way too many meds with me on that trip! lol Lots of over the counter things I could easily have bought on the trip. I think the suggestions here about handwashing and using antiseptic wipes is good! I don't know about medical care in Italy and Spain but a travel agent might know some good places to call. I hope you and your mom can have a great time on this trip! Enjoy the food! Just thinking about food in Italy makes me smile, and my mouth water!
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