Being told you have cancer can be one of the scariest and worst days of your lives. But there is always hope. Just because you currently have cancer, or are in remission, does not mean that you can’t visit your loved ones or travel around the world. Regardless of whether you are currently undergoing treatment for the big C, or have completed it and put it behind you, then you can still get out there. Learning how to make yourself safe whilst traveling is the key to success.
1. Get your medical records.
Before going anywhere, you should get in touch with your doctor to obtain a physical copy of your medical record, that you can have with you, wherever you go. If you are on your trip and an emergency arises, the medical center you visit may not be able to use its computers to access your personal medical records. Therefore, it is a good idea, particularly for cancer patients, to have a physical copy at hand, to give to the doctors, nurses and clinicians in attendence. As most patients know, your medical information is protected by HIPPA and can only be released from your doctor’s office with handwritten consent. If you are not sure what specific records to bring with you, at the very least, you should bring a list of your current and past cancer treatments. It is also important to remember any EKG’s and notes your doctors may have given you at each treatment session or appointment. When heading out on a trip it is also important to give a copy of your records to a family member. This can be your ICE (in case of an emergency) contact. Most smartphones allow your ICE to be contacted even if your phone is locked. You may also be able to use telemedicine which, when used in oncology, helps patients to avoid a hospital trip or making unnecessary in-person visits to the doctors for treatments or checkups. Cancer care telemedicine is a great option, especially if you are planning a vacation. Contact your caregiver for more details.
2. You can bring your home with you.
If you are worried about heading out to hotels and restaurants while you’re traveling, (and especially during these uncertain times of COVID-19,) then why not try renting a motorhome? Choosing to travel the open road in a motorhome is a great way to keep yourself safe since it already has most of your requirements on board. Most trailers and RVs come with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, so you shouldn’t have to interact with that many other people, if you prefer not to. Good Sam Extended Service Plan reviews well as an insurance policy, which is something that must also be considered when renting an RV. Their extended service plans will give you roadside assistance if at any time you find yourself needing it. This company is the oldest and largest insurance policy provider nationwide, so you can feel at ease knowing you will be safe and healthy. Not to mention the cost of renting an RV is usually way lower than what you would pay for your hotel stay. Traveling in a mobile home is particularly economical especially if you have bills piling up from your cancer treatments. If you are on a strict diet or do not have a huge appetite after the chemo, having a place to cook on board will help you feel more at ease, allowing you peace of mind to enjoy your time off. You and your family can also stop the camper wherever and whenever you want, to make sure to take in the surroundings and there is a substantial RV community that is out there to assist with all things camper-related.
3. Make sure to listen to your body.
Each patient knows what their own body can take, and you should always listen to the warning signs it tries to give you. If you start to feel worn down, then rest. If you are hungry, then eat. It is perfectly okay if you feel like canceling part of a trip, if the side effects of a treatment plan get on top of you. Sometimes, it would make more sense to skip an excursion if you are tired, and go when you are feeling more up to it. The most important thing for cancer patients is peace of mind. Canceling doesn’t have to be a permanent thing, you may even get a good deal on a future trip! The world isn’t going anywhere, just go at your own pace. However, if your body is not sounding any alarms before you set off, don’t forget to keep an ear out for any during the traveling too. Try your best to be mindful of the sun as some treatments can leave you prone to sunburn. If you stick to your well-balanced meals and keep hydrated there should be no stopping you on your adventures.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Health category
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