Summer generally is a significant time for household holidays, particular occasions, and much-needed breaks from on a regular basis routines. If you’re receiving radiation remedy, it’s pure to wonder if journey continues to be attainable and the way to do it safely. For many sufferers, summer season journey is achievable with considerate planning, flexibility, and shut communication along with your radiation oncology care crew.
Hear from UAB Department of Radiation Oncology specialists about the way to journey safely whereas staying on monitor with therapy and restoration.
Is journey attainable throughout radiation remedy?
For most sufferers, journey is feasible with precautions in place. The most vital elements are planning, listening to your physique, and being life like about how therapy could have an effect on your power and luxury ranges whereas away.
“Staying hydrated, limiting sun exposure, and avoiding missed treatments are essential,” mentioned Jessie Gross, supervisor of ambulatory providers within the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology.
Radiation oncologists acknowledge that vital journeys and household milestones matter. Early conversations give your care crew the very best alternative to securely alter schedules or enable you resolve on the timing that makes probably the most sense.
“Your doctor understands how important it is to have these experiences, and we will work with you to accommodate your travel plans as much as possible,” mentioned Andrew McDonald, M.D., affiliate professor within the Department of Radiation Oncology.
Managing warmth, solar, and radiation uncomfortable side effects
Summer warmth and humidity can intensify frequent radiation uncomfortable side effects, making cautious planning much more vital.
“These conditions can make side effects like fatigue and skin irritation feel worse,” Gross mentioned. “Patients may feel more tired and overheated more quickly. Radiation-treated skin can burn or become irritated easily in the sun.”
Hydration performs a crucial position not simply throughout therapy, however all through restoration.
“It is important to stay well hydrated while your body is recovering from radiation treatment,” mentioned Hunter Boggs, M.D., affiliate professor within the Department of Radiation Oncology. He additionally advises avoiding direct solar publicity on areas actively receiving radiation, as handled pores and skin is particularly delicate.
Summer actions and water security
“Summer activities don’t have to be avoided completely, but they may need to be limited or done more carefully,” Gross mentioned. Patients ought to keep away from direct solar publicity to the therapy space, tempo themselves, and relaxation when fatigue units in moderately than pushing by exhaustion.
Water-based actions require particular consideration.
“If you have raw areas of skin or open wounds during radiation treatment, it is advisable to avoid submersing in water such as a pool, hot tub, lake, or Gulf,” Boggs mentioned. “Showers or baths in clean water are generally okay, but individual cases should always be discussed with your physician.”
The greatest timing for journey
When you journey, timing can matter simply as a lot as the place you go. Side results typically construct regularly over the course of therapy.
“Side effects often start or get worse about two weeks into radiation treatment,” Gross mentioned. Because of this, some sufferers could discover that journey is simpler earlier in therapy, earlier than signs turn into extra pronounced.
Side results may peak after therapy ends.
“The first two weeks after treatments are finished are often the peak of radiation side effects,” Boggs mentioned.
For sufferers hoping to plan a post-treatment journey, giving your self further restoration time could make an enormous distinction.
“It may be best to wait an additional two to four weeks for a full recovery so you can enjoy your trip more,” McDonald mentioned.
Keeping up with therapy whereas touring
Maintaining a constant therapy schedule is important for radiation remedy to work successfully. Because of this, quick weekend journeys are sometimes simpler to handle since they sometimes don’t intrude with therapy appointments. If longer journey is being thought-about, notifying your care crew properly prematurely permits them that can assist you discover secure choices.
Neither flying nor lengthy automobile journeys are off-limits for many sufferers, however consolation and security ought to information your selections, significantly in scorching climate.
“Make sure you maintain a cool environment with plenty of access to hydration and nutrition,” McDonald mentioned. He additionally encourages sufferers to speak with their physician about particular person medical concerns, reminiscent of the danger of blood clots related to extended sitting throughout journey.
When to think about suspending journey
There are instances when suspending journey stands out as the most secure selection.
“Patients should delay travel if they feel very tired, their symptoms are getting worse, or they are having trouble eating or drinking enough,” Gross mentioned.
Travel must also be reconsidered if uncomfortable side effects would make the journey uncomfortable, unsafe, or overly exhausting.
Talk along with your care crew first
Before making summer season journey plans, communication is essential.
“Patients should talk with their care team about how travel might affect their treatment schedule and whether it is safe for them to go,” Gross mentioned. Conversations ought to embody:
- Expected uncomfortable side effects
• Energy ranges
• Skin care wants
• What to do if signs come up whereas touring
“Try to communicate potential travel plans far in advance to allow your radiation team to best accommodate your schedule in a safe manner,” Boggs mentioned.