Transportation

Reddie
Reddie Member Posts: 72
edited March 2014 in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
Does anybody have experience driving to and from the hospital during the rounds of chemo?
I wasn't sure if it is safe to drive especially after the chemotherapy. I only live about 10 minutes from the hospital.The social worker said that ACS can provide free transportation if they can find volunteers to give me rides or take the taxi with their expense if approved.

Comments

  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #2
    I COULD have driven myself about half of the time, only HALF.
    My husband always drove me to and from chemo because he wanted to be there in case I had a reaction and because he quickly made friends with other caregivers and patients and it became a social outlet for him. I felt silly sometimes because I could easily have driven myself many times. But there were times when my hemoglobin was low when I truly believe that I would have been a hazard behind the wheel, as I sometimes felt 'whifty' and almost faint when my red counts were low, but most certainly I was not functioning at 100%. Then I DID need a ride. If anyone asks you "What can I do to help?" or says "I wish there was something I could do to help", please be sure and tell them about needing transportation. If they can't help you personally, I'll bet there's a church group or social club that would step up and help you. And check into the ACS transportation, just in case. You may not have low blood counts and may be able to drive yourself safely that short distance. But you'll want to have a plan in place for when (if) your counts drop or you are nauseated and know, for the safety of others, that you shouldn't be behind the wheel. ((((Reddie))))
  • Reddie
    Reddie Member Posts: 72
    #3
    lindaprocopio said:

    I COULD have driven myself about half of the time, only HALF.
    My husband always drove me to and from chemo because he wanted to be there in case I had a reaction and because he quickly made friends with other caregivers and patients and it became a social outlet for him. I felt silly sometimes because I could easily have driven myself many times. But there were times when my hemoglobin was low when I truly believe that I would have been a hazard behind the wheel, as I sometimes felt 'whifty' and almost faint when my red counts were low, but most certainly I was not functioning at 100%. Then I DID need a ride. If anyone asks you "What can I do to help?" or says "I wish there was something I could do to help", please be sure and tell them about needing transportation. If they can't help you personally, I'll bet there's a church group or social club that would step up and help you. And check into the ACS transportation, just in case. You may not have low blood counts and may be able to drive yourself safely that short distance. But you'll want to have a plan in place for when (if) your counts drop or you are nauseated and know, for the safety of others, that you shouldn't be behind the wheel. ((((Reddie))))

    Thanks!
    Thanks for the input! I can at least prepare myself to ask for help to get a ride. The social worker at Fox Chase Cancer Center had said that she can find someone to give me a ride unless I ask for. I learn that ACS has a program that includes volunteers to provide free transportation to and from the treatments. Thanks! Linda
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #4
    Reddie said:

    Thanks!
    Thanks for the input! I can at least prepare myself to ask for help to get a ride. The social worker at Fox Chase Cancer Center had said that she can find someone to give me a ride unless I ask for. I learn that ACS has a program that includes volunteers to provide free transportation to and from the treatments. Thanks! Linda

    Another reason to have someone drive you
    I too have been lucky enough to have my husband take me to all of my treatments. That way he felt like he was doing something ( which he feels so helpless). He too wanted to be there in case I had a reaction to the chemo, which I did in two of my three treatments. So I was somewhat glad he was there, but then he worried more that I would have more reactions.
    The reason you might not want to drive yourself is because of the premedication you get with the chemo. Most of the times it includes Benadryl and you may be drowsy from that medication. I know our ACS advertises that they provide free transportation. Like Linda said friends always say I wish I could do something for you. They could drive you or pick you up. Some people use this as a special time to visit with family or friends. They make a day out of it and go for lunch or supper afterwards. Unfortunately my chemo days are 8 - 9 hours long because they have to give the drugs so slowly. I hope you are able to tolerate the drugs at the usual rate and have a short day of it. Good luck to you.
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #5
    Driving
    At the Cancer Institute I went to, they made it very clear that I could NOT drive myself home. Because of the pre-treatment drugs, they did not feel it was safe....and I have to admit, sometimes, I was a bit "wobbly". There are so many wonderful people out there who are wanting to help....take them up on that offer!! Karen
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #6
    kkstef said:

    Driving
    At the Cancer Institute I went to, they made it very clear that I could NOT drive myself home. Because of the pre-treatment drugs, they did not feel it was safe....and I have to admit, sometimes, I was a bit "wobbly". There are so many wonderful people out there who are wanting to help....take them up on that offer!! Karen

    Ativan
    I got Ativan and Benadryl as pre meds to my chemo. I was always so sleepy that I am glad my husband was able to take me to my treatments. There are even some things that my family talks about during treatment that I really only vaquely remember. I think having someone drive you to and from treatment is a really good idea.
  • Reddie
    Reddie Member Posts: 72
    #7
    deanna14 said:

    Ativan
    I got Ativan and Benadryl as pre meds to my chemo. I was always so sleepy that I am glad my husband was able to take me to my treatments. There are even some things that my family talks about during treatment that I really only vaquely remember. I think having someone drive you to and from treatment is a really good idea.

    driving
    Thanks for all of your comments. I will ask someone or call my social worker to provide me transportation to and from the treatment. At least I don't have to worry about driving. Thanks! Reddie
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #8
    Reddie said:

    driving
    Thanks for all of your comments. I will ask someone or call my social worker to provide me transportation to and from the treatment. At least I don't have to worry about driving. Thanks! Reddie

    ; )
    You are so welcome... that is why we are all here!
  • MaryAnnOnTheBay
    MaryAnnOnTheBay Member Posts: 20
    #9
    deanna14 said:

    ; )
    You are so welcome... that is why we are all here!

    I drove.
    I have always driven except for the first chemo. 45 minutes in city traffic and freeway. Sometimes I fell asleep during chemo with the benedryl, but I didn't feel drunk on the way home. But I think it's a good idea to get a ride if you can. Mary Ann on San Francisco Bay
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    #10
    MaryAnnOnTheBay said:

    I drove.
    I have always driven except for the first chemo. 45 minutes in city traffic and freeway. Sometimes I fell asleep during chemo with the benedryl, but I didn't feel drunk on the way home. But I think it's a good idea to get a ride if you can. Mary Ann on San Francisco Bay

    I drove too!!
    Hi All,

    I didn't drive the first 2 times but I asked the chemo nurses about driving after receiveing benedryl and whatever else they gave me and each nurse said I would be OK. My chemo took 6-7 hours to complete - so at the end I was alert and could drive without a problem.

    I guess it would depend on how far you need to drive and your reaction to the treatment.

    Best wishes. Mary Ann in SW Florida
  • Reddie
    Reddie Member Posts: 72
    #11
    daisy366 said:

    I drove too!!
    Hi All,

    I didn't drive the first 2 times but I asked the chemo nurses about driving after receiveing benedryl and whatever else they gave me and each nurse said I would be OK. My chemo took 6-7 hours to complete - so at the end I was alert and could drive without a problem.

    I guess it would depend on how far you need to drive and your reaction to the treatment.

    Best wishes. Mary Ann in SW Florida

    How far?
    I live about 10 minutes from the treatment so that's good news that I don't need to drive so far. I think it's best for me to have someone drive me for the first two chemos then I'll can decide whether I can drive alone or not but for sure my fiance' will help me to drive on my second treatment. He's from Michigan so I'm looking forward to see him. Hugs, Reddie
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    #12
    Reddie said:

    How far?
    I live about 10 minutes from the treatment so that's good news that I don't need to drive so far. I think it's best for me to have someone drive me for the first two chemos then I'll can decide whether I can drive alone or not but for sure my fiance' will help me to drive on my second treatment. He's from Michigan so I'm looking forward to see him. Hugs, Reddie

    About 12-14 miles, I think.
    About 12-14 miles, I think. I think that's a good idea about rides at first to see how you react to the meds. I usually had a back up plan to call someone if I needed a ride home.

    Mary Ann
  • cathyK
    cathyK Member Posts: 93
    #13
    transportation
    I live 1 1/2 hr away from the hospital that is if there is no traffic, I get medical transport via social services, I do not have any friends who could drive me back and forth, I go tuesday and stay over at the hospital hospitality house over night then second chemo and home wedensday ,
    it is good to have this , save on gas, and worry of falling asleep.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #14
    cathyK said:

    transportation
    I live 1 1/2 hr away from the hospital that is if there is no traffic, I get medical transport via social services, I do not have any friends who could drive me back and forth, I go tuesday and stay over at the hospital hospitality house over night then second chemo and home wedensday ,
    it is good to have this , save on gas, and worry of falling asleep.

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #15
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Does anyone know what happened to Reddie? Did anyone get her email address?
  • kkstef
    kkstef Member Posts: 688 Member
    #16
    deanna14 said:

    Does anyone know what happened to Reddie? Did anyone get her email address?

    No...I haven't heard anything. I did do a post a short time ago looking for her, but haven't heard. Am praying that she is doing o.k. but just caught up in all of the "stuff" that goes along with chemo!

    Prayers and postive thoughts are going her way!

    Karen
  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
    #17
    kkstef said:

    No...I haven't heard anything. I did do a post a short time ago looking for her, but haven't heard. Am praying that she is doing o.k. but just caught up in all of the "stuff" that goes along with chemo!

    Prayers and postive thoughts are going her way!

    Karen

    Me too!
    I always worry when people are so active on the board and then they just disappear. I'm a worrier! LOL. I pray that she is doing okay and tolerating her chemo....

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