vacation plans after rads possible?

cavediver
cavediver Member Posts: 607
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
question: do you think it possible or good idea to plan a rest vacation (no real physical activity) for the week following the end of 5 weeks of rads? I have friends I would like to see, but they will be at this resort the week I finish rads..... it is a 6 hour drive (husband will drive), and I can relax at condo on the ocean...just want to see my friends from far away if possible (they will be diving of course). Anyway, not sure if I should make a reservation for so close to ending the rads. What is your opinion.... again, this is not until first week in November and I do not know what the rad treatement will be like.

Comments

  • MNLynn
    MNLynn Member Posts: 224
    #2
    I did get away the weekend
    I did get away the weekend after I finished rads. I actually didn't get a lot of rest because we drove 3 hrs to go to my kids' college graduation & party. We did a lot of running around for all that . . . plus had the dogs with so had to get them out on walks also.

    I don't know how you'll feel from your rads - I didn't really feel too much fatigue - but, like everyone says - everyone reacts differently.

    What I did do was keep Aquaphor on my skin - then a BIG sterile pad over that - then my bra on top of that.

    I did ok with my trip - and I would think that, if you're not doing the driving and can relax as much as you want once you get there - that you'd be ok, too.

    Probably a good idea to check with your rad onc, though.

    Hope you can take the trip & enjoy!!!!!

    ♥ Lynn ♥
  • Pinkpower
    Pinkpower Member Posts: 437
    #3
    Just like Lynn said,
    Just like Lynn said, everyone reacts diff to rad. I was not too tire or Fatigued my worst experience on the 5th wk (I had 6 wks total) I got very burned and swollen under my arm and I was in a lot of pain. Dr gve me a wk off and by the time I finish the lst wk it was all better. If I would have had an opportunity to go away for a few days after rad I would have. It'll depend how you feel.
    Lupe
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #4
    I think it would definately
    I think it would definately be possible and would be something very positive to look forward to. I believe you are in the midst of chemo treatments right now and if you experienced any problems that delayed chemo that would also delay rads. There would then be the chance, hopefully very slim, that you wouldn't have rads completed in time. With that said, if you are tolerating chemo just fine there may be no concern for it being delayed. I didn't have much fatigue with rads and would have been ready, willing and able to take such a trip as you are snticipating. Also, considering your occupation and the amount of time you spend in the sun, I can't imagine that your skin will have a big problem with the rads. You may want to double check with your docs before making this commitment though. Just my opinion.
  • cavediver
    cavediver Member Posts: 607
    #5
    MyTurnNow said:

    I think it would definately
    I think it would definately be possible and would be something very positive to look forward to. I believe you are in the midst of chemo treatments right now and if you experienced any problems that delayed chemo that would also delay rads. There would then be the chance, hopefully very slim, that you wouldn't have rads completed in time. With that said, if you are tolerating chemo just fine there may be no concern for it being delayed. I didn't have much fatigue with rads and would have been ready, willing and able to take such a trip as you are snticipating. Also, considering your occupation and the amount of time you spend in the sun, I can't imagine that your skin will have a big problem with the rads. You may want to double check with your docs before making this commitment though. Just my opinion.

    once again...thanks
    well, I think I will make the reservation.........hope all goes well and on schedule and I can make the short road trip and have something to look forward to. If I get off schedule for any reason, I could cancel the reservations 72 hours in advance without penalty. So, reservations to be made in this resort condo on the ocean with wifi....it is something to look forward to I guess........even if it gets cancelled at last minute...for now I will have something to look forward to. Once again, I am so glad I found this site and have sisters to ask of their experiences and input, and support.
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #6
    GO FOR IT!
    My hubby and I took off 4 days after my last radiation treatment..He had planned this as a surprise for me......I was more than ready to "get out of Dodge!"..We drove 10 hours, well he drove, I read, slept and ate......We went to visit my family.......it was wonderful......I was more than relaxed being around loved ones....plus they treated me like a Queen! I actually came home after a week, feeling relaxed and ready to start my "new life!"

    If you go, I hope you have a FANTASTIC TIME....you deserve it...pamper yourself among those who mean much to you.......

    Peace be with you
  • cavediver
    cavediver Member Posts: 607
    #7
    MAJW said:

    GO FOR IT!
    My hubby and I took off 4 days after my last radiation treatment..He had planned this as a surprise for me......I was more than ready to "get out of Dodge!"..We drove 10 hours, well he drove, I read, slept and ate......We went to visit my family.......it was wonderful......I was more than relaxed being around loved ones....plus they treated me like a Queen! I actually came home after a week, feeling relaxed and ready to start my "new life!"

    If you go, I hope you have a FANTASTIC TIME....you deserve it...pamper yourself among those who mean much to you.......

    Peace be with you

    I am stoked now....something to look forward to.... I am not used to being in one place so long....life of travel has changed with this journey. So, I will dream of getting away to see my friends (and come out of the C-closet to them)..... thanks for the encouragement!
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #8
    cavediver said:

    I am stoked now....something to look forward to.... I am not used to being in one place so long....life of travel has changed with this journey. So, I will dream of getting away to see my friends (and come out of the C-closet to them)..... thanks for the encouragement!

    You GO girl !!!
    Glad you've made your reservations and are ready to do. Last year I finished rads the first part of August and went to visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons in Connecticut 2 weeks later. I was tired ... and still and some discoloration ... and still bald from chemo ... but I went ... and had a wonderful time. I was very careful to stay covered up when we when outside since the radiation oncologist told me I could still be "cooking" for 2-3 weeks after treatment. I took some naps and went to bed early ... but still able to visit with my grandsons ...

    Have a great time ...

    hugs.
    teena
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    #9
    tgf said:

    You GO girl !!!
    Glad you've made your reservations and are ready to do. Last year I finished rads the first part of August and went to visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandsons in Connecticut 2 weeks later. I was tired ... and still and some discoloration ... and still bald from chemo ... but I went ... and had a wonderful time. I was very careful to stay covered up when we when outside since the radiation oncologist told me I could still be "cooking" for 2-3 weeks after treatment. I took some naps and went to bed early ... but still able to visit with my grandsons ...

    Have a great time ...

    hugs.
    teena

    Go for it
    Enjoy and celebrate YOU. I just finished wish I could vacation, but low on funds right now, but then again I live in a place where alot of people come to vacation.
  • meena1
    meena1 Member Posts: 1,003
    #10
    ms.sunshine said:

    Go for it
    Enjoy and celebrate YOU. I just finished wish I could vacation, but low on funds right now, but then again I live in a place where alot of people come to vacation.

    I just posted how a trip to
    I just posted how a trip to the beach is so relaxing, I think you should do it. I have been going to the beach and I am on chemo. i think that there is healing in the salt air and salt water. Many years ago, sick people were sent to the beach to heal, doctors believed that the salt air and salt were good for you. I say this is a definite yes, as long as you just relax there. I think that you will find great peace
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #11
    cavediver said:

    once again...thanks
    well, I think I will make the reservation.........hope all goes well and on schedule and I can make the short road trip and have something to look forward to. If I get off schedule for any reason, I could cancel the reservations 72 hours in advance without penalty. So, reservations to be made in this resort condo on the ocean with wifi....it is something to look forward to I guess........even if it gets cancelled at last minute...for now I will have something to look forward to. Once again, I am so glad I found this site and have sisters to ask of their experiences and input, and support.

    Sure, you should go! Just
    Sure, you should go! Just NO sun for you!


    Hugs, Angie
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #12
    meena1 said:

    I just posted how a trip to
    I just posted how a trip to the beach is so relaxing, I think you should do it. I have been going to the beach and I am on chemo. i think that there is healing in the salt air and salt water. Many years ago, sick people were sent to the beach to heal, doctors believed that the salt air and salt were good for you. I say this is a definite yes, as long as you just relax there. I think that you will find great peace

    just remember to watch the
    just remember to watch the sun. I was very tired when finishing chemo (tough time) and rads but felt much better with rads then chemo. so I would have gone and done fine. It is the best medicine to have something to look forward to . be around friends, relax, and get back to your "familiar" life. just remember you may not have the energy you are used to but this will get better.
  • Wolfi
    Wolfi Member Posts: 425
    #13
    Enough rest
    Make sure to also get enough rest while you are going through rads. For me I didn't get that tired until about 1/2 way through my treatment but my fatigue lasted for many weeks after I finished. It's good that you will be able to see your friends from far away but remember that even just staying up late talking could wear you out. Take naps when you feel tired and have a great vacation!
  • m-star
    m-star Member Posts: 441
    #14
    Wolfi said:

    Enough rest
    Make sure to also get enough rest while you are going through rads. For me I didn't get that tired until about 1/2 way through my treatment but my fatigue lasted for many weeks after I finished. It's good that you will be able to see your friends from far away but remember that even just staying up late talking could wear you out. Take naps when you feel tired and have a great vacation!

    im sure it will be something
    im sure it will be something lovely to look forward to!

    But keep covered from the sun and if you DO go out,put on plenty of sunblock and cover the radiated areas fully. After rads you are never meant to sunbathe again as the risk of skin cancer is increased and your skin will be alot more sensitive to the suns rays.

    Aww your hubby's a star doing the driving. Maybe take a soft pillow for under the seatbelt if its a long journey and your skin is sore.

    You'll only be relaxing so it doesn't matter where you do that! At home or on vacation!

    Have a wonderful trip =)
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #15
    Go for it!
    Have fun!

    The only suggestions I can think of are to be careful of the sun, if you have any open areas from rad burns stay out of the water and don't wear yourself out trying to do everything you would have done pre-BC. Go and have a ball!

    Susan
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #16
    Rague said:

    Go for it!
    Have fun!

    The only suggestions I can think of are to be careful of the sun, if you have any open areas from rad burns stay out of the water and don't wear yourself out trying to do everything you would have done pre-BC. Go and have a ball!

    Susan

    I sure hope it all works out for you .. cavediver
    It sounds that you know your body and limitations very well. All I can say is ask your Onc, weight the pro's and con's.

    Take pictures so we can all live vicariously thru them.


    Vicki Sam
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #17
    VickiSam said:

    I sure hope it all works out for you .. cavediver
    It sounds that you know your body and limitations very well. All I can say is ask your Onc, weight the pro's and con's.

    Take pictures so we can all live vicariously thru them.


    Vicki Sam

    My husband took me on a
    My husband took me on a wonderful vacation to celebrate the end of rads. You should go!

    It was so helpful, so relaxing, just what I needed.

    Like everyone said though, stay out of the sun. Have fun!


    Hugs, Diane

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