There was a time when I could throw a bag together, book a flight, and set off on an adventure without a second thought. Traveling was exhilarating, spontaneous, and, most importantly, easy. But after cancer diagnosis, my reality shifted. Now, I navigate the world while on endocrine and targeted therapy, with the added challenge of lymphedema.
Planning a trip while undergoing treatment is a different kind of journey. There’s the excitement of getting away, of course, but also the practical worries that creep in. What if I get fatigued? Will my medication cause side effects mid-flight? How will I manage my lymphedema in a different climate? And then there’s the added challenge of securing travel insurance, something I never thought twice about before but is now a hurdle when traveling abroad while undergoing cancer treatment. The unknowns can feel overwhelming, but I refuse to let them keep me from experiencing the joy of travel.
A smooth trip starts with good preparation. While I used to thrive on spontaneity, I’ve learned that planning ahead makes all the difference in my new normal. Now, I research everything; flight durations, accessibility, climate, and even nearby toilets and medical facilities (just in case). My packing list includes all the usual travel essentials, plus:
✈️ Medication & Prescriptions: I carry enough for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Everything goes in my carry-on… lesson learned!
🧤 Compression Garment: Flying with lymphedema means my glove, sleeve and compression bra are non-negotiable. I put them on before take-off and do gentle hand exercises throughout the flight.
💧 Hydration & Snacks: Air travel is dehydrating, and my body is more sensitive to changes now. I bring a refillable water bottle and healthy snacks to keep my energy up.
🛏️ Comfort Items: A travel pillow, soft scarf (great for chilly airports or sun protection), and hand cream for my lymphedema-prone skin.
🧴 Disinfecting Supplies: Hand sanitizer and wipes help reduce the risk of picking up unwanted germs while traveling.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent: If my destination has a warm climate, I always bring repellent to avoid bites. My immune system isn’t what it used to be, and insect bites can lead to infections, which is especially concerning with lymphedema. Protecting my skin is crucial to preventing flare-ups and complications.
☀️ Sun Block: My skin is more sensitive post-treatment, so I always pack a high-SPF sunscreen to protect against sunburn and skin damage.
One of the hardest adjustments has been giving myself grace and learning to manage my excitement. It’s tempting to push myself to do everything, to make up for lost time, but I’ve come to realize that overdoing it only sets me back. I remind myself that slowing down doesn’t mean missing out, it means making the most of each experience. So I travel with care and intention:
⏳ Pacing Myself: I schedule rest days between activities and listen to my body, even if it means skipping an excursion.
🏨 Choosing Accommodations Wisely: I stay somewhere central, reducing long walks or exhausting commutes.
🛬 Building in Recovery Time: If I have a long flight, I plan a quiet first day to adjust and recover.
Traveling post-treatment brings up a mix of emotions; joy, gratitude, anxiety, and even grief for the old ease of adventure. But I remind myself that while cancer changed me, it didn’t take away my love for exploring. I travel not to escape but to embrace life, to create new memories with the people I love, and to prove to myself that I am still capable.
Every trip is a win, a reminder that I am more than a cancer patient. I am a traveller, an adventurer, and someone who refuses to let cancer define my limits. So, I book the flight, pack my bags (with a little extra care), and step out into the world, one journey at a time.
I’ve compiled a list of products that really helped me manage my symptoms on the "Products That Helped" page. That being said, I know everyone's journey is unique, so what worked for me might not be the right choice for you. Always check in with your oncology team to get advice that’s personalized to your needs.
I’d love to hear about your experiences traveling after a major life change. How do you navigate those mixed emotions, and what’s been your most memorable journey?
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