how to help loved one traveling for cancer treatment

Offer to drive them somewhere Chemo and other cancer treatment can make patients feel ill, exhausted, and otherwise unable to drive. An offer to shuttle your loved one to appointments, the store, the pharmacy, and other places can be a necessity.

Full Answer

How can I help a cancer patient or loved one?

Cancer patients and caregivers are still people, and they want to see you, talk to you and laugh with you. 2. Listen. Ask questions to show you care, but let your friend or loved one lead the conversation. 3. Pray.

What to do when someone you care about has terminal cancer?

When you find out someone you care about has terminal cancer, it can be a shock. You may need a bit of time to process your feelings and think about the best way to support the person. Everyone is different, and each person will deal with a terminal diagnosis of cancer in their own way.

What to say to a friend who has cancer?

However, if the person with cancer indicates they want people to be positive, then do that. Bring as much joy, laughter, and love into the journey as possible. 26. Offer to help with logistical tasks Getting one’s affairs in order is a necessary and arduous task.

How do I get Over my fear of cancer?

Talk to your friend or loved one like you did before. Tell jokes, talk about what’s going on in the neighborhood or at your kids’ school, favorite TV shows, etc. This can briefly help take patients’ minds off of cancer.

How can I help someone with cancer long distance?

Send handwritten letters, cards or a care package. A personal note or card is a great way to let a friend know you care. Or make your friend's life a little easier by sending a care package. Include magazines, restaurant gift cards, hats, blankets or any other gifts your friend might appreciate.

Can you travel while undergoing cancer treatment?

Air travel during chemotherapy may not always be safe. But, depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may give you clearance to fly. Talk to your doctor first before booking any flights.

How can I help someone going through chemo while on Covid?

17 ways to support a friend or family member with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemicPractice good hand hygiene. ... Help with the grocery shopping and other necessities. ... Schedule video chat or phone “dates.” By putting it on the schedule, you'll give both of you something to look forward to.More items...•

How do you travel with cancer?

If you have cancer and plan to travel, do these 5 things before you get out your suitcase:Make a doctor's appointment. ... Get your medical records. ... Review your medications. ... Find the manufacturer's card for your implantable medical device. ... Learn how to protect yourself from infection.

Can a cancer patient travel long distance?

For many people with cancer, traveling a long distance to receive treatment is a necessity. Health care providers may be spread across multiple hospitals and offices, and the specialists you need may be hours away from home.

Do airlines give discounts for cancer patients?

Angel Airlines for Cancer Patients Angel Airlines provides free or reduced commercial airline tickets for cancer patients and their families in need. Patients must express a financial need in order to participate in this program, as well as provide their doctor's certification that there is a medical need.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•

What do you put in a chemo Care Package?

Cancer Care Package IdeasWarm blankets and socks. Clinics and hospitals — where chemotherapy is administered — are often chilly, so blankets and warm socks can make your loved one more comfortable. ... Moisturizers and lip balm. ... Headwear and/or salon gift cards. ... Snacks and water. ... Entertainment. ... Inspiration.

Can you hug someone going through chemo?

You are reading this because you or someone you are caring for is receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is strong medicine used to fight cancer. While taking chemotherapy, it is safe to touch other people (including hugging or kissing).

Can a cancer patient get travel insurance?

You can get insurance coverage even if you have cancer. But it will definitely be hard for you to travel on a whim and buy travel insurance at the last minute. Plan ahead, and take the time to shop around.

Can I go on vacation during chemo?

It's OK to get away and do something fun even while you're in the very serious process of cancer treatment. “People who are undergoing cancer treatment need vacations just as do people who are not,” says Snyder.

Can you have visitors during chemotherapy?

On treatment days, family and friends can often come with you. However, some treatment centers only allow patients in the infusion area and visitors may need to stay in the waiting room. You are the only person who should be exposed to the chemo you are getting, but it can be irritating if it gets on your skin.

What to do when someone is in cancer treatment?

Cook, clean, mow the lawn, wash the laundry and/or dishes, make sure the bills get paid, get the kids dressed for school, walk the dog and do all of the things that the person in cancer treatment would normally do to keep life going for the rest of the family. Bring a cup of tea or coffee and stop by for a visit.

How to help a cancer patient who doesn't want to be treated differently?

Talk to your friend or loved one like you did before. Tell jokes, talk about what’s going on in the neighborhood or at your kids’ school, favorite TV shows, etc. This can briefly help take patients’ minds off of cancer.

How to help a cancer patient with stress?

Take them to school or sports practice, help with homework, or have them over for a slumber party or playdate. This can help take their minds off of cancer, and ease their parents’ stress. Knit a cap or scarf. Pray. This gives many patients the courage to face another day. Just sit with them and listen.

How to help a cancer patient who doesn't feel like talking?

Instead, listen to the patient’s concerns, acknowledge that cancer sucks and offer a shoulder to cry on. And if the patient doesn’t feel like talking, sit there with them quietly. There is a lot of power in simply being present.

How to help a caregiver with stress?

Give the primary caregiver a break. Go to doctor’s appointments in the caregiver’s place, help out with the kids or pets, organize medications, or send the patient’s spouse, parent or child off for massage or a night or weekend to unwind . This can ease the caregiver’s stress, and give him or her the energy to keep going.

How to avoid straining your immune system?

Avoid straining your immune system by taking steps to minimize your chances of infection and injury. Drink only bottled water and eat only well-cooked, hot food at reputable establishments. Eating well-balanced meals can be tricky when traveling, especially if the food in your destination is distasteful to you.

Can you travel with cancer?

Traveling with Cancer. Throughout your experience with cancer you will have reason to travel, perhaps for treatment itself, and probably for work and pleasure too. The good news is that many cancer patients are able to travel comfortably and safely as long as they take proper precautions and use common sense.

Can you fly with cancer?

If traveling by plane, you may have an elevated risk of blood clots (always a risk when flying) due to your cancer. Make sure to get up and walk around at least once every hour while on the plane to increase your circulation. Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin or other medication to thin your blood before the flight. If you are severely anemic due to your cancer, get permission from your doctor before flying or visiting high-altitude locations.

Can cancer make you tired?

Cancer and cancer treatment may make you tired, weak, nauseated and more. Meaning you may be less able to pack activities into every moment of a day. Don't overschedule. Traveling with cancer will require some basic steps to ensure your comfort and safety.

What does it mean to give a gift to someone who is going through chemotherapy?

Receiving thoughtful gifts can light up someone’s day. Gift-giving shows that you are thinking about the person and that you care. Sending a creative gift or a care package especially when someone is going through chemotherapy can make all the difference.

What are some difficult conversations with cancer patients?

Have difficult conversations. Depending on the situation, difficult conversations can include end-of-life planning and estate planning. For someone diagnosed with cancer, there can be treatment decisions that require support and sometimes advice.

What happens when you get cancer?

When someone receives a diagnosis of cancer, the range and intensity of emotions can be overwhelming. Controlling your own emotions may be difficult, but your emotional stability is what your family member needs now . When we are upset, angry, or confused, we look to others to give us an emotional anchor to hold on to.

How to keep yourself on track?

Meanwhile, your loved one or friend may be lonely and suffering. One way to keep yourself on track is to schedule a time to call with your support. Possible ways to do this are an alert on your phone or schedule on a calendar.

Why is it important to listen to your family?

Listening is sometimes the best thing you can do for your family member. This allows them to feel heard, understood and valued. By listening, you will get a much better understanding of what your loved one is feeling and what they need.

What are the issues that come up when someone has cancer?

When someone is dealing with cancer, several issues can come up. These include treatment decisions, estate planning documents, or finding healthcare providers. As a way of suggesting your support, ask about helping with these matters.

Can cancer patients neglect their daily tasks?

For a person who has cancer, everyday tasks can get neglected. The house may not get cleaned, lawn care is deferred and even primary caregiver duties can be strained. You may want to propose helping to arrange for these services from a distance.

How to get rid of cancer in the body?

So take extra care with your mental, physical, and emotional health. Watch for infection. Both cancer and the treatment for it can lower your body’s immune defenses. Stay away from people who may be sick. Wash your hands often, and ask others around you to wash, too.

How to keep a person safe from other people?

Carry hand a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol or disinfecting wipes. Pack disposable gloves and wear face masks whenever you’re around others. Keep 6 feet or more from other people inside and outside. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

What to bring to a hospital?

Bring everyday items like your eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, or a walking cane. Also pack bathroom essentials like a toothbrush, alcohol-free mouthwash, and unscented lotion. Many hospital shops sell these items if you forget or don’t have room in your luggage. Electronics and entertainment.

Does Hope Lodge offer free lodging?

Many cancer-focused advocacy groups may offer discounted or free lodging, airfare, gas cards, and bus or train tickets. The American Cancer Society, for example, operates Hope Lodge in more than 30 cities where people with cancer and their caregivers can stay free when they need out-of-town treatments. Pagination.

Can you travel to a cancer clinic?

If you have cancer, you sometimes may need to travel out of town for your treatments. Your local hospital may not offer the therapy you need. Or you may want to try a treatment that you can get only at a certain clinic. Studies have found that getting care at research hospitals or at high-volume cancer centers may lengthen survival times.

Can you check your medication when flying?

Never check your medication when flying, and use a cooling bag if necessary. Paperwork and documents. Your new treatment center may not have your complete medical records. So it’s best to arrive prepared. Bring your: Medical and prescription insurance cards. Copies of your living will or advance directives.

How to help someone with cancer?

12. Maintain some normalcy. Remember, people with cancer aren't just cancer patients, and they don't want to be treated differently. 13. Stay positive. 14. Give them a roll of quarters for the hospital vending machines, or give them a bag of their favorite snacks.

How to help a cancer patient?

Visit. Cancer patients and caregivers are still people, and they want to see you, talk to you and laugh with you. 2. Listen. Ask questions to show you care, but let your friend or loved one lead the conversation. 3. Pray.

How to listen to someone who has cancer?

Simply listening to someone with cancer may sound easy, but is oftentimes surprisingly hard. We want to make things better. We want to fix things. But a listening ear is often what “helps” the most. Let your loved one express his feelings, even if those feelings make you uncomfortable. You can be fairly certain that if your loved one brings up a difficult topic, such as dying, he has been thinking about it for a while. Allow him the opportunity to have the comfort of sharing. Don’t judge, don’t interrupt, and listen with your eyes and body, not only your ears.

How to express love after chemotherapy?

Affirm him. Praise his efforts. Even if all he can do after a round of chemotherapy is brush his teeth, let him know he is special and valued.

How to express caring to a loved one?

Attending appointments with your loved one can express your caring in many ways. Hospitals and clinics can be frightening places and waiting can be excruciating. Bring a notepad. Ask questions. Take notes. But make sure to allow your loved one to make her own decisions.

Is it important to keep a positive attitude when you have cancer?

Rather, it's important for your loved one to express negative emotions with a trusted friend or family member and to release them.

What to do when you have cancer?

Bring takeout from your loved one’s favorite restaurant or cook up a big batch of their most-loved dish. Keep in mind that cancer treatment can cause changes in appetite and/or taste, so it may be a good idea to ask what foods they currently enjoy. “Bring them their favorite food.

How to show support to a loved one?

Try simple, special gestures. Give them something to look forward to. Respect their boundaries. Love them. 1. Stay in Touch with Them. Make sure to visit your loved one, whether they’re in the hospital or at home. Showing up is always a worthy sign of support.

What is a caring bridge?

CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with loved ones during a health crisis. CaringBridge can help families touched by cancer receive the help they need as easily as possible.

When to offer support to someone who is diagnosed?

It is natural to offer a lot of support when someone is first diagnosed, or if things take a turn for the worse. However, your loved ones still need support even when their health starts improving.

Can you go to chemo alone?

Going to chemo alone can get lonely. Keep your loved one company and join them for an appointment (or many). Chat with them, bring a game or simply sit and hold their hand.