Should I take a vacation during cancer treatment against doctor's advice?

I’m 65.

Why is the oncologist holding you back?

I don’t know I asked and he wants to wait until I see him on September 18th. The original plan was for me to be starting radiation now but with everything that needs to be done prior to the radiation it probably won’t happen until mid or late October and the radiation is supposed to be a 28 day procedure. I guess that’s what you call getting ready for the holidays 😳

Could you fit in the vacation after the 18th and start radiation after u get back?

Thank you and I will try.there’s a lot of work to be done prior to the radiation and none has been done that is why I’m feeling closer to Thanksgiving and kinda finishing 28 days of radiation. Happy Holidays! God knows I’m by myself so we will have a good time together. I will figure a time to be with my boys before I get too stupid with the chemo and radiation. I really appreciate the time and energy and support from everyone. Love you everyone.

Love to you too! Be very frank with your oncologist about your priorities.

Ultimately it's your choice. I would go to your appointment on 18th & tell Dr- this is the deal..I want to take a vacation before I start..work with me. Let me control cancer and not cancer control me in the things that I can. Best of luck to you.

I’m dealing with stage 4 cancer and have only had 3 chemo sessions. I’m writing about nutrition. I did a lot of reading before treatment and so many people talked about the importance of what you eat. No refined sugar was a big one! Certain foods trigger the immune system to help the good cells. I ordered the book “Chris Beat Cancer”. It helps explain this. I’m doing both chemo and diet. Chemo requires more nutrition than just plant based. Are you doing an immunotherapy? That targets those hiding cancer cells. ALSO: is you oncologist trying to get you into any clinical trials? That gave a friend an extra 11 years for prostate cancer.

I agree with Alicia! Book your vacation and go enjoy your time with your boys! I've been waiting and waiting for treatment for months, unable to move on mentally while waiting for the physical to begin. Like, it's constantly something. From 1 form of breast cancer to them finding a 2nd form of breast cancer. Went in to start chemo September 24th and the port malfunctioned (probably flipped!) so now I have to wait for the port to be replaced! I'm a 41yr old single mom. My 13yr old and I did nothing all summer and cancelled our 5 days at Disney World and 4 day Bahama cruise that was coming just after Thanksgiving. I'd give anything to be able to take him on even a mini vacation now but the port will be replaced in a few days and chemo same day

I have been doing immunotherapy however my numbers are going up and my radiation has been pushed back about 6 months. They are saying my cancer is very aggressive and I’m going to start chemotherapy in about a week or so and then after that the radiation. That’s the reason why he said no to the vaccination. 4 days ago they sent a nurse to my house to take a couple tubes of blood and overnighted to Chicago I think it’s a genetic test to see what medication works with my body. The company is called Tempus. I don’t think I feel good enough as thought to go on a vaccination even if I could. Last night I went to bed at 11:00pm and woke up at 6am took the dogs out and fed them and we went straight back to bed then woke up at 2pm took the dogs out and went straight back to sleep until 4:30pm. That’s not every day but now and then. The sleep feels orgasmic. I have 1 specialist urology doctor and 2 oncologist and 1 oncology pharmacist and they all want blood tests. I left this site for a while I was frustrated from not hearing from my doctors and the original schedule they gave me wasn’t happening. I was seeing my numbers going back up and was and still am freaking out. I needed someone to talk to and you guys are always here! Thank you!🙏

I really like what Alicia had to say. I wish I acted when they ghosted me for a while. I would love to have lunch with you guys but who knows where anybody lives and I think they want to keep it that way. Just wishing.

Remember that you are the one in control of your treatment and decisions. I would go. Then start new treatment. I have been in treatment for coming up on 3 yrs. I take my vacations when I want to. And my Dr has always gone along with it.

Always think of yourself first in this situation! And be very aggressive with your medical team, dont be worried about offending them!

Michael if I could go on vacation right now I would lol. I feel like they have pushed my treatments and everything so if I could take off for a few days, I would. But I understand where you're at physically and that going on a vacation could potentially be very taxing on you. Are your boys young/teens/adults? Have you considered a staycation? Where you go to a nice hotel or resort that is not too far from home but where you and your boys can enjoy some of the amenities of a vacation. My son and I have stayed at a local hotel that had an indoor pool and we went to a nice restaurant and to the movies and played video games in the hotel room. It's nice and can be relaxing and a good way to just get out of your home. I've even checked into nice local Airbnb's

My sons are young adults. I like your idea of a staycation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I’m waiting for a phone call to schedule my chemotherapy appointment

This sounds like an incredibly difficult time, and the desire to create meaningful memories while feeling well is completely understandable. The tension between medical recommendations and quality of life is something many in this community face. Consider having an open conversation with the oncologist about specific concerns regarding travel - perhaps there's room for compromise, like adjusting timing or having medical support available during the trip. Many here have found that advocating for their priorities while staying informed about risks helps them make decisions they feel good about.

Hi Michael! Just checking in! How are you!? Did you get your chemo appointment? I had my first (Doxorubicin aka The Red Devil) on October 7th. The past few days I wake up and want to go out and do things and go places. Like going to Walmart for cereal and dog food. Came home to feed myself and the dogs and then passed out for 4hrs! My son is 13. We have Six Flags passes and I wish so badly I could have taken him to Fright Fest. This holiday season is going to be the hardest thing to get through for me. Did you get to spend any time with your boys?

I think you need to live your life as you see fit. You have your sons to think about so stay strong. Life has many turns so you never know what can happen. At this point go for it, you never know. Don’t lose hope, easier said than done.. l know. Feel better and enjoy yourself as much as possible. 🤗🦋

I have finished my 2nd round of chemotherapy and I start my 3rd this Saturday. My first round was miserable and only had 3 good days out of the 21. The second is better I’m getting 8 good days. I live alone and I put the dogs in another room and I set my alarm for 6am to take them out and feed them. The days are dark I sleep through the pain I drink Ensure protein drinks until I feel better then I eat food. I go into clean up mode shower, laundry pay bills ect. I finish chemo the end of January. Holidays are toast and I’m ok with that this will be the first holidays season without my wife. My sons are out of state and I’m ok with that I will be too sick for visitors. I thank God for the good days they give me something to look forward too. My Oncologist said I could do this living alone and I can but I strongly don’t recommend it especially with 2 dogs to care for. My prayers go out to all of us. Be strong.

Here’s hoping you get even more than 8 good days next round!

I really want to thank everyone that messages. It gives me a sense a feeling of not being alone and I appreciate you all for sharing your experiences. God bless you all!

God bless you!

Simple, you are in charge of your health, not your oncologist. Go on your trip