Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

I have to travel to Mexico for business (not a touristy area, but business district) 8 days following my chemo. My Doctor told me not to go, it's too risky mid-chemo cycle and my boyfriend who is an infectious disease expert told me not to eat anything prepared and to eat protein bars and cold canned food, etc. while there. Now I'm regretting my decision to tell my boss I won't go last minute for fear of losing my job. They're already putting up with a lot with missed time, doctor appointments, etc.

Can you think of any additional precautions I can take? We're driving and not flying so won't have all the airport germs.

Thanks!

-Julie

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

I would take probiotics everyday, and bring as much food and water with you as you can.

I would also ask your dr, (or your boyfriend) for an antibiotic to take with you, just in case.

I would also find ahead of time the best medical clinic in the area and ins issues at that clinic.



Good luck

Laurie

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Obviously drink bottled water, wash your hands as frequently as possible and take a sanitizing gel with you. I would also not eat any fruits or veggies as they wash them with tap water. Be very careful, your immune system isn't up to par

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

My job requires me to travel as well. But I wouldn't set foot on a plane if you paid me and i realize you are driving. Haven't been on a business trip since I started chemo. Too many variables. I would listen to your doctor and don't worry about your boss. There are laws and lawyers for that :-)

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

My first couple treatments my doctor said live life. Don't worry and relax! So if you have to go work, relax and drink a strawberry margarita. Try and not worry about the what if's. You are doing very well and it gets tougher with each treatment....do why you can because you will not likely need a break down the road. :)

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Be sure to protect your arm (the one that has lost 14 lymphnodes) against insects bite/sun burns/scratches and scrapes ... etc. Learn (from your oncology nurse/Physical therapist) how to massage/wrap it in case you experience lyphedema during the trip.

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Also bring OTC medication for diarrhea in case you need it.

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Julie,

What city in Mexico are you comming to? I would advise that you only drink bottled liquids, if you are going to eat something, make sure it has gone through fire in any kind, like being boilded (soups), fried or grilled. Try to avoid salads or greens that have not being cooked. In Mexico you cannot buy antibiotica if you do not have a prescription by a doctor, so get informed once you reach your hotel if they have a doctor available on site. Never drink the tap water in any place, tap water in Mexico is not for drinking. Any packaged good will be safe to consume. Avoid being in places where there are many people around or just crowded, for the rest, you will be safe. Send me a message if you need more info. Have a safe trip.

Paty

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Ended up not going when one colleague had a wicked cold/flu and being stuck in a car for 8 hours with a sick guy and then working with him all day didn't make sense. My boss was pissed but he'll live and so will I!

Thanks for the suggestions. Was told to also bring plasticware as the water to wash utentils could be contaminated.

I will have to go again but not when I'm not in the middle of my chemo cycle but that won't be for a few months and I'll have time to think of all the ways to protect myself.

Thanks everyone!

Re: Traveling to Mexico during chemo
 

Perfect - sounded like you would have had to bring a separate suitcase for all the "stuff" to protect yourself.