Traveling with CML? Here Are Some Tips!

Merry Go Round Central Park

The past six weeks have been a whirlwind; we have traveled to New Jersey, New York, Las Vegas, Palm Desert, Irvine, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Phoenix, Chandler and San Diego. We have made new friends, and visited with old friends and family, all along the way; we have slept in nine different beds and have had the privilege to spend time with those nearest and dearest to us.

I saw my oncologist, an optometrist and a Chiropractor, taught and competed at San Diego Dance Festival and even went shopping; guess what? I am officially exhausted! It wasn't until the very end that I allowed myself to remember that I have cancer; or should I say, cancer reminded me?

The last two days of our trip were rough; the pain was so bad that even my hair hurt!  But looking back over everything that we did, I am tickled pink that I did as well, as I did; it was a travel marathon that would exhaust anyone. It may take me a week or so to catch up, but it was worth it. We only live once, and while I am still lucky enough to be here, I plan to pack my days as full as I can; without making myself ill.

Here are a few tips that may help you enjoy your travels; of course, this is a list of do as I say, not as I do!

Long Road Trip Tips: Make a List

1.     Pack all medications; even ones that you may not need, such as Ibuprofen, meclazine, allaclear and diarrhea meds. Better to be safe than sorry; I always pack an Advair Disk for unexpected bronchitis and eye drops for allergies, as we never know what we are going to run into. Of course you should always pack all of your prescriptions, and regularly taken meds, as well.

2.     Pack a cooler full of plenty of water, and other healthy snacks such as hard boiled eggs, grapes, melon cut into chunks, apples, string cheese and chicken. (I buy a cooked chicken and pull it apart)

3.     Other snacks may include nuts, popcorn, trail mix, protein bars and the coveted dark chocolate bar. (For the moments when you cannot imagine staying in the car, for even one more second!)

4.     I bring a heating pad; I have a power strip that goes into my cigarette lighter. (much cheaper than Thermacare Heat Wraps) Voltaren Gel (prescription) is also on my list.

5.     If you are a passenger you can bring magazines, puzzle books and yarn; a book on tape can also help pass time for you AND the driver;of course, I am sure many of you have iPhones to also keep you amused!

6.     Comfy clothes for the drive, and slippers and a robe for your overnights with friends and family.

7.     Appropriate clothing with at least one backup, for unexpected weather.

8.     Maps! I don’t know about you, but half of the time my GPS is a crack-head, and I still like to look at paper maps!

9.     A good book; to help aid in naps.

10.   Your very own pillow!

11.  Top of the list is not anything that you can pack; it is taking care of yourself. Stay as hydrated and as well rested as you can; wash your hands often and remember listen to your body; REST when it says ENOUGH.

12.  Do not allow stress to become a factor.

13.  Enjoy what you are doing and where you are going because we should cherish, and be grateful for each and every moment!

14. A small cooler with ice packs to avoid overheating, and my most trusted chilly pads! They are a lifesaver!

 15. If you are Flying, make certain to keep your meds with you and ask to preboard; it alleviates being in the long line and allows you to get in and get settled. I find flying quite weary making.

I am certain that there are many other “must haves” but these are the ones that I never leave home without!

Funny thing is that as much as I enjoy spending time with friends and family; there is no place like home! After weeks on the road, crawling into our own bed, at our preferred temperature (really, really cold), was a slice of heaven!

Until next time, I am happy at home!