When I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, I had to travel across the country for surgery. This is a common occurrence with this disease, as the country’s leading specialists tend to be located in the bigger medical centers in Boston, Houston and NYC, to name a few.
Travel can be stressful during the best of times and downright intimidating when you’re seeking medical care. I figured out a thing or two that may help if you need to travel for treatment.
3 Practical Tips for Traveling to Your Treatment Location
1: Get the Most Out of Your Flights
Make sure to sign up for every frequent flier program on all the airlines. It doesn’t take long to rack up the miles.
Depending on what airline you travel the most, it’s also a good idea to get the credit card associated with that airline, so you not only get the miles but the rewards on the credit cards as well. This helps save on baggage fees and gets you upgrades. Who doesn’t love flying first class?
Pro Tip for Mesothelioma Patients: Grant Programs
Traveling can get expensive so look to places that help cover costs. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation offers grants to help patients see a specialist or enroll in a clinical trial. It’s certainly worth looking into!
2: Get the Most Out of Your Lodgings
Sign up for the loyalty programs at the hotels too. This not only can get you free Wi-Fi and free meals, but the rewards add up to get you free nights. In fact, many times, airlines partner with certain hotel chains so you can link the cards to maximize your points.
If you are going to have an extended stay, as I did, you will want to look for either an Airbnb, an extended stay hotel or a suite hotel. Having amenities such as a kitchen, private bedrooms and separate living areas will make your stay much more comfortable. Having a place to cook simple meals and a refrigerator to keep beverages always helps.
Check any maps app on your phone to see what food options are nearby. DoorDash and Instacart are a huge help. If you are staying for an extended stay, it’s a good idea to place a grocery order and schedule delivery for shortly after you arrive.
Pro Tip for Patients: Know Where Things Are Located Near Your Lodging
Another reason I like to look at the maps app is to familiarize myself with the area I stay in and to see what is around. Knowing where the nearest pharmacy and stores are helps you when staying for a longer period of time.
3: Get the Most Out of Your Ground Transportation
If you rent a car, once again, sign up for any rewards programs they have. It adds up quickly and any discount helps. Be sure to check out public transportation and car services in addition to Uber and Lyft, as well as traditional taxis for getting around.
At the larger medical centers, many hotels have shuttles, so you don’t have to rent a car. Besides, parking costs are so high at the hospitals that it’s just easier to take a shuttle or an Uber or Lyft. Do what works for you and your budget.
2 Personal Tips to Make the Best of Your Travel Experience
1: Maximize Your Comfort
When I packed for my surgery, and subsequent stay, I way overpacked. I really needed comfortable clothes for after I was discharged from the hospital. My caregiver ended up going and buying some loose sweatpants and tops so I could be comfortable while recovering.
So bring clothes that you can lounge in and walk easily in. Same goes for shoes. Wear comfortable shoes that slip on and off. It’s difficult to bend down and tie shoes in those first weeks after surgery. Especially if you’re having HIPEC surgery on your abdomen.
The other thing to bring is a tablet, such as an iPad or Kindle, in addition to your phone. You’ll have a lot of downtime so having a tablet to watch movies, listen to books or podcasts and read helps pass the time.
I also brought a blanket that brought me comfort. I know it sounds silly, but having that little piece of home helped my recovery while I was so far away.
2: Have Fun, as You’re Able
Traveling for medical stuff isn’t a vacation, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of the local attractions. Do as your body allows. I loved going back for checkups in Boston and Houston because I felt good enough to go see what the cities had to offer. Museums, zoos, great shopping and fantastic food.
There are a lot of great things to do when you feel well enough so take advantage of them. If you’re not sure it’s a good idea for you to do something, you can always ask your doctor!
You Can Do This
In short, sign up for all the loyalty programs, get to know the area you’ll be staying in and bring things that make you feel at home.
Traveling for medical treatment is stressful, yes, but it doesn’t have to be. Most medical centers have guides that include all you need to know about staying in their hospital, so take advantage of those resources as well. Know you’re going to see the best there is, so you’re in good hands.
