If you feel well enough to travel during treatment and your doctor gives you the okay, a vacation is a great “time out” from all things cancer.
However there are a few things you will need to consider if you are flying or cruising and have to go through a security system.
Chemo Treatment Ports and Metal Detectors
An implanted port (chest or arm) or an under-the-skin pump may set off the metal detector, so:
- Carry an identification card for your device.
- If you do not have the ID card for your port or pump, ask your doctor for a note.
- The note needs to be on the doctor’s letterhead.
- The note needs to describe the type, purpose, and location of the device.
- Carry the ID card or note with you, to show the security personnel, if necessary.
Tissue Expanders and Metal Detector Wands
If you have a tissue expander in place because you are having breast reconstruction, you may have a magnet in the expander. The magnet is there to help your plastic surgeon find the valve for inserting saline to the expander.
A hand-held metal detector wand will usually pick up such a magnet, so:
- Ask your surgeon for a note or ID card that explains where the magnet is and why you have it
- Be sure to have the ID card or note ready to show to the security staff.
Treatment Syringes Need to go through the X-ray Machines
If you will be carrying an injectable medicine:
- Get a letter from your doctor.
- Make sure the letter states the reason for your injectable medicine
- The note will need to describe the medicine.
- Be sure to make copies of your prescriptions for these and any medicines you are bringing and carry them on you
