My wife did this during her breast cancer treatment. It was right around the time the covid lockdown ended. She wore a mask, and used hand sanitizers. If you're using black taxi's, they're usually blocked off, so wearing a mask isn't really needed. Most germs enter your body via your hands touching your face (eyes, mouth and nose), so just need to keep the hands away.

When we used private taxis, we always made it clear that the driver had to be showing no signs of having the cold etc. Tons of folk receiving treatment use taxi's.

Thankyou ProfBaw for this we we're just talking about hand sanitizers so that if did have to touch someone there's at least a barrier between the skin and he can then clean his hands and put some more natural cream on. You just never think of what he will have to do and what others will have to do if they are going to see him and the black cab is something I didn't know about being closed off which will be much better and safer for him there's just so much you have to do and research just to give him the best chance of beating it.. Cheers, Peter. 

No problem. Black taxis have reinforced screens in place to keep the drivers safe. I think that should be the case everywhere.

My wife was just told to keep away from buses if possible. This was just said because covid was still an unknown thing. She ended up with covid during treatment, but that was caught whilst she was in the treatment ward. She never got anything from taxis and she used them a lot. She used them every day for a month during her radiotherapy.

Talking about Taxis, touch base with his hospital team because my wife got some of her fares reimbursed. Not them all, but she got some. Some hospitals also run a taxi type service that offer discounts. But his team should be able to point you in the direction of those who can help if his treating hospital offers these things.

We spent around £2k on taxi fares. They can mount up fast, so do inquire if the hospital can reimburse some fares.

Hello and thank you for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your brother's diagnosis of lung cancer.

While your brother is undergoing chemotherapy his immune system may be affected and he could be at risk of getting infections. However, please remember that because it is given as an outpatient, it is usually considered safe for people to travel to and from the hospital and even go outside while undergoing treatment.

However, we have all learnt a lot about infections during Covid and how wearing a face mask can help reduce the risk of infection.  I think this is something he should ask his chemotherapy team about as the hospital may have specific advice.  They may also have masks in the unit where he will get his treatment and the nurses there may say that it is appropriate to wear one in the taxi going home and take another one for coming back for treatment. 

You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline