Cancer Research UK main site

Rituximab maintenance

Gillian99
Offline

Hi everyone,can anyone tell me about travelling to Spain whilst on maintenance?

I really want to go away for a break after a hard year but I don't know where I stand with being on this regarding risks to my health. Am I still at the same risk of mixing with people as I was when I was on the R&B chemo this year? I was very ill neutrapenic 0.1 cells and was hospitalised and spent most of my chemo indoors I never went out too sick and didn't want catch anything further,I got a cold that's what put me in hospital.

Can anybody help me regarding flying,is it safe? 

And is it safe for me to go out to the pub with my friends over Christmas? 

Thank you in advance 

Best wishes

Gill

 

  • Hi Gillian, 

    That sounds like a lovely idea but I can understand your concerns and wanting to get some information before putting any plans in to action. I hope you get replies from other members who have been in a similar situation soon but our cancer nurses should be able to help answer your questions as well.

    You can post another question to them in the ask the nurses section of the forum or you can call and chat to them directly on 0808 800 4040. This number is free to call from a UK landline and they are available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m (execpt on bank holidays).

    All the best, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Gill,

      I think flying would be unwise. i have found that as you are breathing the same recirculated

    air as the rest of the passengers the chances of one of them having a cold are   quite high.

    My wife and I use the 'First Defence' nose spray to reduce the chances of picking something up.

    I know a pilot who uses this as he is at risk all the time.  ** Having just read a little about your drug Rituximab it seems unwise 

    to use anything else at the same time, ** So probably best to ignore my 'First Defence' suggestion **.

    I should ask your doctor as he should know if your health is up to taking the risk.

    I am some years past my cancer episode and fit enough to survive the odd cold although

    i suffered badly with pneumonia a couple of years ago which was brought on by a cold.

    I hope you have an enjoyable christmas.

    Colin

     

     

     

    Have a happy christmas

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.