Traveling With Multiple Myeloma: A Guide to Safe Exploration

For individuals living with multiple myeloma, a diagnosis does not necessarily mean the end of travel. With careful planning, medical oversight and proactive safety measures, many patients can continue to enjoy meaningful trips. The key to successful travel lies in balancing your health needs with your desire to explore.

Consult Your Care Team Before Booking

Before you finalize any travel plans, schedule a consultation with your oncology care team. They are the best resource for determining if your current health status and treatment schedule can accommodate travel. Your doctor will assess several factors, including your blood counts, immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, and whether your disease is stable.

Travel may need to be postponed if you have recently undergone a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy, or if you are currently managing severe bone pain. If you receive regular infusions, your care team may be able to adjust your treatment schedule to create a window for your trip.

Preventing Infection and Managing Risks

Multiple myeloma and its associated treatments can weaken your immune system, making it more challenging to fight off infections. To minimize these risks while traveling:

• Prioritize Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap, and water. If soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use Respiratory Protection: Wear a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask in crowded spaces, such as airports and on airplanes, to reduce the risk of airborne illnesses.
• Practice Food Safety: Consume only thoroughly cooked foods and avoid high-risk items that could lead to foodborne illness.

Blood clots are another significant concern, particularly during long-distance travel. Certain myeloma treatments can increase this risk. To stay safe, ensure you move your body every two to three hours during long trips. If you are seated, perform calf raises or ankle circles. Compression stockings can also help prevent leg swelling and clotting. Maintain consistent hydration starting 24 hours before your departure, and never skip prescribed blood-thinning medications.

Building Your Travel Kit

Preparedness is essential when managing a chronic condition away from home. Pack a dedicated travel kit in your carry-on luggage to ensure you have everything you need, even if your checked bags are delayed.

• Medical Documentation: Carry a copy of your doctor’s latest notes detailing your diagnosis and current treatment plan. If possible, keep recent scans on a portable thumb drive.
• Medications: Keep all medications in their original, labeled bottles. Always pack extra doses to account for potential travel delays.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Carry a reusable water bottle to maintain kidney health—aiming for 8 to 10 cups of water daily—and pack healthy, shelf-stable snacks like nuts or protein bars.
• Health Monitoring Tools: A digital thermometer is vital for quickly identifying a fever, which can be an early sign of infection.

Navigating Medical Emergencies

Even with meticulous planning, emergencies can occur. Before you leave, map out the locations of hospitals and urgent care centers near your destination. Check whether your health insurance, including Medicaid, provides coverage for out-of-state or international travel.

If you experience a medical issue, contact your primary care team immediately. They understand your medical history and can provide the most appropriate guidance. However, in the event of a life-threatening emergency, seek care at the nearest emergency room without delay. Once you are stabilized, ensure that someone notifies your care team so they can coordinate with your treating physicians.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Communication: Always talk to your oncologist about your travel itinerary and planned activities well in advance.
• Medication Safety: Never pack essential medications in checked luggage; keep them in your carry-on.
• Proactive Care: Stay hydrated, wear compression socks, and use high-SPF sunscreen, as some cancer treatments increase skin sensitivity to the sun.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plans if your health status changes or if you feel unwell during your trip.

By taking these precautions, you can better manage your health while pursuing the experiences that matter most to you. Always remember that your care team is your strongest partner in making travel both safe and enjoyable.