Pack an Ovarian Cancer Travel Kit
Assemble a complete kit that covers your medical needs, comfort, and symptom management, says Ami Vaidya, MD, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and the co-chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. This avoids scrambling for important items and hard-to-find supplies while you’re away.
Prescription and Symptom-Relief Medications
Pack all medications you take regularly, along with any your oncology team recommends to help manage treatment side effects, says Kim.
Include enough medications for the entire trip plus extra in case of travel delays or an unexpected longer stay. Remember to take a pill organizer if it helps you stay on schedule.
Medical Information
Bring along your current medication list and information about any treatments you receive. Your oncologist can give you a letter detailing this information. Include your care team’s contact, insurance, and pharmacy details.
This can help unfamiliar healthcare professionals care for you, if needed. Keep digital copies of your medical information as a backup.
Medical Supplies
Kim recommends packing any medical equipment or supplies you regularly need. If you have an ostomy, that may include extra pouches, skin-care products, and disposal bags.
If your care team recommends compression stockings, make sure you have the correct size and know how to use them.
Infection-Prevention and First-Aid Kit
A fever can be the only sign of an infection when treatment has lowered your white blood cell count, so pack a digital thermometer and ask your care team what temperature requires a call or urgent care, Kim says.
Dr. Vaidya recommends bringing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and Kim suggests packing masks if your care team recommends them. A few bandages and other basic first-aid supplies may also come in handy. Some cancer medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to pack sunscreen and appropriate sun-protection gear, too.
Water Bottle, Electrolytes, and Familiar Snacks
Bring an empty reusable water bottle that you can refill, along with electrolyte powder for hydration, says Vaidya. Wash the bottle regularly with soap and safe water to prevent germs from building up, she says.
Pack easy-to-tolerate foods, such as crackers or other bland snacks, so you have something familiar available if nausea occurs or your food choices are limited. When you can tolerate them, munch on protein-rich snacks such as nuts, nut butter packets, or protein bars, says Vaidya, since they provide more nourishment in a small amount of food and help you maintain your energy.
Comfort Items
Loose-fitting clothing may feel better if you’re dealing with bloating or abdominal tenderness. Vaidya also recommends packing layers of clothing, a supportive pillow, an eye mask, and earplugs to make resting easier.
Bring books, headphones, portable electronics, chargers, or anything else that can help you relax and enjoy your time away.
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