Hello
Is it safe to go on a non fly cruise with diagnosis of thrombocythemia, we cant get hold of anyone at the hospital even the mentor assigned to us is ignoring our calls and messages, looks as if they have washed their hands off my husband as nest appointment is in 4 months, a jump from weekly bloods, quite shocking!
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Hi @Kitts welcome back
While a non-fly cruise avoids the specific concerns related to air pressure and oxygen levels that come with flying, unfortunately your husband’s team is best placed to assess his individual risk factors, current platelet levels, medication, and overall health to advise if travel is safe for him and this would be important for any travel insurance.
I know you’re struggling to connect with them right now, and that’s a significant concern.
Maybe you could keep trying to contact the hospital: Try all available numbers – switchboard, haematology department, even leaving messages with different nurses if possible. Sometimes persistence pays off.
Contact your GP: Your husband’s GP may be able to offer some initial guidance or at least advocate on your behalf to get a response from the hospital team. They might also be able to provide a general “fit to travel” letter if appropriate.
Call the Blood Cancer UK Support Line: the support line is staffed by experienced nurses who can provide general information, emotional support, and help you think through how to approach getting the specific medical advice you need.
Blood Cancer UK Support Line:** 0808 2080 888. You can also email them at support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
Good luck hope you get some answers, it’s very challenging I know… my travel insurance renewal is due so I feel your frustrations.
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Thank you Jules, i am onto the hospital to try and get hold of someone, our gp didn’t even know his diagnosis when we asked for a medical certificate for a previous trip insurance prior to his diagnosis so that’s a no no, I am just surprised at the hospital so called mentor who says he’s there anytime you need him then don’t hear a word from him, he even asked my husband to get aspirin over the counter as he couldn’t be bothered to do a prescription which is fine as it’s not expensive but that’s not the point, it’s the principle.
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HI I hope they consider the diagnosis, I’m being quoted treble the amount.
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Hi @Kitts,
Thank you for your post.
I am sorry to hear that the hospital team have not replied to you as yet. Generally, when a patient has thrombocythemia which is well controlled, they should be able to go on holiday but this needs be discussed and confirmed with your haematology team. It might be an idea to contact the haematology secretaires to ask for you, if you have still not had a reply from the mentor or nurse.
It is very common for patients to be seen frequency in the beginning. The frequency of appointments then reduces once the bloods and symptoms begin to stabilise. I completely understand that this can be difficult though, especially when you have questions or concerns.
If it would help to talk this through or we can help or support you in any other way, please do not hesitant to give us a call. I can see that @Jules has kindly given you our contact details.
Kind regards
Fiona (support services nurse)
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Hello Fiona
Thank you for your reply, yes I will try and get hold of the secretary, but will also give you a call for further advice, I will need a letter for fit to travel or the insurance will be void.
Thank You
Kitts
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Hi Kitts, please keep us updated with the answers regarding the possibility of going on a non-fly cruise.
My husband is currently going through treatment for Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - so far he hasn’t achieved remission but we are trying to remain hopeful that if everything goes well and he is able to have a stem cell transplant then we will be able to go on a cruise from Southampton- obviously when he is well enough.
Although I imagine that the cost of insurance will be extortionate!
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Hello PAW68
I’m so sorry to hear, we are awaiting blood tests on Friday and will know on Monday whether we can go, I will keep you updated, praying for your husband.
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