any ideas for my daughter

[ibdamamma]

My daughter was diagnosed with melanoma last month. She had a growth on her foot for about 3 years and it was finally removed in April. She just finished her second surgery and we are started Chemo next week. She will be doing a relativly short round of chemo lasting only 5 weeks. Only draw back it will be 5 days a week for 5 weeks. We have our WDW trip in August and I know its like the worst month to be there but I am hoping to get some input about activities and such for my daughter. We know disney will help us but I am not sure how to go about things. Any imput will be great!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hi; I'm sure you're going to love your trip! and support for your daughter and your family. A few suggestions:
1. Consider a GAC that allows for stroller as w/c. This will allow you to take her through the lines in her stroller as she will probably get tired much more easily so soon after chemo.

2. Limit sun exposure (it depends on her chemo, but check w/ her drs.)

3. Stay on site-monorail if you can- to make it easier to get back/forth for breaks.

4. Remember that first aid provides a quiet airconditioned area if she needs a break during the day.

I'm sure you'll get many more ideas, but hopefully these can give you a start

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't done so yet, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board. There is information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards), renting wheelchairs/special needs strollers and lots of other helpful info.

I guess my biggest advice is to treat her like your 5 yr old DD as much as possible. Find out what she wants to do and aim for those things.

 

[mechurchlady]

There are lots of cute Disney themed hats for her to wear. Careful around the nape of the neck as that can get exposed, done that once or twice.. Sunglasses are sold that have UV protection but becareful with the cutesy ones that may just be tinted plastic and have no protection.

EMH will help or how about late night as most parks are often open after dark, sometimes to midnight. Midnight for me is 9 pm so not that bad, lol. Animal Kingdom is open only daytimes or to dusk so do that early in the morning. The conservation station has a train ride that does not get much sunshine and most shows are covered or indoors. Not sure if she is old enough for the Safari but the center of each row is pretty well shaded.

Make sure you talk to CMs. Every day they hear people whining about lines and telling them their kid cannot handle lines. Telling them something like "My daughter has melanoma and cannot be in the sun." will get more sympathy from CMs and will clearly explain to the CM that the kid has a specific need. Some CMs see lots of people each day and get to where they can be of great assistance. Some people make a postcard or business card with pertinent information to give to CMs thus saving them the time to repeat everything.

 

[Bill_Lin]

A stroller will be crucial for your child. Chemo is VERY draining and the rest times while riding in the stroller will be very helpful. Be sure to obtain a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) from Guest Services so that you can bypass lines. Line waiting could be overly draining.

Bill