Anyone cruise while on chemo?

[Donna PA]

Just wondering if anyone or knows anyone who has cruised while getting chemo? How did you manage? I just found out my breast cancer came back, and won't know until later this week, what my course of action is. If it is the same as last time I should have two or three doses of chemo by the time my cruise comes. I know it didn't hit me bad until 4 or 5 doses. Thanks

 

[WDWLVR]

I didn't cruise while on chemo, but did cruise two weeks after my last treatment (of 12) for colon cancer. I had to make some modifications to our original plans like canceling my massage and wearing a hat while out in the sun. I also took it easy on the cruise itself. I also found my appetite wasn't where it was. Overall however I found the cruise was just what I needed to get back to feeling normal.

Good luck and I wish you all the best with your treatments.

 

[JustTJ]

So sorry to hear your cancer came back. No one ever wants to hear that. As for cruising while on treatment, my daughter did. Mind you she was a young teen at the time, and it was for a different type of cancer. She had her meds for nausea, and all her oral chemo pills. Her blood work was done before we left and as soon as she came back. Thankfully her counts were good, or that could have stopped her from having her WISH trip at that time. For the most part, she did great, had a fabulous unforgettable time. She was severely fatigued a lot, so on days like our Castaway Cay day, she spent only a few hours of the morning on the island and the rest of the daylight hours in the stateroom watching tv and sleeping. She was glad she went, because for one, it IS a way to get the mind off of treatment, and being able to just enjoy some of what can be enjoyed in this world. As to how you'll be feeling, I think everyone is different.
Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best!!

 

[makaylee]

 

[ragdoll]

DH cruised while on chemo. Truthfully, I would have cancelled if we had insurance on our flights and cruise. Actually, we did have DCL insurance on the cruise but it would have been a fight to get reimbursed due to the timing of DH's diagnosis. I am quite sure that they would have called it a preexisting condition as he was going through tests for quite some time before being diagnosed. I was not up for another fight.

That being said, he did pretty well. We mostly relaxed at Cove Cafe. As for the ports, we just wandered around a bit close to the ship. He had to stay out of the sun. We were both pretty much numbed by the diagnosis and didn't enjoy ourselves like we normally would. There were good times but I would rather have been home. One positive was our group of DISer's. They were so very supportive.

I wish you well and hope that your treatment will leave you cancer free. Cancer is a beast that changes your life forever. Please let us know how you are doing and how your cruise went if you decide to go.

Donna

 

[disneyfaninaz]

As a breast cancer survivor, my thoughts are with you. I hope your prognosis is excellent. I wouldn't want to do that again either. The last 3 treatments were the worst!

Anyway, I did take a cruise after my 2nd chemo treatment. (See "Mental Health" Cruise TR below). In fact, my oncologist arranged my chemo schedule specifically so I could make the cruise. I actually felt great for the entire trip. Having done 2 chemo treatments didn't stop me at all from enjoying swimming with dolphins or relaxing at the beach. I wore a wig to dinner as my hair had fallen out by then, but most of the time I just wore a scarf and hat on deck and on excursions. I took bonine while on board and had no sea sickness. I also had my other anti-nausia medicine from chemo with me, but didn't need them.

Good luck to you!

 

[BluegrassBelles]

I too am a breast cancer survivor and I cruised last year after three of my six chemo treatmenst. We did the Baltic cruise and three nights in London before the cruise. I never missed a beat and was able to do all of the excursions that we had planned. I was blessed to not have any sickness with the chemo and did have to rest a little more than normal, but I would recommend going if your doctor approves.

So sorry to hear about the reoccurrance of your cancer, and I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[Donna PA]

First of all thanks for the prayers! I need them right now.
With my first chemo I never missed a day of work. Luckily my job is at a desk, so it wasn't strenous, plus I was allowed to work at home on those days I was so tired. But I did really well until they switched me to Taxol. UGH! So hopefully I will do as well. I'll keep you updated.

 

[DVC4US]

So sorry to hear your cancer has returned. I just recently lost my mother after a 7 year battle with ovarian cancer. During those 7 years she went on an 11-day Med cruise, 7-day Western Caribbean, and most recently the 11-day Southern Caribbean Christmas cruise. She was on chemo for all of those cruises (including Taxol). Her oncologist always told her they would work around her vacation schedule and for her to go as long as she was able. Mom just took it easy whenever she needed too, and because of the chemo she would stay out of the sun.

Prayers and thoughts are with you and I hope you have a great cruise.

 

[GranJan]

I too am a breast cancer survivor. I know what you mean about the Taxol. We have a cruise booked for Oct. 2011 & another for Sept 2012. I worry about booking trips so far out for the very reason of what you're going through. It's been 5 yrs but I don't think you ever feel completely safe of it coming back.

I think if I were in your situation, I'd go ahead & go IF the conditions are right. You might not have the energy to do what you would normally do, but getting away from everything would be good. Maybe they could schedule your treatments around your cruise... I always felt best the week before it was time for another treatment. It may depend on what drugs you'll be taking. I was like you & did fine with the wonderful anti-nausea meds until the 4th or 5th treatment which I assume was when you started the Taxol. I felt achey all over with it but I also started having to get shots for low blood count at the same time, so I don't know if it was the shots or the Taxol. I guess having low blood count during the cruise could be a problem if you wouldn't be able to receive the blood building shots.

I'm sure your Dr. will give you advice on whether you should go or not but I think I'd only attempt it if the cruise was at the beginning of treatment. I think towards the end the chemo really starts to run your body down & you wouldn't want something to come up at the very last minute that would prevent you from going. I wish you the best & I hope everything works out for you to be able to enjoy the cruise.

 

[stargazertechie]

My thoughts are with you! My dad's cancer (throat/mouth) came back in January, metastasized to his hip and spinal cord.

We're doing WDW in June, after 8 of his 18 rounds of chemo.

I'll just wish you the best of luck!

 

[philatiger]

Sorry to hear your cancer came back.... I am taking my second cruise next month while on treatment. I think each person is different in how their body will react to a vacation, the sun, the ship moving and just the daily struggles. You know yourself best, and unfortunately you have been through this before.

As others have said, I really had to pace myself, and limit my exposure in the sun. As hard as it was at times I am still glad I went. I refuse to let it define who I am and made the best of the situation. And seeing goofy sure helped too....

I wish you the best and pray for a quick recovery.

 

[katml14]

We cruised with my dad in 2009 and he was on chemo. It was a great trip. He was hesitant to go, at first, because he wasn't feeling well. But when all was said and done, he was so happy that he went.

Drink plenty of water and take it easy- relax, find a nice spot in the shade, enjoy the beautiful weather and the view of the ocean. Honestly, your cruise will give you a break from all that you are dealing with at home.

I'm praying for you and your family!

 

[jerseygal]

I hope that you can take the cruise and have a restful wonderful trip!

Wish you the best for a WONDERFUL PROGNOSIS!

 

[giftcard]

Sending prayers and pixie dust your way.

 

[Donna PA]

I refuse to let it define who I am and made the best of the situation.

That is how I feel !!!!! I see you are from Phila, I live near Reading, and have been thinking about going to Fox Chase for a second opinion. Which hospital did you go through?

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement and keep my in your prayers.