Bummer Travel Insurance Question

[HeelMD]

Pea,

I went to the survivor board, but I feel bad for venting there. Here I am fretting over the possibility of cancer to people who have fought it already. Kind of feel like a baby, but there are some inspiring stories over there.

 

[dairyou]

I don't think you should feel bad because they have all been in your place. I'm sure they don't mind. I've never been over at the board, but Dis'ers are pretty understanding people. We have our disagreements on what our kids should wear on cruise dinners ect...but when it comes down to the important stuff we are there for each other!

Makes sure to let us know how you are doing.

Deb

 

[jnc1970]

Heel MD, I was moved by your story. I wanted to let you know that I was planning an April 2005 cruise for my wife and kids, but in March 2005 I was diagnosed with duodenal adenocarcinoma. I had been on DIS boards religiously before the cruise, so it broke my heart to have to cancel. We had trip insurance, so I got all of my money back with no problems. Obviously that was not a huge concern at that moment.

My cancer had a 5% survival rate, so at only 35 years old, you can imagine the emotional trauma that it caused. I also had to wait about 6 weeks for an accurate diagnosis, so I can definitely understand what you are going through. Hang in there, you will make it.

I had the necessary surgery, and they found no spread to any other tissue or lymphnodes, so it looks like I made it into that WONDERFUL 5% survival category. God has been so good to us, and the whole experience has made us closer as a family. It has also made me more patient and compassionate of others. I am currently going through chemo, and I only have 6 more treatments. Chemo was an option that I chose to insure that all cancer cells were killed. Have faith in God, He is with you every step of the way and He will bring you through this. Just remember that the presence of fear is the absence of faith. Without valleys in our life, we never would experience growth.

My prognosis is great and I have booked our Spring Break Disney Cruise for '06. I am SOOOOO excited, and I know that it will be our greatest vacation ever. We now can truly appreciate all that we have to be thankful for. Just think about how good your celebration cruise will be after your cancer-free! You are already in our prayers. (Read Psalm 119)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Pea,

I went to the survivor board, but I feel bad for venting there. Here I am fretting over the possibility of cancer to people who have fought it already. Kind of feel like a baby, but there are some inspiring stories over there.

Don't be silly, we started it for that reason. Every week we'd be seeing someone posting about issues like this so we thought it would be a place where people could come and ask questions or vent their fears in a welcoming place to do so. It's turned into a source of support, information and cameraderie for all of us and if we can help anyone else it makes us feel good. So we're really glad you came by!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

jnc1970 just want to say your story is touching and inspirational. So glad you got the best news you could get in your situation and that you're doing well.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 days before our first cruise. We went because my twins would be celebrating thier 6th birthday on the ship and my docs said I should go because I had a long year ahead of me. We enjoyed it but I wasn't in the best frame of mind at the time.

We booked another cruise shortly after I began treatment as a way to give us all something to look forward to. I dreamed of being back on that ship all year during chemo, radiation and many sleepless nights. When I crossed the threshold and set foot on the ship after treatment it was very emotional and we enjoyed a very special cruise with many Disers we'd met on the Cruise Meets board. For those of you here who may have seen my question about which ship you prefer last week, now you know why Disney Wonder will always hold a special place in my heart.

I hope you find your way over to the Survivor's thread also. You can meet others who've been through the cancer experience (all different types) and I'm sure you'd be able to offer support and inspiration to others as well. Contined good health to you!

 

[Muushka]

HeelMD; I was thinking about you this morning and wondering if you have any definitive asnwers yet? Out thoughts are with you.

 

[HeelMD]

Still waiting on the biopsy results from the specialists. Really down to two possiblities: 1) some sort of autoimmune attack on my thyroid causing a breakdown of it, or 2) metatstatic carcinoma of the thyroid. Obviously, we're hoping for the first option. Probably will involve some treatment but more of a chronic nagging thing. If it is #2, the plan is surgery, then chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Should get word sometime this week. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers from everyone.

 

[Mary Anne]

I too have been following this thread. I hope your results are positive and that everything turns out well.

Edited to add that by positive I meant good, not positive that something was wrong.

 

[HeelMD]

Mary Anne,

I gotcha. Wouldn't have had a thought for a second you meant it any other way.

 

[Muushka]

HeelMD, thank you again for keeping us in the loop.

I hope your weekend is a restful one.

 

[Cindi0511]

HeelMD,

Any word? Haven't posted in this thread, but reading and hoping all is as well as could be. Let us know!! Hugs and strong, healthy wishes coming your way!

 

[Kimmielee]

I just happened to bump into this thread... HeelMD, I believe, went to the Gulf Coast to volunteer and take care of Katrina's victims... He posted elsewhere... on the Cruise thread I think?

Amazing isn't it? How giving and compassionate with everything on his mind? An awesome individual for sure!!

 

[Kimmielee]

Will be leaving Friday to spend several days in Slidel (sp?) as part of a disaster medical care team. Will let you all know what we see when back...

I found the thread... it's the DIS giving challenge for Katrina... and he started the challenge too!! Amazing... just amazing....

 

[Verandah Man]

Grant, I'm so sorry, I missed this thread when it went around earlier. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for this as well, I trust all will work out for you. HeelMD posted earlier tonight that he was postponed in going to LA, heshould be going around September 12th.

 

[mfishe]

My husband had a medical condition come up this week. We were supposed to go on the Wonder next Thurs. We also had travel insurance. My travel agent called Disney to see if we could rebook for the end of Sept. and Disney went out of their way for us. Do not get upset, take good care of yourself and from our experience I know Disney will be more than fair with you. Most of the fun of a cruise is in the planning, so from my experience with Disney get alot of pixie dust and continue to make your plans, I don't feel they will let you down. God bless you

 

[HeelMD]

Here is the joyous update I posted for this thread several days ago:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=893128&highlight=cancer

Turned out to be a false alarm. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Turned out to be an odd variant of a pretty common thyroid disease.

 

[Cindi0511]

Here is the joyous update I posted for this thread several days ago:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=893128&highlight=cancer

Turned out to be a false alarm. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Turned out to be an odd variant of a pretty common thyroid disease.

WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!! YIPPEE! HURRAY!

I'm so thrilled to hear that! Still, take care of yourself and be safe!