Disney vaca during Chemo..

[pinkerbelle]

Hi, my family and I are coming to Disney Oct 17 and staying until the 23rd and I am in the middle of Chemo treatments for Stage IV Breast Cancer and I have 2 girls ages 4 and 6 and I was wondering if there are any special places I need to know about for First Aide stations or if there are guides out there to help us with rest stops in the parks? I know I will be really tired and I just need to know what to expect. Have never been to Disney when I have not been 100%. Any suggestions would be helpful. Are there motorized wheel chair things to rent? I just want the girls to have a great vacation and not worry about Mommy. Thanks..

Janet

Pinkerbelle....

 

[kevschickee]

I have no tips on this but I have to say you are one of the strongest mommies out there. My god you have to be strong to be going through this tough time but continue to make memmories for your babies. I will be there when you are there I hope you have a great time!

 

[livndisney]

Hi, my family and I are coming to Disney Oct 17 and staying until the 23rd and I am in the middle of Chemo treatments for Stage IV Breast Cancer and I have 2 girls ages 4 and 6 and I was wondering if there are any special places I need to know about for First Aide stations or if there are guides out there to help us with rest stops in the parks? I know I will be really tired and I just need to know what to expect. Have never been to Disney when I have not been 100%. Any suggestions would be helpful. Are there motorized wheel chair things to rent? I just want the girls to have a great vacation and not worry about Mommy. Thanks..

Janet

Pinkerbelle....

Each park has a first aid. You can find them on the park maps. You can also rent ECV's and Wheelchairs.

 

[tlh0726]

to you
and that you and your family have a very magical trip

 

[tjbaggott]

Definately rent a motorized scooter or even a regular wheel chair. Go to Guest Services in the first park you go to and ask for one of their cards. I forget what it's called but it's kind of like a disability card that can be a big help to you in all the parks.
We went to WDW while my daughter was in the middle of cancer treatment. Now that was a Wish granted through the Children's Wish Foundation. We had Wish Buttons to wear, and when I went to rent a wheel chair for my daughter, the CM told me, after seeing my button on my purse strap, "No charge" and pointed to the button. I wonder if there is a way Adults could do this too? You'll make some wonderful memories for yourself and your family on this holiday, a way to look back and smile upon this scary time for you.
I hated being told "you're so brave" or Strong, as I never chose to be in our situation. If I had a choice, I Wouldn't have been in that situation. I know people meant well though, and recently someone told me the same thing but phrased differently. So here's the quote for you, as maybe it will be meaningful to you too:
"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have".
Best wishes to you in your treatment and recovery, and all they best to you and your family!

 

[kevschickee]

Definately rent a motorized scooter or even a regular wheel chair. Go to Guest Services in the first park you go to and ask for one of their cards. I forget what it's called but it's kind of like a disability card that can be a big help to you in all the parks.
We went to WDW while my daughter was in the middle of cancer treatment. Now that was a Wish granted through the Children's Wish Foundation. We had Wish Buttons to wear, and when I went to rent a wheel chair for my daughter, the CM told me, after seeing my button on my purse strap, "No charge" and pointed to the button. I wonder if there is a way Adults could do this too? You'll make some wonderful memories for yourself and your family on this holiday, a way to look back and smile upon this scary time for you.
I hated being told "you're so brave" or Strong, as I never chose to be in our situation. If I had a choice, I Wouldn't have been in that situation. I know people meant well though, and recently someone told me the same thing but phrased differently. So here's the quote for you, as maybe it will be meaningful to you too:
"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have".
Best wishes to you in your treatment and recovery, and all they best to you and your family!

Oh jeeze and I said that above. But I really do mean it.

 

[robinb]

Depending on how tired you will be, you may want to rent your ECV so you can have it all the time and not just at the parks. Look over on the DISAbility Board for more into. My FIL went right after Chemo and that's what we did. We also didn't have to worry that they would be sold out by the time my in-laws made it to the parks. Speaking of which ... you may also want to look into a Guest Assistance Card which may cut your wait times down in the parks.

 

[MomtoAlexnWilliam]

I hope you have a magical trip!

As for places to rest...First Aid

First aid centers can be found in each park, in the following locations:

They have medically trained staff on duty at all times, and can provide basic pain and cold medications, advice and a place to lie down if you're feeling unwell.

Magic Kingdom - Near Crystal Palace Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.
Epcot - Located at Odyssey Center (near Test Track)
Disney's Hollywood Studios - on the left as you enter.
Animal Kingdom - Near the entrance to Africa from Discovery Island.

 

[3doodlebugsmom]

I think you should post over on the disabilities board, those folks over there are awesome. They'll have alot of good advice to make a magical trip for you and your family.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

I think you should consider getting a motorized scooter for just in case. The last I knew the scooter rentals in the park were $45/day. You can rent from an outside place (find them on the disABILITIES board) for about $30 and you'd have it 24 hrs/day.

Since you've been to the parks before, you know about most of the attractions. Use the sit down ones to your advantage. Duck into Hall of Presidents, the train, CBJ, the riverboat, etc when you feel you need a break. You can bet on at least 15 minutes of rest, with entertainment! Plan a good TS meal midday and enjoy taking a long break (vs. saving TS for dinner).

Don't overdo it while you are there b/c your kiddos will pick up on it and may worry. You are going to have an amazing trip!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Hi, my family and I are coming to Disney Oct 17 and staying until the 23rd and I am in the middle of Chemo treatments for Stage IV Breast Cancer and I have 2 girls ages 4 and 6 and I was wondering if there are any special places I need to know about for First Aide stations or if there are guides out there to help us with rest stops in the parks? I know I will be really tired and I just need to know what to expect. Have never been to Disney when I have not been 100%. Any suggestions would be helpful. Are there motorized wheel chair things to rent? I just want the girls to have a great vacation and not worry about Mommy. Thanks..

Janet

Pinkerbelle....

Welcome to the DIS!

We would love to have you over on the Survivor thread! My mom just finished treatment for stage III breast cancer earlier this year, and the ladies on that thread are simply amazing! I am sure they could provide some tips for navigating WDW during chemo.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2224699

 

[RMulieri]

As a Chemo Nurse I will tell you take it easy, Take breaks often, Try not to get overheated,wear sunblock, drink plenty of fluids and don't try to be super woman! If you need to rest, please do not push yourself .Listen to what your body is telling you...god bless, and get well

 

[CastleChick]

We too went to Disney during Chemo (my husband had hodgkin's lymphoma) and if you get tired out like he did (just sitting anywhere made him tired) I would definately recommend the motorized scooters. I tried to get him to rent one but he refused so we just took extra breaks during the days.

Have fun on your trip!! May it do some magical healing in your lives!

 

[pinkerbelle]

Thanks everyone... I am just getting nervous about going and all the info that you have given me will help out so much. I know my limits so I will just take it slow and easy. I have already made my reservations for the table services so we will most likely plan around the cast dinners. Thank you so much again!!!


Janet