Disney while on CHEMO

[PigletsPal]

I've been planning this trip for over a year and worked my backside of paying for it. And since Aug I've found out I had breast cancer, had it removed with neg lympnodes so now I will be starting chemo once every 3 wks on Mon 10/13 and will have 2 doses before our Nov. 5th trip.
Of course I have know idea how its going to be for me. But was wondering if any one else has gone to WDW while on Chemo?
I WON'T give up this trip, my DH said maybe I should just start when we come back on the 12th of Nov.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITES.

The regulars here will try to help you as much as we can.

My suggestion is to not delay the start of the series. Ask your doctor what effects it will have on you while you are being treated.

Clearly you have a disability and need to consider it; however a vaction will actualy be (mental) therapy. If the doctor says you should avoid exerting yourself, prolonged walking, or standing, you should consider renting an ECV for the duration of the trip.

Although your disability is "invisible", it does exist. If there is any need, when you rent the ECV do not worry about strangers disapproving. You, and the people with you, will know of the problem and they are the ones who count.

If you are interested in renting an ECV (or wheelchair) just mention it and more information will be posted either by me or someone else.

In the meantime, here is some Pixie Dust to help.

Mike

 

[Figaro]

Hi PigletsPal!

I agree with Chesire Figment about not delaying the chemo. We took Mom to WDW when she was on chemo for colon cancer and what we found was that she tired very easily and needed an ECV. She was also very sun-sensitive from the chemo and needed a Guest Assistance Card to wait out of the sun.

Our main concern was since we knew that her immune system wouldn't be working as well because of the chemotherapy that we would have to all be extra cautious. When she flew she wore a mask and used clorox wipes and purell handwash. We carried the purell and wipes with us to the parks and also made sure that we reminded her frequently not to touch her face (how many viruses and bacteria make it into our bodies).

The trip was a wonderful one and we just took everything very slowly. I would expect with two chemotherapy sessions that you might feel tired and maybe nauseated some of the time.

Hope you have a wonderful trip and that the chemotherapy goes great for you!

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES from me too.
Personally, if I was in your shoes, I'd want to start chemo right away. I'd want to be on vacation envisioning the cancer cells being driven away by all the WDW pixie dust.
But, if you are thinking about postponing your chemo, the doctor can tell you what the consequences might be. Sometimes it doesn't matter if it is delayed; sometimes it matters a lot. Your doctor can tell you which category you belong in and that might help you feel better about beginnig the treatment. A lot of times, the doctor's nurse is the one who does the education about what side effects you might expect from treatment, so I'd probably start with the nurse.
If you have had 2 treatments before you go, you should have some idea of how you may react before you go to WDW (but keep in mind that the chemo may have sort of a cumulative effect and you might feel more effects as you go on).
An ecv is a good idea because it would help you conserve your strength for more fun things than just getting around. If you are feeling tired and want to lie down for a while, there is a First Aid station at each park where you can do that. The staff are nice, the place is dim and quiet and you can lie down on a cot in an individual cubicle.

A Guest Assistance Card (We call it a GAC to avoid typing so much) might also help, as Figaro suggested. The GAC is a way to let CMs know what sorts of extra assistance you might need because of an invisible disability (whether it is a permanent disability or a temporary one). You request one at Guest Services in any of the parks. You just explain what your needs are (which may be a place to wait out of the sun and heat) and the CM will try to give you a card with appropriate types of things to assist you. This link has a lot of information about touring with disabilities. It also has a good explanation of the GAC.

Hope things go well for you.

 

[dizzyintx]

Hi Piglets Pal,

I am on chemo for multiple sclerosis. I have been on novantrone for over 2 years. I know that this is different than cancer, but I did want to help as much as I could. You say that you will have 2 treatments under your belt by the time you go to WDW. The question really needs to be when is your infusion as compare to your trip.

If its 7 to 21 days before going you might have a problem. This is when your blood counts drop and you will be without any immunity or protection. It would be dangerous to be in large crowds or on a plane during this time. Also the fatigue is incredible.

I would talk to your dr and see what you can workout. It probably depends on how aggressive your cancer is. I understand your wanting to go so bad, but it isn't worth your life!

On the other hand, oncolgist understand your need for a GREAT time and how healing it is to the soul. Mine put my next infusion off till we get back from disney. If you do get to go, take it slow and easy. Use the gac and if you need it, rent a ECV, because you will have tremendous fatigue. If you need a break in the park, make use of the first aid station.

I just reread your post and figured out, you are going right after your second dose. Please talk to your dr to see if you can put that one off until you get back.

We are going Nov 15. I wish you tons of pixie dust. Kim

 

[Tiger Fan]

Hello Becky - I've seen you around on the scrappin' board and welcome to the disabilities board. I can tell you all about my trip in June of 2000. We too had planned our trip for months. In March, only 3 months before we were to leave I found out I had breast cancer at the age of 30. It's a very aggressive kind and I had to start chemo right away. I had had 3 rounds of adrymiacin/cytoxin prior to us leaving. I did make my doctor help me schedule it so that I was at the best point in my treatment. I had chemo then weeks later another round. I was usually feeling my best at the 3 week mark. That's when we went to Disney. I was bald and weak, but it was the most wonderful trip ever. I didn't need to rent a scooter or wheelchair at that time, I just took it slow. You are going at a better time of year with the heat - June was very hot. I want to encourage you to be positive about this trip - you'll do fine. Please feel free to email me at bigtigerfans@aol.com and we can talk even more. My best to you!!
Lisa

 

[Nanajo1]

I went to WDW three weeks after one of my Novantrone doses. I historically had low WBC post chemo. The MD gave me a prescription for antibiotics in case I developed signs of infection. I was to call and talk with the MDO and fill the prescription at their direction. Fortunately, I did fine, but it is something to discuss with your Md.
Pixie dust for a great trip.

 

[Teri Zolman]

I am in a simular situation. Though I have been on Chemo for two months. I two was upset that I may have to postpone my families Christmas trip. My doctor is going to work it out so that the treatments fall a few weeks before and a few weeks after the trip. I would really talk to your doctor. I felt fine after my first treatment but the second one really knocked me out. My doctor suggested using a wheelchair or scooter to help with fatigue. Thsi is a descision between you and your doctor, but it is really hard to deal with when you are used to being healthy. Just remember that there are many people hoping you are able to make your trip, but remember your health should come first. I hope you are well soon. Much pixie dust. This board has been very helpful.

 

[PigletsPal]

Thanks for all the input. Well I went for my 1st chemo today. They had to change my tx. plan after getting results from another cardiac test I had done, but aleast it wasn't delayed. I go back next wed for blood work and if all goes well another dose, then it will be every month so it will fall on the 20th of Nov and we come back on the 12th.
I've told him along about the trip and he was OK with it, just to take it easy when I get tired and to stay out of the sun and drink lots, and lots of water.
I think I will take everyone advice an get a GAC just in case. I'm really hoping the weather is cooler plus the parks are closing at 7p for most of the time I'll be there so I will at least get a good nights sleep.

 

[SueM in MN]

I hope things continue to fall into place for you to have a great trip.
Just take it easy and do a lot of stopping to look at things you might not notice at a faster pace. There are a lot of fascinating little details built into WDW and this is your trip to enjoy all the little things.

 

[GeekChic]

I don't have anything to add to the great advice you've already gotten, I just wanted to give you a hug!

(((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))

I hope that everything works out okay for your trip, and that your treatment goes well and is effective for you.

Please keep us posted, I'll be thinking of you!!!

Ro

 

[BabyTigger99]

Just wanted to give you a GOOD LUCK with the chemo. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma on August 28 and tomorrow I will go in for my 3rd round of chemo. I am receiving CHOP with Rituxan, and knock on wood, I have been feeling really good. Very mild nausea, Ement is a God-send (and I haven't actually thrown up at all, which is really good for me, I am a known puker!!), and only tired for a few days afterwards. Pace yourself. Even though you feel good, still take it slow. I learned that after my first treatment. I went shopping for 2 hours the day after my first treatment, and I was out of it for a day and a half. Let us know how it goes!