Disney with cancer

TheHundredth

Mouseketeer
Joined
Oct 3, 2011
Messages
104
I was diagnosed with type 2b hodgkins lymphoma about 5 weeks ago and im undergoing my first round of chemo at the moment. I'm 18 and just graduated high school and we're headed to disney on june 9th.

my doctors have approved me going and all

ANY tips? Advice, help, anything is appreciated.

thanks. Austin
 
No tips, but I hope you have an awesome time. I can't imagine what you're going through.

I know that when my mother-in-law had Breast cancer she said the chemo made her sense of smell very heightened and that a lot of things made her nauseous.
 
Sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

It's late, so I can't stay up to write too much, but will start you out at least.

Since you are just undergoing your first round of chemo, you won't really know how it will affect you. We just came back a couple of weeks ago from a WDWtrip with my mom, who is on chemo for colon cancer. Since she started treatment in October, she has a pretty good idea of how she will feel at various points in her chemo schedule.

The drugs most commonly given for Hodgkin's typically cause nausea and hair loss. It's hard to say to what extent they will cause that for you or how quickly, but both are something to prepare for. Most people undergoing chemo also experience fatigue. You will probably need a wheelchair to help you conserve energy. Many people like to use ECVs (motorized mobility scooters), but it's important to keep in mind that using one requires concentration and alertness. So, although using one keeps you from getting tired from walking, it may make you more tired from having to be alert all the time. For that reason, some people prefer a wheelchair, even though it means someone needs to push it.

Some attractions have wheelchair accessible ride cars, which means you could stay right in the wheelchair to ride. This can be very helpful if you are tired or in pain.

Many people on chemo have their highest energy level soon after getting up, and then get tired later in the day. Whatever time is the best for you is the best to start out at the park. If you find you are tired and want to lie down, each park has a first aid station where you can lie down in a private room or cubicle.

Check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Post 2 of the FAQs has information about wheelchairs and ECV rental.
Post 6 has information about Guest Assistance Cards, which may be helpful in meeting some of your needs.
 
I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Cancer is a tough beast but medicine has come a long way in treating it! I've been to Disney during chemo. The best thing I could say is to let your body dictate what you want to do. I was nauseous a lot. So food was mostly quick service for my family. Salads saved my life! And Ricola herb throat drops. I couldn't tell you why but for some reason they helped with the nausea.

Don't try to keep up if you don't feel up to it. Go back to the hotel, take a nap, lay by the pool. Eat when you feel like it whether it is mealtime or not. Hydrate - that can't be emphasized enough. A wheelchair might be helpful if you lack energy. Conserve your strength for other things.

If your hair is thinning or gone, make sure you wear a hat. You can sunburn the top of your head quicker than you think.
 

I have stage 4 colon cancer and went to WDW recently with all my kids and grandkids. I was told not to go the first three days after chemo, and you may want to see if your chemo can be timed to coincide in an optimal way with your trip. I get fatigued really quickly and suddenly feel a great urge to sleep. First Aid is your best friend if that happens to you. Nausea and exhaustion may just appear out of nowhere, but everyone is different in how they react to chemo and esp. the cumulative effects of chemo. I have begun to carry a non-see-through plastic bag with me everywhere as when the nausea hits I have no time to get to a restroom. I'm hoping that you'll have few side effects though so that you can really enjoy this vacation. Carry some peppermints or wintergreen mints with you, or as the pp suggested, try the Ricola drops if they work for you. My oncologist's office has bowls of peppermint candy everywhere! Eating small meals may help and carrying a snack and water may be helpful also so that your stomach always has a little something in it. Good luck with your trip and with your treatment- I wish you the best outcome for both!
 













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