Got the Chemo timeline today--Update for all those who sent prayers

[MAMU II]

We will be praying for your family. I hope that your family enjoys your trip in September.

 

[sassy2]

Prayers for you and your family , may god bless!

 

[ScarletFire]

A GAC is definitley for folks like your DH. When you arrive at your first park, let DH visit guest relations to explain his health issues. I spoke to a CM at Epcot and she could not have been any nicer or understanding. It was apparent that I just completed chemo.

My family is well versed in FP and beating the lines and generally did not use the GAC that was assigned to me. We tended to use it when I needed to rest but my children still had an agenda. The GAC allowed us to use the FP line. In a sense, we traded waiting in line for resting at the hotel. Without the GAC, I would not have been able to enjoy as many attractions with my DD8 and DS10. I also opted to walk and your DH may feel the same way.

I beg you to pursue the GAC. It greatly improved our vacation during a difficult time. Don't feel guilty about some of the priviledges offered by a GAC. I'd rather have my health than a GAC any day.

 

[Happy vacationer]

Thanks for updating us. I check this board each day just to see how things are going for you. My husband had 3 rounds of chemo for 5 days straight each time. He just didn't have the 1 day a week on the off weeks. I believe your husband will be fine on your trip. Everything you told us so far makes me a believer that you would do anything to make the trip enjoyable for your husband. With that in mind, I know you'll enjoy everything you get to do there as a family and can always make plans for a 2nd trip when DH is completely cured and healthy again and do the things you miss this trip. Take care of yourself too. You need to be healthy to be there for everyone else during this time.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Thank you for taking the time to keep us up to date. I am sure by telling us helps you and will become your form of "therapy". May God watch over you in WDW and offer extra "pixie dust" to make your vacation a MAGICAL one.

Please keep us posted.

 

[sanctus]

Just adding my prayers to everyone else's.

 

[eeyore45]

There's power in prayer, and strength in numbers!! Do know you have touched lives thru your post on the internet!! May you feel the peace return to you.

The hardest thing right now I'm sure if for you to find some time for you - do not feel guilty that you need to find your strength. I feel your hope, and guilt when you post you are feeling aches and pain - listen to you!! Give in to your needs, so that you too can come across stronger!! One day at a time is all you can do, and you are doing so much in that one day!! Find time to get a manicure, or a pedicure, find time to cry, and find time to pray, so that you can give yourself the time you need to heal your breaking heart!!

Gather strength from those around you in real life! It is a blessing when someone reaches out and says, "I need help" esp for those that can help - if you belong to a church, please call and ask to be put on a prayer list, and if some on that list call and ask to bring meals - let them. When a neighbor I barely knew reached out to her friend, her friend organized neighbors, and I felt wonderful that they asked me to cook one measly meal!! All I cooked was grilled chicken, and maybe rice and a dessert... imagine how wonderful I felt when she called saying it was her dh's fav dessert -

So dont feel like you are burdening others when you "Let" them help!!!

 

[Rachljo22]

You family is in my prayers. Hope this trip is what you both need to just take that deep breath and relax.

 

[sfbank]

Hope everything goes well and that your trip as the best

 

[goofydad621]

We will continue to pray for your DH and your family for his return to health and to beable to have soom peace in these times.

Hope the Pixie dust comes your way soonest.

 

[yankeepenny]

God bless you and your family- you are in my prayers everyday.

 

[HopingforAMiracle]

Hi~ Just found this thread.
Allensfan and Scarlettfire~
I was just diagnosed with Hodgkins' Disease Stage II Bulky on July 7th. It came out of the blue. I went to the dr that day thinking I had a pulled muscle.
We've had a trip to Disney planned for October for the past 1 1/2 years.
I started ABVD Chemo on 07/15/06.
Allensfan, I'm not sure the type of cancer your DH has. My chemo isn't nearly as intense.
I go for Chemo every 2 weeks for a total of 12 treatments. It hasn't been too too bad so far. Some nausea the first treatment, but my 2nd treatment wasn't so bad.
My oncologist said we should not cancel our trip.
I'm looking forward to going, but honestly am a little nervous.
I hope I'll be able to tolerate it.
I'd usually love rides like TOT, but not sure if I'll be able to handle it this time around.
Scarlettfire- how was it for you?
Sounds weird, but I was wondering if my "headwear" may fall off on some of the rides!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Hi~ Just found this thread.
Allensfan and Scarlettfire~
I was just diagnosed with Hodgkins' Disease Stage II Bulky on July 7th. It came out of the blue. I went to the dr that day thinking I had a pulled muscle.
We've had a trip to Disney planned for October for the past 1 1/2 years.
I started ABVD Chemo on 07/15/06.
Allensfan, I'm not sure the type of cancer your DH has. My chemo isn't nearly as intense.
I go for Chemo every 2 weeks for a total of 12 treatments. It hasn't been too too bad so far. Some nausea the first treatment, but my 2nd treatment wasn't so bad.
My oncologist said we should not cancel our trip.
I'm looking forward to going, but honestly am a little nervous.
I hope I'll be able to tolerate it.
I'd usually love rides like TOT, but not sure if I'll be able to handle it this time around.
Scarlettfire- how was it for you?
Sounds weird, but I was wondering if my "headwear" may fall off on some of the rides!

Yes, your fancy headwear can fall off on some rides.. take it off & have a good time My mom has never gotten back a portion of her hair from the last round of radiation. When she was just having chemo, she always got it all back..nice dark & curly.. considering she was gray, thin & straight, she wasn't complaining. This last bout with it did a number to her hair. At first everyone thought it would come back, she would wear her wig everyday.. she even had different styles. Then when she found out that section will never come back she will wear the wigs when dressing up & going out out.. but to the grocery store, doc, etc.. she combs the remainder of her hair (which the way it is, she cannot even hide it) & goes as is! She is to the point (also going to be 76 in a few weeks), that if people don't like the way she looks..tuff. She is alive & that is what matters to her & us..
So with that said.. let your hair "down" and have fun, you are alive & that is what counts Enjoy every minute of life... don't worry about what others think of your "hairstyle"!!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Allensfan...I am very happy that you will get to go on your trip. You need to use this trip as something to look forward to & get the both of you thru the chemo. Even if your husband ends up tired.. he can still do little things during the day as oppsed to sitting at home & thinking of what he just went thru. A change of sceenary will do all of your family some good. So what if you can't hit the parks from morning till night, you will be together ejoying a little at a time hugs from my family to yours.....

 

[mousette]

I too have been thinking about you and your family, God bless you.

I hope you have a wonderful and memorable vacation.

 

[Pixiedust34]

Your family is in my prayers.

 

[AdventureGuru]

my thoughts and prays are with you


Hopingforamiracle: Check out places like Eastern Mountain Sports-they often have safari type hats with a chin strap that you can cinch down to stay put...hope that helps!

 

[HopingforAMiracle]

Yes, your fancy headwear can fall off on some rides.. take it off & have a good time My mom has never gotten back a portion of her hair from the last round of radiation. When she was just having chemo, she always got it all back..nice dark & curly.. considering she was gray, thin & straight, she wasn't complaining. This last bout with it did a number to her hair. At first everyone thought it would come back, she would wear her wig everyday.. she even had different styles. Then when she found out that section will never come back she will wear the wigs when dressing up & going out out.. but to the grocery store, doc, etc.. she combs the remainder of her hair (which the way it is, she cannot even hide it) & goes as is! She is to the point (also going to be 76 in a few weeks), that if people don't like the way she looks..tuff. She is alive & that is what matters to her & us..
So with that said.. let your hair "down" and have fun, you are alive & that is what counts Enjoy every minute of life... don't worry about what others think of your "hairstyle"!!

Oh...I wish I had some "fancy" headwear!
I'll probably just have a couple of bandanas that I'll be wearing.
I don't quite know yet, as my hair just started to fall the past few days.

It's easy to think: just let it go and don't bother covering up. I was told I should keep my head covered. It may be warm enough at WDW in October, but we do lose most of our heat from our heads.
Also, it's difficult to imagine myself with now hair. Of course, I'm glad that I'm alive- but unless you've been there it's hard to imagine how difficult losing your hair is. It's very hard for me now to be pulling out clumps of hair from my head. I can't imagine (not yet) just going bald. Maybe someday.

 

[jamounger]

I went to Disney 2 weeks after my first round of chemo last summer. The hair started falling out 2 days before we left so I just had my hairdresser shave it off. Better than dealing with hairs all over the place. Wore ball caps and scarves with no issues. nothing feels better than cool water in the pool on a bald head when it is 100 degrees. Just don't forget to sunscreen the melon. Also duct tape works great to get the last of those short hairs(kind of like a lint roller). Good luck to you. The hair will be back in a year, I have a full head and even have had it cut 2 times, It's just curlier

 

[jamounger]

Sorry, one more thing. Go to headcovers.com they have the best hats. The cozy hats were the bomb, very soft. I worked in them and even wore them to bed(your head gets cold at night so get a sleeping hat)