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

[Allensfan]

Hi everyone.

First of all thank you so much. I have read every word that has been written on the first post and I have even gotten some wonderful private messages that have touched my heart.

We went to the doctor today and honestly, I feel really terrible today and so worn out. I will give you the quick version...his chemo is going to be so rough. He will have chemo everyday for 5 days straight (30 hours that week)...then he will have chemo the next week one day, then chemo the 3rd week for one day...then back to chemo for 5 straight days...this 3 week cycle will happen 4 times. 12 weeks. They say the cure rate is high, which is good....they are doing more scans on him...God help me if they find more Cancer, I am not sure I would survive it.

So just getting through the next round of tests is making me sick to my stomach. Once we are done with that, and this is the battle plan, I guess I can start looking towards the future with his chemo.

They are going to let us go to Disney on the 9th of Sept. I am not sure how he will feel and yes, I am very concerned that he will feel too tired and terrible. But I pray we will have a happy time there.

It will be his half way mark...so two rounds down....then we return and two rounds to go and then maybe we will be all done. God Willing.

Maybe going to Disney will give us something to look forward to.

Big hugs going out to everyone.

 

[LJP]

God Bless and prayers to both of you. Be you both be strong through this difficult time.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Prayers to your family and DH that you may enjoy your trip. I also pray that the chemo will work and your DH's future tests will be clear. We went through cancer surgery for my father in March. He is still recovering from the major surgery but thank God all the cancer was taken and it hadn't spread.So I know all the worry you are experiencing.Hugs..

 

[ScarletFire]

I went to WDW when my 5 months of chemo was complete. I looked like a cancer patient and tired easily but had a wonderful vacation. WDW is very accomodating and offered me a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). For more information, search the DISabilities Board.

Your DH is lucky to have you. My DH was wonderful during my treatment. As odd as it may sound, our marriage and family relationships are stronger than ever because I was sick. A life threatening illness certainly changes your perspective. Good luck and hang in there because this will pass.

 

[mkygrl]

My dad had cancer and one of the things that kept him going during all the treatments and appts...was his next WDW trip. We went and we took it slow...and went on his schedule. He had a blast! We all did! That was 10 yrs ago and we are anxiously awaiting our next trip in less than a month! It will be tough,but focus on the good...and the future! Good thoughts your way.....

 

[tiggrbaby]

Prayers to your family!

My son had Hodgkin's in 2001, and went through his first two cycles similar to what you are describing. He was just about to turn 14 at the time. He still managed to get in some competitive swimming through those first two cycles of phase one. It was near the end of the third cycle that he had to stop swimming for a few months, and did not feel strong enough to return until he was into phase three of the treatment (radiation). So I would suggest that you just do whatever your husband feels like doing on the trip and just be grateful for what you can do, not focus on what you're not doing. I would also check to see if they have any caregiver support groups while your husband is receiving his treatment. It is nice to be able to talk to people who are familiar with the changes in your lives.

BTW, my son is now four years out of treatment, was a YMCA National qualifier the past two years, and is going to college in six weeks (and still swimming even though he had ACL surgery three months ago!).

 

[disney1313131313]

Thank you so much for the update. I have been praying for you and your family, and I will continue to do so. If it is not too emotionally taxing, I am sure that many of us would appreciate updates on how he is progressing, how you are coping and if there is anything specific you would like for us to be praying for. Good luck, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[Quinn222]

God bless you both, prayers being said.

 

[triplefigs]

Your family is in my prayers. I will pray to God for a complete and full recovery. I hope you have a fabulous time at WDW! Make sure to get a GAC card and visit the Disabilities board for more info. It will help your family tremendously.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

God help me if they find more Cancer, I am not sure I would survive it.

You will handle it with the strength and courage you clearly already possess. My best wishes to you and yours for a successful treatment plan, a speedy recovery and a really enjoyable WDW vacation.

 

[jackdis]

I'm thinking positive thoughts for you and your family!!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[Twinkletoesjohnson]

First off, I'm sending good thoughts your way.

Secondly, having just gone through the death of my stepfather from cancer and seeing what the process did to my mother, I want to remind you to take care of yourself also. Be kind to yourself, and cut yourself some slack on all the things that used to seem "required"...and if people offer to help, take them up on it!

As my good friend told me when things were really falling apart here, "take care of the caregiver." At the time it seemed kinda callous, but now I understand...the person who is sick IS being taken care of, but the caregiver needs help too

 

[3for Me]

I think that if your DH is strong enough for you to take your trip it could actually be "good" timing. He will have the trip to look forward to when beginning the treatment, and hopefully the trip will be all you are wishing for and give him the strength and motivation to continue the rest of his treatment. (Looking for the silver lining, here!)

God Bless You and may you have a wonderful, wonderful trip in September!

 

[Mousema]

Thanks for the update. Our prayers are with you all. Here's some pixie dust for the future.

 

[MartDM]

I'm so glad to hear that the doctors are giving your DH a very optimistic prognosis - that's wonderful news! You guys seem to be doing great so far in the face of this terrifying challenge! Keep the faith - a positive outlook truly is the best medicine. Many continued good vibes for his quick recovery!

As for your trip, just plan for more relaxation than park rampaging. There are so many wonderful things to do at WDW that won't tax your DH too much if he's feeling tired (go for a boat ride, have a massage, etc.). When in the parks, take full advantage of the services for folks who need a hand - minimizing his exertion levels by using a scooter, etc. will really help him enjoy the trip without taxing himself.

Hang tough! We're thinking of you!

 

[MagicMe]

Thanks so much for posting your update. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Here's hoping that you both get the chance to enjoy your trip.

 

[Disneydenise]

Hugs and prayers. Hope all goes well and you will be writing about your packing plans soon.

 

[bellebud]

so glad you posted an update! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dh!! And a disney trip sounds perfect in between his 4 rounds of treatment. I hope everything works out wonderfully for you on your trip.

My mom went through a few operations and treatments for cancer, and it was very scary at the time (that was 11 years ago), but it's made her appreciate life in a way she hadn't before. They can do so much for people today with cancer... stay strong for your family, and like someone else posted, remember to take care of yourself too!

anytime you need a few hundred shoulders to lean on, come here!

and i hope to be reading posts about your trip soon enough!

 

[Allensfan]

This board has been such a happy place to come....just makes me think about how happy actually being in Disney will be.

Thank you so much for the prayers. I am trying to look after myself and I think I feel worse than my husband if I am being honest. I have so many aches and pains that you would think I was the one that was sick.

He is so sure that he is going to feel fine to go to Disney but I worry what 2 full rounds of chemo is going to do to him. He may feel worse than he ever expected to. But heck, laying around, taking it easy in Disney, is a lot better than laying around resting in North Carolina .

I am going to look into the GAC but I am not sure if he will qualify. I have also made plans to rent him a scooter. I will do everything in my power to help him and my little boy have a great vacation.