Help! ??? for for first timer wanting to take grandchild w/medical problem..

[BC]

Hi,
We have never done the Disney cruise, but have been to the World several times. My grandson has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and his vision is already compromised. He has had several rounds of chemo and is currently taking more and if it does not work, he may lose his vision. We are wanting to take him on the Disney cruise, but of course have many concerns and questions. The first being medical care if needed while on board. To look at him, you would never know anything is wrong, but he is on a seizure medication and occassionally has one, but they are short lived and he is OK within a short period of time. If need be, I assume there are Doctors on board and a way to get him help if need be. I want to take all my children and grandchildren which would be a total of 6 adults and 4 children. We are looking at January and wondered if there is a better time of year than another as far as rates and getting the most for your money! I assume the activities are the same no matter when you go. I see on Mousesavers there are Magical rates of $499 for a 4 night in January. Is that as good as it gets? Also, we are thinking of getting 2 connecting rooms. Any info you could give is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[aprilgail2]

I don't have many answers for you but as someone who had a godson with a brain tumor I just waned to say that I hope everything works out with the chemo for the little guy. Could they remove any of it at all with surgery?
Jan is probably as cheap as you are going to get other than hurricane season!

 

[TooPure4u]

Hi....my son has non-hodgkins lymphoma so I def know what chemo does to a child....I wish you the best and will say a prayer for him.

We went in January this year. Last August I almost lost him but he bounced back enough to where the doctors ok'd his trip. We did a 7 day. We are going again this coming January due to the lower rates. I think this is probably the best time to go as far as money.

At one point on the ship my son got a headache beyond the norm and I called the ship doctor. I asked if I could give my son something that would not interfere with the chemo or cause any type of reaction with his other meds and the doctor had "no idea"....and that is exactly what he said!!! So I did it anyway. If I had known I would get an "I have no idea" answer, I probably would have waited to take him or taken a shorter cruise. I was told that I had nothing to worry about; that the ships doctors were very good. I wasnt asking for them to give him chemo...I was simply asking if my son could have tylenol vs motrin etc. I wish you the best and if you do set up a cruise....it will be a cruise he will NEVER forget.....

Tracy

 

[TooPure4u]

P.s.....Aprilgail, I am very sorry about your godson.

Have a blessed day!!!

 

[The Adams Family]

we just got back from a 7 days cruise with our daughters. Autumn my second oldest has had 8 brain and neck surgeries in the last 18 months. i made sure we went with all possible needed meds and we went with a detailed outline of her medical condition and we also took a letter from her doctor so if need be we could give it to the ship doc if there was a problem. this letter also listed all the contact info of our DD's docs. we ended up not needing any of it but i was happy we had it with.

Jill

 

[Ginny]

BC -

I sent you a PM this AM with some suggestions. Thought I would give you a bump so those with more experience could answer your questions.

 

[pattiteach]

I just went on the August 28th cruise. My son has epilespy and is on 500mg. of carbatrol. I investigated the medical area, also alerting them to my son's condition, and they were very concerned, and listened to us attentively. If I were you I too would call and meet with them in the beginning of the cruise, just in case. Good Luck.

 

[CM_Mom]

You didn't say how old your GS is but I'm assuming he's the age to be in the Club or Lab. Take a few minutes to discuss his condition with the counselors and tell them what you expect them to do should he have a seizure and what his limitations are. I know they will be very understanding and supportive and help him have the best time possible.

I agree with the previous poster who suggested taking detailed medical info and contact information and meeting with the ship Dr early on just so you know his/her face. Also check with his Drs about seasickness meds.

DCL really tries to help kids with all kinds of special needs have a WONDERful or MAGICal time.

God Bless

 

[Liz]

Wishing you the best and saying a prayer for your grandson.

I have similar concerns as I am considering a cruise for our family. My daughter has a heart transplant and I'm concerned about taking her out of the country and all the germs she might be exposed to on shore excursions, etc. Good luck and safe travels for you all.