Help with hopefully temporary disability

[jking6]

Long story short we are scheduled to arrive on May 14th. I was diagnosed with Melanoma and had major surgery on March 16th to at this point I am still in bed with toes above the nose.
Infection set in a few days ago so hopefully the strong antibiotics will clear that up. My question is I am not sure if I should cancel my trip and let my DD and Niece 19 & 20 go with out me.
Or if I am able to get up should I try to go if so I know I will need to rent a scooter as I have been in bed or 5 weeks now.
Lastly If I still have to mostly stay toes above the nose should I still fly and spend my day laying under an umbrella with my leg up and just visit them for dinner at a TS at places other than the park as I hate to waste 10 day park hopper passes if I can not enjoy them as I love rides.
Thank you

 

[blessedmom4]

I have a lot of opinion on this , just not good facts. I think the change of scenery might do you a world of good; however, how are you truly feeling? Have you discussed any of this with your doctors?

I mostly just wanted to give you !!! I do hope you recover quickly!

 

[jdb in AZ]

You really don't want to endanger your health, but I can understand your needing a change of scenery. Have you cleared it with your doctor? DH had knee surgery and his doctor wouldn't allow him to fly because of the danger of blood clots from sitting in a cramped plane for several hours.

I really hope you can travel, even if you use your park hopper pass some other time. How do your DD and niece feel about rescheduling after the summer when it would be cooler for everyone, less crowded, and give you more time to get back on your feet? I still needed a scooter 6 mos after major surgeries. I hope you're able to get around sooner than that. Actually, using a scooter is a lotta fun.

 

[buffettgirl]

eh..I'd stay home if you know you'll still have to be on bed rest. I would feel so out of sorts trying to convalesce in a hotel. Even if you could get outside for a few hours - how hot will it be there and can you guarantee that you'd be comfortable sitting out under an umbrella with your legs up? If you can move around, then sure, rent the scooter but even still - how well will you actually feel after being cooped up for that many weeks?

I know we all love Disney - but it's ONLY a vacation (yes, I hear the smelling salts coming out now). It's not worth risking your health for a vacation.

 

[KPeveler]

I absolutely love WDW, but I would be afraid of blood clots and recurring infection. If you must keep your legs up, even a scooter will only do so much, so much of your time will be spent in the hotel. Driving a scooter takes a lot of work and mental stamina, with quick reflexes. If you are going to get tired easily, you may find this difficult.

I would check everything with your doctor, since he/she will know best!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I know its not what you want to hear, but I would say WAIT.

I had 7 operations, 3 of them for cancer in one year. It took 12 months to get back to disney and even then my dh had to push me in the wheelchair almost all the time.

Also the infection issues alone would make me wait. I also developed an infection and I couldnt imagine going then. (2 of my operations were trying to get rid of the infection) plus antibiotics and they wanted to do a wound vac machine which I said NO to. I wouldnt be able to swim, the weather would have been warm etc.

Also I would be worreid about the blood clots on the plane too. I would run everything by your doctor/surgeon etc. and see what he/she has to say.

And if you are still on antibiotics when you go on the trip, alot of those meds say you have to avoid the sun etc. Another thing to consider.

Wishing you all the best

 

[jking6]

thanks for the advice. I am going to the doctors tomorrow and will discuss it with him fully tomorrow. My DIL is an RN and she is the one who changes my leg bandage and she will be with me if I go to Disney in 3 weeks but with this new infection I am having my doubts but I will leave it up to the doctors and as far as the sun I will be not be enjoying that much any more for the rest of my life as that is what has led to all my problems.

 

[retired and happy]

This will sound like one of those " I know someone worse off" stories, but please indulge me. DW had two scheduled back operations in August 2009. When she couldn't walk a week after coming home, they found a SERIOUS infection for which she had five more operations to try to clear the infections and close the wound. She then had a PIC line inserted and spent 15 months on IV antibiotics. We did go to WDW in Dec '09 with the PIC but had to draw blood and send it to the lab every week. We went again in Jun '10 under the same conditions. They had trained me to dress the PIC site and to draw the blood, but she spent most of the time on the bed in the MH on both trips. Although she really wanted to go both times, it was no fun for her. Please listen to your doctors and even if they approve your trip, temper what they say with how you feel and how you expect to enjoy the trip. A little misery can destroy what should be an enjoyable time. Take your time and get well.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Infections shouldn't be brushed off so easily. Complications can be serious. Hopefully, your infection will clear up - and your DOCTOR will make your decision for you. Do not go against your doctor's advice. He/she has a lot more knowledge than we do.

Prayers are said for you. I hope you recover quickly without complications.

If Doc says it's OK, enjoy your trip!

 

[jking6]

Doctor gave me clearance to travel today. with restrictions. No Public water and I have to keep toes above the nose for a least 8-10 hours at night. Plus Limit walking so I will definitely need a scooter.
Infection is minor but he did say he will send me with antibiotics just to be on the safe side. thanks for all your comments it really helped to hear encouraging words

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Melanoma and you want to come here to FL! Did you tell your doctor you were coming to Fl??? We have some wicked sun here in May!

 

[jking6]

Yes he knows sunscreen is the word.. Oh and he also said get rid of the tanning bed, which is already gone....

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Tanning bed.. My mother didn't have Melanoma, but she had small cell..Basil (think that is what it was called) on her face. They kept removing pieces of her nose each time every time it would grow back. She never gave up going in the sun either Yet the day she found out she had lung cancer, she stopped smoking.. She also had Macular Degeneration and the doc had said that was from the sun...

Yes, while you are here, apply lots and lots of sunscreen, wear your hat & take a break from the mid-day sun! I would also make sure I wore some really good sunglasses too to protect your eyes.....

Now that I am done telling you all the bad things.. I do hope you have a great time while you are here.. stay safe too..

 

[bouncycat]

Ah yes. I've had 2 Melanoma spots removed, and I take GOBS of sunscreen, and reapply all the time. Just be careful tho, now that I use so much sunscreen, my vitamin D is low in my blood, so I take a supplement for that. Have fun, and just be careful!

 

[DisneyFairytale]

Have you cleared it with your doctor?

I think that's the number one thing you need to do. He would also be able to tell you if you can risk going or if you should stay home.

Last year, after I had my pelvis reconstructed, I actually went on a flight from canada to california just 5 days after a 1 week hospital stay, to go to Disneyland. I was in a wheelchair the entire time. To give you an image, I had metal screws and were to be bed ridden for the next 2 months. I agreed to stay sitting or lying and not use that leg(I couldnt anyways because the only thing holding me together was screws), but I refused to miss Disneyland.

Image below of what I look like:


If you are careful, you can do it, its not an issue but you have make sure that you physically you can handle it. I recommend talking to your doctor to make sure...and no my doctor never found out that I went to Disneyland 5 days after discharge