Husband finishing chemo-little long winded

[babyblues425]

My husband will be finishng this round of chemo about 2 weeks before we go to the world, he still has another year of treatment...This is his 4 bout with hodskin and non Hodskin Lympoma...He even had a stem cell transplant about 3 years ago...with no luck it came back again and again......hes been battling this for 8 yrs..... my husband can get tired very easliy...My husband is a very proud person and would never let it show how sick he is.....He would never rent a scooter, he rather give it to someone else who would need it more..my husband is the type of person who would either stand there or sit with a smile on his face and never amit that he is either tired or in pain..... We will be taking my stepson for the first time this sept/oct and I know my husband wants to make it as magical as possible for him...My question is I heard something about GAC...Not sure what it is or that it even applies to his condition...Any tips or ideas would be very much appreciate as to make it easier on him...
Thank You
Christine

 

[Nanajo1]

The GAC used to meet accommodations other then mobility/stamina issues. Folks who tire easily or have difficulty walking are encouraged to use a w/c or scooter. GAC is used for those who have issues with close proximty to others, must wait in a cool area or are so medically fragile that it would be harmful to be in the regular line.
Please tell your DH that he does indeed need a scooter if he wants to give his son a good experience. Remember if he can't keep up or you have to curtail the activities because he is in pain it affects everyone.
Cheshire Figment has a great post I'm hope will be here soon.
I get bent out of shape with people not wanting to look weak by using a scooter. For Pete's sake this is your life. Live it to the fullest by using whatever means you need. I don't find it noble to suffer needlessly.
Off my soap box now.
I hope you have a wonderful trip and your DH responds to the treatment.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I heard my name mentioned.

Please ask your husband the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are travelling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

I know the first time I used an ECV at WDW my wife was relieved since I was no longer wearing myself out and also we did not have to stop every few minutes because I was exhausted. The real key question is number six.

 

[taximomfor4]

First of all, hugs to your family. Medically, your husband has been through a lot. Now on to my question. Do your husband's anti-cancer drugs cause sensitivity to the sun? How about heat sensitivity? Because if that is the case, your trip will end up needing to be carefully planned and it might strongly influence your schedule.

As for is fatigue, which I am sure must be overpowering at times, I sincerely hope he gets the wheelchair or ECV if he gets too tired. My mother did one day of walking, but the second day could barely get out of bed. We went to Epcot and she rented a scooter. She cried while paying, and cried while they showed her how to work it. But I tell you what, MY trip was much improved and I KNOW hers was as well. By the afternoon, she was perfectly cheerful. She just parked near each ride, and we got into line. After the ride was over, we walked back around to where she had parked, and off we went. It was a great mix between walking/standing and having help with her pain and fatigue. The reason the ECV is the best answer for most stamina/monility/fatigue issues is how much standing/walking is done OUTSIDE the lines. Also, try to get to the parks at opening, leave for a break , to the hotel pool or whatever. Come back for dinner and more fun in the evenings.

The lines,really, are only a fraction of your day in the park. I think his best bet might be to talk with his doctor about your upcoming trip. The doctor can list any warnings for him. Carefully consider his doctor's advice, and have a magical trip!