Just can't find it.....

[juliebug1997]

I just can't find my enthusiasm for this trip. It'll be our first trip ever to DL and we're celebrating our first date five years ago. However, I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I've been handling that information fine until yesterday. Just feeling blue and now I have no enthusiasm for our trip. I feel terrible and I don't want to admit it to DH, but Plus, it's too late and we do not have trip insurance; also, there's a part of me that says we really need this trip.

I'm hoping that, when we get there tomorrow night, I will feel completely different. We are going to the Halloween Party on Friday and there's so much that's different from WDW. I think I need an attitude adjustment.

PS: Please, no pity party for me. I seem to be handling that just fine on my own. I guess I just need a tip or two to find my Disney spirit.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

OP

Why don't you plan on new traditions for you and your husband? There is a really nice restaurant at California Adventure - Carthay Circle Restaurant. Pamper yourself on this trip.

(in the meantime, you're in my prayers...)

 

[DisneyGaga]

A couple of years ago, my mom passed away and we had a disneyland trip scheduled for 2 days later. I asked my sister to delay the service, as I didn't want to disappoint the kids and they were already sad. I'm glad we went, it was just what I needed to distract myself. I was feeling overwhelmed. It gave me the energy I needed to get through a rough time, I really hope it does the same for you.

 

[Satchmo128]

DH and I will be there this weekend and I'm more stressed with all the little details right now than I am excited. That being said, I know once we get to the hotel, the magic will welcome me - and it will for you, too!!

Relax, enjoy the small things, and know that you are in my prayers!!

 

[msbell1976]

Travel might seem a little overwhelming right now, but I totally agree about creating new memories for you and your husband.

I think that it might help to focus on the good time that you will be having, pamper yourself a bit, maybe buy those one or two things that you normally wouldn't to remember the trip, etc. Focus on living in the NOW, having a great time on the trip, and ive yourself permission to think about the diagnosis when you get back. Give yourself a few days off from the negative feelings, and allow yourself to have a great time and really enjoy yourself. Sometimes, just giving yourself permission to feel bad in a few days works...and then by the time that day arrives, you don't WANT to feel bad or think about it!

You're going to have a great time!

 

[mellers]

I just can't find my enthusiasm for this trip. It'll be our first trip ever to DL and we're celebrating our first date five years ago. However, I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and I've been handling that information fine until yesterday. Just feeling blue and now I have no enthusiasm for our trip. I feel terrible and I don't want to admit it to DH, but Plus, it's too late and we do not have trip insurance; also, there's a part of me that says we really need this trip.

I'm hoping that, when we get there tomorrow night, I will feel completely different. We are going to the Halloween Party on Friday and there's so much that's different from WDW. I think I need an attitude adjustment.

PS: Please, no pity party for me. I seem to be handling that just fine on my own. I guess I just need a tip or two to find my Disney spirit.

Just before my Disney cruise last month, I found out my cancer had returned. I was feeling blue just like you right beforehand, but once I got onboard, and had my first meal there, I started to relax and really have fun.

Dress up, go to the Halloween Party, even if you don't feel like it. Just as the sadness can creep up on you when you don't expect it, so can the joy. However, if you lock yourself away, it never will.

 

[AnneUCSB]

Huge hugs to you! I was just diagnosed with breast cancer in June of this year at the age of 37. I have 3 young boys age 2, 5, and 7. We are headed to DLR on Nov. 13, just 3 days after I finish my last chemotherapy. This is a celebration trip for us. Not just a celebration of getting through chemo, but a celebration of life, an opportunities to make lifetime memories, and a sacred time for us all to be together surrounded by love and the magic of Disney. Don't get me wrong, I plan to live many more DECADES with many more Disney trips to come, but hearing the word "cancer" just reminds you that life is precious and to celebrate each day. Good luck in your journey and hold on to these memories as you get through the tough times and know that there will be many more wonderful decades ahead.

 

[Mary09]

I think the worry will lighten a little if you go. It's not comparable but I just went and am always a little wound tight trying to make everything fun for everyone but I relax as I get into vacation mode and worries drift away.

Have a good trip!

 

[kailuagirl]

Hugs oxoxox

The last 3x we went to DL I had no excitement to go when it was getting close at all, none. Even packing had no excitement, nothing. But once we got to the airport, it hit me and I got super excited. I truly hope this happens for you. Enjoy your time with your DH. DL is the happiest place on earth for a reason, it really is. So go and enjoy yourself and have a wonderful, wonderful time. Turn yourself into that little princess again, just let it happen, absorb it all and have a magical time.

 

[Congo Queen]

My suggestion would be that you get to be selfish on this trip. Often we as women are making sure that the others in our travel party have their needs met and are having a good time before we think about what we might want ourselves. But not this trip for you Juliebug. Think about the specific things you love about Disney travel destinations, and just go right for it. Is it meeting characters or a particular ride or enjoying indulgent amusement park snacks or screaming really loud on a roller coaster or singing along with the birdies at the Tiki Room or swimming at the hotel pool? Whatever it is - you just go for it - get to it first thing and keep going with it. No putting off your own pleasure.

 

[Escape2Disney]

My suggestion would be that you get to be selfish on this trip. Often we as women are making sure that the others in our travel party have their needs met and are having a good time before we think about what we might want ourselves. But not this trip for you Juliebug. Think about the specific things you love about Disney travel destinations, and just go right for it. Is it meeting characters or a particular ride or enjoying indulgent amusement park snacks or screaming really loud on a roller coaster or singing along with the birdies at the Tiki Room or swimming at the hotel pool? Whatever it is - you just go for it - get to it first thing and keep going with it. No putting off your own pleasure.

YES!

I have significant health issues (not cancer), and have been sick for almost 20 years. With each set of bad news, we plan a Disney trip. The family thinks I'm crazy, and sometimes I don't want to go, but I plan it anyway. Once I get there with my family and/or friends, and walk down main street, a little of that burden fades away.

One suggestion I have for you is if you're tired or not feeling well, take your time. You don't have to keep up with the park commandos in order to have a wonderful time. Once I slowed down (out of necessity), I started noticing so many wonderful things around the parks.

These trips helped me understand that life has joy no matter the speed we travel.

 

[Geemo]

Fate has stepped in. I feel, you'll find this trip was meant to be.

The anniversary of your first date five years ago! How special!!!

Pack your bags and off with the two of you.
Magic happens on every trip to Disneyland, you'll see.

Take it one day at a time or even minute to minute.
Whether at Disneyland or home. And remember to Breathe....

Geemo

 

[juliebug1997]

Thanks, everyone!

I had dinner with my dad and brother tonight and it helped a lot and then DH and I came home and packed and I feel a little better--"Raising Hope"helps some too.

To the poster who said they were 37--that's how old I am!

To the poster who said they'll be there this weekend--if you see two people in white shirts and they say "Rankenstein" and "Bride of Rankenstein" on the back, feel free to say hi.

 

[melancholywings]

You may be going through the stages of grief. Losing one's sense of 'health' can trigger the same stages of grief as losing a loved one. They are very different but the coping mechanism is very similar.

My advice is to go, and enjoy yourself with out putting the extra stress on yourself to try and feel a certain way. Have fun and enjoy yourself at your own pace. Even if it's taking a break from the rides to sip strawberry daiquiris by the pool (my favorite DL attraction)

 

[CourtFool]

Focus on living in the NOW

True dat. What will be will be. Give yourself a few days off from worrying about it.

 

[mom2rtk]

Julie, I know you said no pity... how about just a hug?

Hang in there and enjoy your trip out west. Prayers for a full recovery.

 

[DharmaLou]

I sort of understand, not in the same magnitude, but I just lost my job and money is going to be insanely tight until I find something. We already have all the money saved for our DLR trip, but I still feel guilty using it when we could use it for things we NEED. But we've been planning this for a year, and my 4yo would be devastated if we didn't go, so I have to put on my big girl panties.

I wish you all the best, and I hope DLR is just what you need to lift your spirits.

 

[chrissiecutie]

Just as the sadness can creep up on you when you don't expect it, so can the joy. However, if you lock yourself away, it never will.

Love this!!!

Sometimes joy can truly be found in the most unexpected & quiet moments...

 

[mom2rtk]

Just before my Disney cruise last month, I found out my cancer had returned. I was feeling blue just like you right beforehand, but once I got onboard, and had my first meal there, I started to relax and really have fun.

Dress up, go to the Halloween Party, even if you don't feel like it. Just as the sadness can creep up on you when you don't expect it, so can the joy. However, if you lock yourself away, it never will.

I love this too.

Prayers for a speedy recovery to you as well.

 

[juliebug1997]

Thanks, everyone. A Dole Whip tomorrow will certainly help and, Mom, i'll be character hunting all over and we'll be at the party!