Prince Carter's MAW Disney Cruise PTR
- Thread starter Hschlink
- Start date
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
Fast forward to his last treatment: Oct. 10th, 2007
Wow, chemo is over!
Carter had his last chemo appointment yesterday! There were no fireworks or a marching band on the way out, but I still feel like weve accomplished something!
Carter is doing well =) He was a little bit gaggy and his appetite isnt what it usually is, but that should only last a day or so. Carter will have another check-up in three weeks along with another surgery to remove his port-a-cath. Those should be smooth sailing compared to what he has been through already!
Since his last treatment in October of 2007 he has had a full checkup ever 3 months which usually include a CT scan, an ultrasound, blood work, urine analysis, chest x-ray, and a meeting with his oncologist. Thankfully Carter has had a clean bill of health at every checkup! He has gone so often that he doesnt even flinch when the nurses have to poke him for blood or for an IV. Its sad that he has had to go through it so often that its come to that point but thats why he has the nickname the man.
There have also been other events since we discovered Carter had cancer that has changed our life. In September of 2007 they had a benefit for Carter and there were so many people there it was overwhelming! During the planning of this benefit we created a group of people called Team Carter. And in April of 2008 we were able to raise money and participate in a walk/run called the Fools Five. We all did it as a group and even had Team Carter t-shirts made for everyone! My father was one of the very first people to help organize and run in the first Fools Five about 30 years ago. So I knew that was a very proud day for him. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it!!
Wow, chemo is over!
Carter had his last chemo appointment yesterday! There were no fireworks or a marching band on the way out, but I still feel like weve accomplished something! Carter is doing well =) He was a little bit gaggy and his appetite isnt what it usually is, but that should only last a day or so. Carter will have another check-up in three weeks along with another surgery to remove his port-a-cath. Those should be smooth sailing compared to what he has been through already!
Since his last treatment in October of 2007 he has had a full checkup ever 3 months which usually include a CT scan, an ultrasound, blood work, urine analysis, chest x-ray, and a meeting with his oncologist. Thankfully Carter has had a clean bill of health at every checkup! He has gone so often that he doesnt even flinch when the nurses have to poke him for blood or for an IV. Its sad that he has had to go through it so often that its come to that point but thats why he has the nickname the man.
There have also been other events since we discovered Carter had cancer that has changed our life. In September of 2007 they had a benefit for Carter and there were so many people there it was overwhelming! During the planning of this benefit we created a group of people called Team Carter. And in April of 2008 we were able to raise money and participate in a walk/run called the Fools Five. We all did it as a group and even had Team Carter t-shirts made for everyone! My father was one of the very first people to help organize and run in the first Fools Five about 30 years ago. So I knew that was a very proud day for him. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it!!
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
Wow
I dont believe it! We are leaving for our Disney cruise a week from today! Im so excited for the kids but nervous because there are so many things I need to get done before we go!! Make a Wish of MN has gotten us reservations for a hotel with a water park on Friday, Jan. 9th. Then in the morning of the 10th we get a limo ride to the airport and another nights stay at the Hyatt in the Orlando airport. THEN
on Sunday its off to the Mickey Boat!! I cant wait to write my trip report when we return!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
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- 18,133
Just remember about this week...
Do your best...
Leave the Rest...
Angels do no more...
camarks1234
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2008
- Messages
- 436
Just found your report and am excited for you. I know what you're going through/have been through and it's not fun.
Our son was diagnosed with Medullablastoma last March and we finished up our chemo this Dec. It seems that our mission this year is to just CELEBRATE LIFE!!!
So that is my prayer to you and your family. Have TONS of Mickey fun and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!
I can't wait to hear about all of it when you get back. We leave for our son's MAW cruise Jan. 31st. woot!
Our son was diagnosed with Medullablastoma last March and we finished up our chemo this Dec. It seems that our mission this year is to just CELEBRATE LIFE!!!
So that is my prayer to you and your family. Have TONS of Mickey fun and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!
I can't wait to hear about all of it when you get back. We leave for our son's MAW cruise Jan. 31st. woot!
! I bet you're so busy right now; can't wait to hear how the trip goes!
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
We had a fantastic time! Ill start my trip report as soon as things settle down a bit
maybe this weekend?!?! I know there is another wish mom that will be leaving for a cruise soon so I dont want to give a way any surprises! Here is a quick review:
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disneys Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disneys Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
- Messages
- 18,133
We had a fantastic time! Ill start my trip report as soon as things settle down a bit maybe this weekend?!?! I know there is another wish mom that will be leaving for a cruise soon so I dont want to give a way any surprises! Here is a quick review:
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disneys Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon
Glad to hear you had a great time!!!
Relax and enjoy yourselves!!!!
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
Were back and we had a fabulous time!!!
Saturday, Jan 10th. “On our way”
I’ll admit, it was really hard to sleep because I was so excited. After months of waiting we were finally on our way to a trip of a life time! It was fairly easy to wake the kids that morning even though they spend the following night playing in the hotel’s water park. We got ourselves ready and headed to the front desk where we were to meet our limo We got there early (I’m always early) so we had sometime to walk around the hotel with the luggage cart. If you ever find yourself with 2 3-year olds and nothing to do….just grab a luggage cart. We did that for a good 20 minutes or so!
Finally the limo pulled up and we were on our way to the airport. This was the first time the kids have ever been in a limo. You’d think they would want to sit next to mom or dad? Nope…they wanted to sit up by the driver and chit chat about Mickey Mouse and the boat! We arrived at the airport and met Shannon, a MAW volunteer. She helped us get our bags checked and even sent us through the VIP security area so we didn’t have to wait in line…very nice. Note to self: going through security with 2 3-year olds isn’t fun…no matter where you are going on vacation.
Finally we got to our gate! Shannon asked if it would be OK with us if she told the flight crew about Carter and maybe get to see the pilot! 10 minutes later we got to board the plane and Carter got to sit in the co-pilot seat and he even got to wear the captain’s hat!
Now…I was a little nervous about the kids and the plane ride. I wasn’t sure if they would be scared or even sick. I tried to get them all excited so it would seem like something really fun was about to happen. The plane started toward the run way and both kids seemed excited and were looking out the window. Then I herd the engine roar and looked at both kids…huge grins on their faces…I think we were going to be all right! The plane ride to Orlando was pretty uneventful thanks to portable DVD players
Once in Orlando we got our bags and checked into the Hyatt at the airport. For anyone spending the night in Orlando for the cruise I would suggest staying at the Hyatt. It was VERY convenient. Our room was very nice and we had a balcony with views of the runway. That might sound like a bad view…but at night it was actually very pretty. And I never once herd an airplane?!?!? After swimming on the roof top pool (another excellent place to watch planes) we got some dinner and went to bed. We had an exciting day ahead of us!
Saturday, Jan 10th. “On our way”
I’ll admit, it was really hard to sleep because I was so excited. After months of waiting we were finally on our way to a trip of a life time! It was fairly easy to wake the kids that morning even though they spend the following night playing in the hotel’s water park. We got ourselves ready and headed to the front desk where we were to meet our limo
We got there early (I’m always early) so we had sometime to walk around the hotel with the luggage cart. If you ever find yourself with 2 3-year olds and nothing to do….just grab a luggage cart. We did that for a good 20 minutes or so!Finally the limo pulled up and we were on our way to the airport. This was the first time the kids have ever been in a limo. You’d think they would want to sit next to mom or dad? Nope…they wanted to sit up by the driver and chit chat about Mickey Mouse and the boat! We arrived at the airport and met Shannon, a MAW volunteer. She helped us get our bags checked and even sent us through the VIP security area so we didn’t have to wait in line…very nice. Note to self: going through security with 2 3-year olds isn’t fun…no matter where you are going on vacation.
Finally we got to our gate! Shannon asked if it would be OK with us if she told the flight crew about Carter and maybe get to see the pilot! 10 minutes later we got to board the plane and Carter got to sit in the co-pilot seat and he even got to wear the captain’s hat!
Now…I was a little nervous about the kids and the plane ride. I wasn’t sure if they would be scared or even sick. I tried to get them all excited so it would seem like something really fun was about to happen. The plane started toward the run way and both kids seemed excited and were looking out the window. Then I herd the engine roar and looked at both kids…huge grins on their faces…I think we were going to be all right! The plane ride to Orlando was pretty uneventful thanks to portable DVD players
Once in Orlando we got our bags and checked into the Hyatt at the airport. For anyone spending the night in Orlando for the cruise I would suggest staying at the Hyatt. It was VERY convenient. Our room was very nice and we had a balcony with views of the runway. That might sound like a bad view…but at night it was actually very pretty. And I never once herd an airplane?!?!? After swimming on the roof top pool (another excellent place to watch planes) we got some dinner and went to bed. We had an exciting day ahead of us!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
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- 18,133
Great start... Can't wait to hear more!!! 
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
Sunday, Jan. 11th.
Today is Mickey Boat day! We got up early so Kyle and I could get ready and pack up our luggage. Kyle was able to sneak out with Carter so the two of them could get us some breakfast from Krispy Cream in the Orlando airport. After we had our donuts we headed down to the front desk area to check-in for the Disney Cruise bus. Another good reason to stay at the Hyatt…the cruise bus was very convenient After waiting awhile and chit chatting with the other cruise passengers we headed off “single file line” style to the bus loading area.
After waiting some more we finally got to board the buss…YEAH! The ride to Port Canaveral wasn’t too long and the bus was very comfortable…did I mention they show cartoons during the ride there…very nice! I knew we were getting close so I grabbed Carter and put in my seat so both kids could see the boat. And there…finally…the MICKEY BOAT!
The bus dropped us off and we headed inside After a quick potty break we headed for the line to check in and were handed a boarding card with #10…that’s OK with me! We got up to the check-in desk and the lady said she would be right back…she came back with a #4 boarding card and said they should be calling it any minute….SWEET!! Just one of many nice surprises during our trip Off to take our security pictures!
After pictures they called the number 3s…that means were next! Kyle and I decided to get in line to register the kids quick because it looked like short waiting…again…easy and painless! On to the boat we go! “Disney cruise line would like to welcome the Schlink family”!
My fist order of business was to pick up a couple strollers…I was tired of carry the kids everywhere!!! Strollers…check…on to Beach Blanket for lunch.
OK, now off to change our Palo dinner reservations! There was a bit of a snafu when I made our initial Palo reservations a month or so before our cruise. I’m pretty sure it was user error and I forgot to click the “submit” button to make the reservations finalized…ooopppsss! Our dinning schedule was Tritons, AP, AP, and Parrot Cay so we decided to do Palos on our second AP night even though it was pirate night…we still went to the party….well three of us made it to the party (more on that later).
Bye this time it was 1:30pm so we headed to our state room to check it out, changed into our swim gear and headed to the Mickey Pool!
I love the Mickey Pool…it’s the only one we played in. It was PERFECT for my kids! After getting plenty of “water time” we head back to our room to get ready for the safety drill!
After the drill we decided to check out the Oceaneer’s club. They really enjoyed it there and LOVED the slide! We made sure to show them where the potty was. I like how everything is just their size!
After playing in the Oceaneer’s club it’s time to get ready for dinner. Tonight we are in Tritons and was pleased that there was no waiting when we got there and we were able to sit down immediately. Our server for the cruise would be Pascal…very nice and accommodating. After dinner we decided to see the Golden Mickeys….the show was awesome! I wasn’t sure how the kids would do during the shows and if they would have the patience to sit and watch the entire show. We sat down, the show began and I didn’t hear a “peep” from them until the end! Back to our room…I was exhausted, and it was only the first day!
Today is Mickey Boat day! We got up early so Kyle and I could get ready and pack up our luggage. Kyle was able to sneak out with Carter so the two of them could get us some breakfast from Krispy Cream in the Orlando airport. After we had our donuts we headed down to the front desk area to check-in for the Disney Cruise bus. Another good reason to stay at the Hyatt…the cruise bus was very convenient
After waiting awhile and chit chatting with the other cruise passengers we headed off “single file line” style to the bus loading area.After waiting some more we finally got to board the buss…YEAH! The ride to Port Canaveral wasn’t too long and the bus was very comfortable…did I mention they show cartoons during the ride there…very nice! I knew we were getting close so I grabbed Carter and put in my seat so both kids could see the boat. And there…finally…the MICKEY BOAT!
The bus dropped us off and we headed inside
After a quick potty break we headed for the line to check in and were handed a boarding card with #10…that’s OK with me! We got up to the check-in desk and the lady said she would be right back…she came back with a #4 boarding card and said they should be calling it any minute….SWEET!! Just one of many nice surprises during our trip Off to take our security pictures!After pictures they called the number 3s…that means were next! Kyle and I decided to get in line to register the kids quick because it looked like short waiting…again…easy and painless! On to the boat we go! “Disney cruise line would like to welcome the Schlink family”!
My fist order of business was to pick up a couple strollers…I was tired of carry the kids everywhere!!! Strollers…check…on to Beach Blanket for lunch.
OK, now off to change our Palo dinner reservations! There was a bit of a snafu when I made our initial Palo reservations a month or so before our cruise. I’m pretty sure it was user error and I forgot to click the “submit” button to make the reservations finalized…ooopppsss! Our dinning schedule was Tritons, AP, AP, and Parrot Cay so we decided to do Palos on our second AP night even though it was pirate night…we still went to the party….well three of us made it to the party (more on that later).
Bye this time it was 1:30pm so we headed to our state room to check it out, changed into our swim gear and headed to the Mickey Pool!
I love the Mickey Pool…it’s the only one we played in. It was PERFECT for my kids! After getting plenty of “water time” we head back to our room to get ready for the safety drill!
After the drill we decided to check out the Oceaneer’s club. They really enjoyed it there and LOVED the slide! We made sure to show them where the potty was. I like how everything is just their size!
After playing in the Oceaneer’s club it’s time to get ready for dinner. Tonight we are in Tritons and was pleased that there was no waiting when we got there and we were able to sit down immediately. Our server for the cruise would be Pascal…very nice and accommodating. After dinner we decided to see the Golden Mickeys….the show was awesome! I wasn’t sure how the kids would do during the shows and if they would have the patience to sit and watch the entire show. We sat down, the show began and I didn’t hear a “peep” from them until the end! Back to our room…I was exhausted, and it was only the first day!
Tink rules
<font color=teal>The kids in my family sometimes t
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
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- 18,133
Glad you had a good first day!!! Isn't the ship beautiful???
Hschlink
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
- Messages
- 42
Monday, Jan. 12th
We decided to start the day off right and order room service for breakfast. I would suggest to anyone to try that at least one while you’re on your cruise. It was nice and relaxing just sitting in the room instead of waiting in line to get your food…plus…you can order a mimosa!
Today we were at Nassau and because Kyle and I have already visited Nassau and we didn’t have any shore excursions planned we were going to spend the day on the ship. We also had a couples massage planned for that morning…yeah! After getting everyone ready we head to the Oceaneer’s club to drop off the kiddos so Kyle and I can get to our massage. I knew the kids were going to have an “issue” with us leaving them there so I tried to prep them along the way telling them that mommy and daddy were going to leave, but we would be right back to get them. Well…that didn’t work so well :-( They were upset when we left, but the counselors were very good about taking there hand and leading them to an activity to get their mind off of Kyle and I leaving. I knew they would be fine after a few minutes and left feeling a little bad…but that quickly went away when we got to the spa!!!
Kyle and I really thought hard about whether or not we would get a couples massage just because of the cost. I’ve never had a massage before and always told myself that I shouldn’t have to pay for someone to give me a back rub! Well…I’ve completely changed my mind! It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time!! It was fabulous! I only wish I had more time and more money to do it ALL the time. Before Kyle and I started our massages we filled out a short form and I made sure to add on there “No sales pitch please”, and they followed my request.
After the massage we headed back to the club to pick up the kids and headed to the Mickey pool. I think one of the reasons I like the Mickey pool so much is because all I have to do is sit pool side with my tootsie in the water and relax. It was easy to keep my eye on the kids at all times and they are really comfortable with water so they could play by themselves.
After getting some lunch we decided to head back to our room and change. Kyle and I didn’t have any intentions of getting off the ship in Nassau, but it was a gorgeous day so we decided to take the kids and the strollers and just walk around outside a bit, grab a souvenir or two, and take some pictures. Getting on and off the ship is pretty painless unless you encounter another stroller or a wheelchair along the way…there just isn’t room for both. We took a quick walk up and down some of the streets and I was able to pick up a shirt from the Hard Rock Café for a souvenir for myself. I happen to look down at the kids while we were shopping and noticed they were both out! We took it slow on the way back to the ship just so they could get in a few more minutes of snooze time.
Once we were back on board it was about that time to get ready for dinner. Tonight was at Animator’s Palate and it was also the night we got to dress up and look spiffy…so I was really looking forward to it! On our way to dinner we decide to check out Mickey and Minnie so we can get some photos with them. I could tell that Carter was really tired tonight. He hadn’t had his usually afternoon nap in three days so his reserve tank was running on empty. He was out before they could bring him dinner…poor guy!
After dinner we decided to take Carter back to the room and put him to bed. Breah has never needed a nap so she was wide awake so her and Kyle decided to catch the Toy Store show. I stayed back with Carter and we both caught some extra Zs!
We decided to start the day off right and order room service for breakfast. I would suggest to anyone to try that at least one while you’re on your cruise. It was nice and relaxing just sitting in the room instead of waiting in line to get your food…plus…you can order a mimosa!
Today we were at Nassau and because Kyle and I have already visited Nassau and we didn’t have any shore excursions planned we were going to spend the day on the ship. We also had a couples massage planned for that morning…yeah! After getting everyone ready we head to the Oceaneer’s club to drop off the kiddos so Kyle and I can get to our massage. I knew the kids were going to have an “issue” with us leaving them there so I tried to prep them along the way telling them that mommy and daddy were going to leave, but we would be right back to get them. Well…that didn’t work so well :-( They were upset when we left, but the counselors were very good about taking there hand and leading them to an activity to get their mind off of Kyle and I leaving. I knew they would be fine after a few minutes and left feeling a little bad…but that quickly went away when we got to the spa!!!
Kyle and I really thought hard about whether or not we would get a couples massage just because of the cost. I’ve never had a massage before and always told myself that I shouldn’t have to pay for someone to give me a back rub! Well…I’ve completely changed my mind! It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time!! It was fabulous! I only wish I had more time and more money to do it ALL the time. Before Kyle and I started our massages we filled out a short form and I made sure to add on there “No sales pitch please”, and they followed my request.
After the massage we headed back to the club to pick up the kids and headed to the Mickey pool. I think one of the reasons I like the Mickey pool so much is because all I have to do is sit pool side with my tootsie in the water and relax. It was easy to keep my eye on the kids at all times and they are really comfortable with water so they could play by themselves.
After getting some lunch we decided to head back to our room and change. Kyle and I didn’t have any intentions of getting off the ship in Nassau, but it was a gorgeous day so we decided to take the kids and the strollers and just walk around outside a bit, grab a souvenir or two, and take some pictures. Getting on and off the ship is pretty painless unless you encounter another stroller or a wheelchair along the way…there just isn’t room for both. We took a quick walk up and down some of the streets and I was able to pick up a shirt from the Hard Rock Café for a souvenir for myself. I happen to look down at the kids while we were shopping and noticed they were both out! We took it slow on the way back to the ship just so they could get in a few more minutes of snooze time.
Once we were back on board it was about that time to get ready for dinner. Tonight was at Animator’s Palate and it was also the night we got to dress up and look spiffy…so I was really looking forward to it! On our way to dinner we decide to check out Mickey and Minnie so we can get some photos with them. I could tell that Carter was really tired tonight. He hadn’t had his usually afternoon nap in three days so his reserve tank was running on empty. He was out before they could bring him dinner…poor guy!
After dinner we decided to take Carter back to the room and put him to bed. Breah has never needed a nap so she was wide awake so her and Kyle decided to catch the Toy Store show. I stayed back with Carter and we both caught some extra Zs!
MagicMe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 3, 2006
- Messages
- 4,267
I am so glad you and your wonderful family enjoyed the cruise. I've cruised on the Wonder twice and the Magic once and they're both fantastic!!! It's now my favorite vacation!
I'm really enjoying reading about your cruise and look forward to the day at sea and castaway cay!!!!
I'm really enjoying reading about your cruise and look forward to the day at sea and castaway cay!!!!
My 15 year old daughter and I have gotten caught up in your family's story. We think your children are just beautiful, and Carter's an inspiration for everyone. We are so happy to be able to share in your trip and your happiness on the cruise.
Thank you and best wishes to your entire family!
Debbie
Thank you and best wishes to your entire family!
Debbie
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