skin cancer and wdw qu

[dj2]

i was thinking of inviting my 81yo aunt to join us on our aug/sept trip to wdw, but didn't want to put her in an uncomfortable position of having to decline because of her health. i don't know enough about skin cancer. apparently she goes to the dr frequently to get her skin, as me dad says, "zapped" because of skin cancer. would it be inappropriate for her to be in Florida due to the sun? are there reasonable ways to negate the sun's ill effects, esp considering the heat?
tia
dj

 

[Schmeck]

Even though I've had two malignant melanomas removed and have been limited in my sun exposure, I've found it quite easy to deal with sun exposure at WDW. Sunscreen generously and often, wear protective clothing, and enjoy the indoor attractions during the daylight hours. Most queues are covered, and there will be more sun exposure going between attractions than in line. Get her a pretty hat, get some strong sunscreen (I love Neutrogena) and she should be good to go. Just remember to put lots of sunscreen on her feet - once I forgot my toes...

Also, if she's getting her skin cancer 'zapped', it's the less aggressive basal or squamous cell carcinoma. The damage to her skin was most likely done a long, long time ago, so mild sun exposure now is not going to do much more damage.

I'd be more concerned about heat exhaustion at that age! Make sure she drinks lots of water!

 

[dj2]

thanks for your response

do you think the protective clothing (i took that as long, loose, light weight and light colored) would make the heat to much to bear?

 

[Schmeck]

I've been there in August, and what really helped me was wearing long, lightweight skirts! I wore short sleeved tops and just made sure I had tons of sunscreen on my face, neck, ears, and arms and hands. I also made sure I had sunscreen on my lower legs and feet (but that one time I forgot my toes, oops!)

What's really good about going in August is that it's actually too hot mid-day, and we went back to our room for a nice cool break. Early in August the parks are open very late, and we took full advantage of that as well. We planned the day by trying to save the outdoor attractions for later in the evening/night, and did every inside attraction we could find when the sun was out. It also rained quite a bit, and we did a lot of touring in the rain. We also ate our bigger meals in the afternoon, so that we were inside most of the time I'm supposed to be avoiding the sun.

 

[SueM in MN]

my MIL has had her skin 'zapped' for cancer several times too.
She basically does what Schmeck wrote.

 

[dj2]

great tips! thanks. i think i've got enough info to ask her now. i can see her really enjoying epcot's world showcase. wish me luck!

 

[canwegosoon]

Another hint is bring along several zip lock bags(ask for ice and make mini ice packs_use 2 so they don't leak...fill one 1/2 way fold over, and put in second baggie)...they are very effective for cooling. Also having a bandana, you can slip a mini-ice pack in it and make a cooling collar...very helpful or put the bandana in water and make a cool wrap. Staying hydrated, with full clothing and sunscreen is very important. She might also appericate a manual-handheld fan or a mini fan-battery operated