Staying Healthy on Vacation

[momto3gsds]

I'm not really sure where to post this but am hoping this is accurate. In November I will be returning to WDW for my dream trip. I'm 53 years old and have Stage 4 Terminal Lung Cancer (no worries, they gave me six-eight months last June and I'm still around!) and will be on chemo every three weeks for the rest of my life. As a result, I do have a weaken immune system.

I use to spend a lot of time at WDW but to be honest many times I've either gotten really sick there or when I've returned. So what I would like is any tips on staying healthy on the trip.

For the first time ever I've booked a non-stop flight. This will limit my travel time and exposure. I'm thinking of wearing a mask on the airplane but hesitate only as I don't want to stand out so. What are you thoughts on this?

I'm thinking of getting antibotics before as well as a good cough syrup if the need arises.

I have purchased travel insurance that covers existing conditions as well as Medical insurance while I travel. I have medical insurance but think it would be easier if I had this special insurance. Also it will cover me if I need to cancel.

I'll have disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer as well as Lysol for the room. Do you have any other tips to keep germs at bay?

Rather than running through the park like crazy I think I'll take it much slower. At this time I'm able to walk and don't plan on getting a scooter but that is subject to change.

Thank you all for any tips you can give me. Its been years since I've been there and I'm so hoping I can make this trip happen safely.

 

[mobay2000]

No one really knows what to say to someone who has health problems like this. Many will probably hesitate to reply. I'm sorry you are going through this. However, pity is obviously not your goal here.

When my mom was at this point in her bout with cancer, my brothers and I each took a bucket list trip with her individually. We did any and everything she felt well enough to do and slowed down when we had to. I hope you have folks with you that can help out when issues/ side effects come up.

It sounds like you have all your ducks in a row. Just do what you need to do to avoid secondary infection. Wash hands, don't touch your face, use sanitizer. I'd do the mask on the the plane though because of the confined space and recycled air. You don't want to get sick before you even hit the parks. Who cares what other people think?

I hope that you tolerate chemo enough to enjoy yourself. I think you deserve and have the right to do what you want and travel or whatever else you see fit. Hopefully your loved ones will support you and have fun with you. Hope you have a happy and healthy visit to WDW!

 

[momto3gsds]

I'm sorry if my question made anyone uncomfortable. Please don't feel sorry for me, I'm enjoying my life and so appreciative of each day.

I'll be taking this trip alone. I could have asked a friend but I really don't want to feel like I'm holding someone back or pushing myself too hard to make them not feel bad.

I plan on having fun. One thing I especially enjoy while I travel is for that time I actually don't feel like a cancer patient.

Again, I'm sorry for making anyone uneasy. I was just hoping to find some more tips that might be helpful.

Take care.

 

[Zooshoveller]

After our first family Disney trip we came home violently ill. The next trip we were very diligent and everyone came home fine. I bought travel sized liquid hand sanitizers that clip to a belt loop and travel packets of sanitizing wipes. (I didn't want to carry around bulky items.) We washed or hands as often as possible (before and after the bathroom, before and after eating, etc.) We used to liquid before and after rides, buses, etc. and used the wipes on table tops. Go overboard! I would wear a mask in crowded/confined places and draw a picture on it! Lips, animal nose with whiskers, etc. My sister did this when she had cancer and went to visit her 2nd grade students. You may want to think about buying latex gloves. If you're eating at a buffet, think about wearing the gloves or using a napkin before touching those tongs.

I wish you the best and extra pixie dust!

 

[momto3gsds]

I wasn't expecting anyone else to respond, thank you so much!

The gloves are a great idea. I'll be sure to pick up a supply before I leave, that way I can use them and toss them away

I will go overboard on the hand anti bacterial lotion. I plan on using it after each ride. bathroom visits, shopping tours, bus rides and just throughout the day. I didn't think of the tabletop but wiping it down is a great suggestion. Many thanks.

I've already read some helpful tips about using the wipes and spray on the remote and phone in the room.

I plan on going back to my room for a nap each day. I might even make it to the pool! I'm staying at the All Star Music and have requested a room in the Calypso closer to the bus stops.

I am feeling better about wearing a mask. It make's sense, especially on the airplane.

 

[mobay2000]

You shouldnt have to worry about making folks uncomfortable. I think some are afraid of saying the wrong thing so they tend to not say anything at all. I still wish someone were going with you though.

 

[Zooshoveller]

Cancer is what it is. It sucks and I've learned that tiptoeing around it doesn't help. I truly believe in the power if prayer, good thoughts and laughter.

Have fun, take it slow, and be ever diligent about washing your hands and not touching your face.

 

[Caseheidi]

You might also call the Hotel before you arrive and request a deep clean of the room you are staying in. I know they will often do this for those with sever allergies so I would think that it would be available for all medical issues. With a compromised immune system, the cleaner the better.

I agree about wearing the mask. We just returned from a trip the the world and saw people on both flights with masks on. I didn't really think anything about it.

The only other thing I can think of that I haven't seen mentioned is to make sure you are taking enough vitamins, but I bet you already are. I know Airborne has been a big help with taking before a flight during cold season. If your doctors agree, upping your zinc or other vitamins may help you avoid some illnesses.

Hope you continue feeling well and have a wonderful trip!

 

[momto3gsds]

You shouldnt have to worry about making folks uncomfortable. I think some are afraid of saying the wrong thing so they tend to not say anything at all. I still wish someone were going with you though.

Thank you again mobay2000. Please don't anyone worry about saying the wrong thing. In most ways, I'm just like the rest of you trying to plan the trip of a lifetime!

I've already gotten some great tips with the mask, the gloves and wiping down the tables too!! It's these types of things that will make my trip so much more enjoyable as it cuts my risk of catching something.

I hope that this thread would help not only me but others as well. Nobody wants to get sick on their vacation.

Be well and have a great day!
Rosa

 

[disney212]

I also have a suppressed immune system due to medications, and I am 2 years post lobe removal. One of the big ones that was pushed by my pulmonary doctors was to avoid or be very careful at buffets. Not only are the serving utensils touched by tons of folks. A lot of times people accidentally touch the part that touches the food. I started watching and was shocked at how true it is. I found that most of the time folks didnt do it intentionally but it still happens.

Have a great trip.

 

[momto3gsds]

You might also call the Hotel before you arrive and request a deep clean of the room you are staying in. I know they will often do this for those with sever allergies so I would think that it would be available for all medical issues. With a compromised immune system, the cleaner the better.

I agree about wearing the mask. We just returned from a trip the the world and saw people on both flights with masks on. I didn't really think anything about it.

The only other thing I can think of that I haven't seen mentioned is to make sure you are taking enough vitamins, but I bet you already are. I know Airborne has been a big help with taking before a flight during cold season. If your doctors agree, upping your zinc or other vitamins may help you avoid some illnesses.

Hope you continue feeling well and have a wonderful trip!

Great suggestions Heidi!! Thanks a lot I'm glad you mentioned you didn't think twice about those wearing a mask on the airplane. I'm definitely wearing a mask!

Another great suggestion-the Airborne!!! I'll run that by my doctor and see if I can take that. I also have to check with him about adding more Vit C so I'll add that to my list.

 

[mommasharn]

Just my two cents worth... Ask your friend! No one will care if you are "slowing them down". Heck...we will need to slow down. Last September, my cousins husband asked me and my husband to travel at the spur of the moment to Vegas with him and his wife. She had terminal cancer, and this was one of her last wishes. We jumped on it! Sadly, she wasn't able to make it (docs said she couldn't fly) and since out tickets were non refundable, my husband and I went anyway. Would have given anything to have shared it with her. Allow people who love you to spend time with you! Either way, go and have a wonderful time. And let us know how it goes!

 

[momto3gsds]

I also have a suppressed immune system due to medications, and I am 2 years post lobe removal. One of the big ones that was pushed by my pulmonary doctors was to avoid or be very careful at buffets. Not only are the serving utensils touched by tons of folks. A lot of times people accidentally touch the part that touches the food. I started watching and was shocked at how true it is. I found that most of the time folks didnt do it intentionally but it still happens.

Have a great trip.

Oh my, I'll have to watch out for this. I'm going to get the gloves, but I'll try to be careful about the food I select as well. Perhaps going for the stuff in the back (which is where they usually keep the yummy stuff anyway

I so hope that things have improved for you during these past two years. It's amazing how strong we humans can be when we really have to.

Take care

 

[disney212]

oh my, i'll have to watch out for this. I'm going to get the gloves, but i'll try to be careful about the food i select as well. Perhaps going for the stuff in the back (which is where they usually keep the yummy stuff anyway

i so hope that things have improved for you during these past two years. It's amazing how strong we humans can be when we really have to.

Take care

i

 

[disney212]

Oh my, I'll have to watch out for this. I'm going to get the gloves, but I'll try to be careful about the food I select as well. Perhaps going for the stuff in the back (which is where they usually keep the yummy stuff anyway

I so hope that things have improved for you during these past two years. It's amazing how strong we humans can be when we really have to.

Take care

Thank you. I was fortunate to have come though and be healed. One more year of clear scans and I will be considered cured.

I agree you should ask your friend. I have been on both sides of the equation and personally found I had a blast going with an ill friend. I do understand about being worried about slowing them down but trust me when I say they wont be thinking that at all.

 

[momto3gsds]

Cancer is what it is. It sucks and I've learned that tiptoeing around it doesn't help. I truly believe in the power if prayer, good thoughts and laughter.

Have fun, take it slow, and be ever diligent about washing your hands and not touching your face.

Thanks!

 

[momto3gsds]

Thank you. I was fortunate to have come though and be healed. One more year of clear scans and I will be considered cured.

I agree you should ask your friend. I have been on both sides of the equation and personally found I had a blast going with an ill friend. I do understand about being worried about slowing them down but trust me when I say they wont be thinking that at all.

One more scan-that's great!!!! I know how difficult it is with these scans, it mostly the waiting that is just awful, but I wish you the very best.

Mommasharm and those others that suggested going with someone, I might consider this more. I'll have to put some more thought into it. Thankfully at this point I am doing very well on my own. The first six months or so of chemo was a different story. The drugs used where extremely powerful and I could barely walk from the living room to the dining room. At this point though I am getting stronger and stronger. The chemo drug I'm on now is not too bad and the steroids I take help a lot.

Enough about me, lets keep those tips coming. I was feeling really awful when I first posted but I'm loving all the tips I getting now. This is going to be a great trip!! Thanks again for everyone who has responded.

 

[disney212]

If you are in the parks and start feeling bad dont hesitate to head to first aid. They are cool, have great nurses and cots you can rest on. When I was visiting during my treatments I started feeling awful and wasnt sure I could make it back to the room. 30 minutes resting was all I needed to be back on my feet. They were very helpful and nice.

 

[Eddygirl]

I hope you have a fabulous time!!!!

I am not 100% sure, but I think you can ask the hotel to do a deep clean of the room before arrival. I have heard of an allergy clean that hotels will do. Don't be afraid to ask!!

Yes, Lysol spray the room. Anything that people touch. Phone, remote, light switches, dresser handles, door hardware, closet handles/rods/hangers, safe and keys, thermostat as well as the usual bathroom spray down.

I think if you are diligent with hand washing and sanitizing in between you will be doing what you can. And who cares what people think... Wear a mask, esp on the plane.

One more thing... Be sure to stop by City Hall for an "I'm Celebrating" button. You have more to celebrate on this trip than anyone else there! Enjoy!!!!!

 

[momto3gsds]

Disney212, I was so hoping the first aid station worked that way. I'll be sure to memorize where they are in each park before the trip. It's comforting to know that there is a place where I could rest if needed.

Thanks Eddygirl! Your right, there are many more places in the room for the Lysol. I'll be sure to pick up a full size can before I go. I also like the idea of getting the 'I'm Celebrating' button. That sounds like fun!

I am so looking forward to this trip.