Talk to me about touring after chemotherapy and touring with ECVs

[stargazertechie]

So we got the news this weekend that my dad's cancer is back. 3 years of remission though, and it's a relapse, so they're giving him a 90% chance of coming through treatment no problem.

When I called him Saturday to see how he was dealing, he sounded so sad. I suggested we go to Disney after he's done with chemo and radiation to celebrate, and he agreed and gave me free reign planning the trip.

My last 5 trips have been with my FI, and we are total commando tourists. Our last trip was a bit different because I injured myself during the 1/2 marathon and spent 3 days in a manual wheelchair, so I have a bit of insight on how much I'll have to slow down from my normal touring, and some of the accessibility issues.

I figured I'd come over here and introduce myself and try and get some tips/suggestions.

We're going June 9-14, staying at the Beach Club, and most likely renting an ECV for Dad as the tumors are located on his hip and spine, so I know he'll still be sore and stamina will be an issue.

Will the ECV be the only thing we need to ensure accessible entrance? When I was in the manual chair in January, I had SO many other w/c users tell me I didn't need to get fastpasses, I just needed to get a GAC and I'd be admitted through the FP line for most rides. I was under the assumption that this was NOT true and that Disney had stopped allowing this because too many people were using WC's and scooters as fastpasses.

Can anyone suggest what area of the resort to request? I've never stayed at BC/YC, but I know it's a short walk to Epcot.

Anything else I should consider? I've got 4+ hour rest breaks planned in the middle of the day every day to avoid the heat and the sun, and I've made our touring plans with early evenings in mind so Dad can rest up. If mom's still awake, we can always go back to a park and hit late EMH!

This boards is a wealth of knowledge, and I look forward to reading more as I plan this epic adventure.

 

[KPeveler]

I don't have time for a long post now but I wanted to welcome you to the board!

Also, you are correct that a GAC is NOT an "automatic fastpass." There are many stamps on the GAC and while there are some instances where the accommodation at an attraction was FP entry, that is NOT something to count on. It is common practice for a CM to request that you get a FP if there are any available. I would definitely plan on getting FPs whenever possible.

That being said, a GAC might be helpful for your Dad. As I said there are many stamps which do many different things, so a stop by Guest Relations with him to explain your situation would not go amiss. Just remember that you have to have him THERE when you get it. The CMs will not issue a GAC for a person they cannot see.

Quick touring notes - wheelchairs cannot go into the stretching room at HM, so CMs will ask if he can walk for 10 minutes (in a crowded room in the dark). If this won't work, you go through the regular line then go in through the exit.

Wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed in the POTC line - they will request that he transfer to available park wheelchairs.

There is no shame in having someone help him park the ECV on the bus - if he is uncomfortable (it is essentially parallel parking inside a bus), then by all means, have him use the ramp to get on the bus, transfer to a regular seat, and then you can help park it for him.

Remember, slower speed means more control. You NEVER want an ECV at top speed while trying to park in a show spot or bus.

Many shows will seat him in the back with at least one person with him. Some shows, such as American Adventure, have only one seat for a person to sit with him - everyone else will have to sit in regular seats. If he wants to get up and walk sometimes, he can walk into theatres (if there is a short wait of course) and sit in regular seats.

I will add more as I think of it.

Welcome to the boards.

 

[MdMommy]

I also have cancer and went to Disney last summer in the midst of chemo. The fatigue was the biggest thing for me to deal with but the ECV helped me keep up with my 2 teenagers. I did not have a GAC, and I did get fastpasses where available. I am able to walk and stand for shorter distances with no problem, but I did stay on the scooter in lines that allowed it like Soarin', since that is a long walk. I also had a collapsible cane that I could use when I was walking.

I did not get a shade on the scooter as I was transporting the scooter in my car and I did not want to deal with that extra piece. But, I did make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The chemo and radiation can make you more sensitive to the sun.

 

[stargazertechie]

I also have cancer and went to Disney last summer in the midst of chemo. The fatigue was the biggest thing for me to deal with but the ECV helped me keep up with my 2 teenagers. I did not have a GAC, and I did get fastpasses where available. I am able to walk and stand for shorter distances with no problem, but I did stay on the scooter in lines that allowed it like Soarin', since that is a long walk. I also had a collapsible cane that I could use when I was walking.

I did not get a shade on the scooter as I was transporting the scooter in my car and I did not want to deal with that extra piece. But, I did make sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The chemo and radiation can make you more sensitive to the sun.

Thank you for your input! We'll be using Disney transport, so I'm going t book the scooter with the sun shade.

Did you do anything out of the ordinary to protect from germs? I know my dad does a pretty good job insulating himself in our house (he basically set up a clean room) during chemo, but we're talking The Busiest Place On Earth after all.

 

[MdMommy]

Did you do anything out of the ordinary to protect from germs? I know my dad does a pretty good job insulating himself in our house (he basically set up a clean room) during chemo, but we're talking The Busiest Place On Earth after all.

My blood counts don't drop quite as low with the chemo that I am on now, so my risk of infection isn't as high. I just try to frequently wash hands and sometimes use the hand sanitizer stuff. Right now, I just try to avoid people I know are sick, but that really isn't always possible on vacation. He may want to talk to his doctor to see if he should carry along antibiotics just in case. I know I keep a prescription antibiotic on hand at my house in case I start showing signs of infection...just have to call the doctor before starting to take them.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Please note that you will probably have to take the shade off to use the busses. You may also get asked to take it down while viewing parades and shows (not required, but as a courtesy thing as it's big and bulky and may prevent others using wheelchairs or ECVs from seeing around you). I also suggest having your father practicing heavily with the shade at your resort before you go to the parks because it will obscure your view slightly (or at the least mean you can't turn around to look behind you).

 

[PatsMom]

I finished up my last round of chemo in late November and went to Disney the first week of January. I think the cooler weather helped me a lot - If I had to cope with heat I don't think I would have enjoyed the trip as much. I did not use an ECV but I had five weeks to recover. I was still tired and we had shorter days. We basically just did what we wanted and rested when I needed to rest. Early evenings were good.

I am not usually germophobic but I was still very immune compromised due to the type of treatment I was having. I was careful to wash my hands fairly often and tried to keep my distance. We did watch the parades at the MK but got our spot real early so I was in the front row and could sit on the ground to wait. We were staying at Bay Lake Tower so we did our fireworks viewing from the Top of the World Lounge to avoid the mobs.

Good luck to your Dad and enjoy your trip!

 

[Piper]

I went with a friend who rented an ECV with a shade (I took my own that trip--no shade) After the first day, she left it in the room--it was just too bulky and too much trouble. She said she wasted her money.

I wear long sleeves and a hat made from sun-resistant material. Long sleeves, my cooling vest and 80spf sunscreen does the trick!

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

We are frequent visitors to Disney, going at least twice a since I was diagnosed with cancer. 5 years ago we went in early June, 2 months after I had finished 6 months of chemo. I paced myself, took naps daily and constantly washed my hands and used sanitizer. I remained healthy during the trip. The only time I had a problem was during the parade, it was just too crowed. However, with your Dad in an ECV there shouldn't be a problem.

I am out of remission and am doing chemo again, every other week. That being said I am going to WDW on an "off chemo" week at the end of March. I know I will have to pace myself but since I had a positive experience last time I am confident I can make it work again.

I think it's a great idea to take your Dad. Honestly, it's an easy place to go and there is so much to see and do, without even going on rides. Chemo is tough and having a wonderful trip planned afterwards is amazing. I am counting the days until I can relax in my favorite hammock at the Grand Floridian and look out over Bay Lake!