This trip was supposed to celebrate my cancer treatment being finished, but....

[Krisscot]

HiI need some advice... It was discovered last February that I had two tumors that turned out to be different kinds of cancer. One was a pretty run of the mill cancer while the other was more rare, aggressive, and normally only seen in 60 year olds and above...I am 39. Figures. But they removed both immediately and I went through some super rough radiation over the summer and we decided that we would celebrate no more treatments with this trip, We leave in 3 weeks. Well, since it has all been booked and paid for I have had to have 3 more treatments. (praying that these are the last for real). We are still totally going, this is something that really got me through the summer months and I HAVE to go. However, I am exhausted and weak. I get a little better everyday, just dealing with some of the radiation fallout hahahah hair loss, no taste, fun stuff. Does anyone have any tips on how to stay feeling good//rested even with my husband and kids around? I know walking will get tiring, so I am not opposed to a scooter, I just know it can get pricey and a wheelchair is out because of a stroller. Please share some advice with me...I am getting pretty nervous for what was supposed to be my celebration trip...

 

[bidnow5]

Check the FAQ page at the top of the Disabilities forum they have outside companies that rent scooters for a lot less then Disney listed. I have a friend that has used both Walker and Apple and recommends both

 

[Dopey420]

We went when my wife finished chemo. She was still tired and was still wearing the scarves. The GAC really helped. Almost every ride had a place that she could sit inside or in the shade and wait to ride or just to wait while we rode. The scooter will make a huge difference and is worth whatever they charge for it. It was worth being tired to her, I think, to make the trip.

 

[Krisscot]

I have like 23 pills I take daily... Should I store those somewhere? Or just try to carry them in a back pack?

 

[livndisney]

We went when my wife finished chemo. She was still tired and was still wearing the scarves. The GAC really helped. Almost every ride had a place that she could sit inside or in the shade and wait to ride or just to wait while we rode. The scooter will make a huge difference and is worth whatever they charge for it. It was worth being tired to her, I think, to make the trip.

There are very few rides with a place to sit. (I think Sue lists them in the sticky at the start of this thread).

There really is not a GAC for "tired" since Disney's answer to mobility issues is to rent a wheelchair/ecv.


To the OP-congrats on finishing treatment. We went right after my sister finished treatment. The ecv suggestion is a good one. It will give you a place to sit when you need it.

Each park has a first aid where you can rest if you need to (and not have to travel back to the room).

You can also plan a sit down meal in the parks for a break in the afternoon. You can "rest" in attractions like Hall of Presidents, Ellen, American Adventure, COP, and the People mover.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I am traveling I will leave most of my medications in my hotel room. I will have a small container for that day's medicines which is all I will carry with me. Plus a Frio Cold Pack with a loaded insulin syringe.

And if my hotel room has a safe I will keep the medications in the safe when I'm not in the room. It is not paranoia, but...

 

[jmartinez1895]

We also bring only what weds we will need for the day, plus one extra dose just in case something happens. But we have stored liquid meds ( when my son was younger he took 7 kids and they where all large bottles )and his nebulizer at first aid. You can also stop in there and rest for a short while if you find that you have over done it and can't make it back to your room. You might also want to plan a nap for yourself daily. The others in your group could stay at the park, take a nap as well or take a swim at your resort while you rest.

 

[PatsMom]

I take a lot of meds and I carry only what I need for that day. The rest get left in my room, narcotics in the safe. Depending on the meds you are taking, you might want to limit some attractions like the roller coasters. Read the warnings - if the meds make you dizzy or disoriented, the rides will make that worse (or at least they did for me).

For my type of cancer, I got initial treatments and I have ongoing maintenance because it has a god awful recurrence rate. I will finish up my three maintenance treatments for this quarter the second week of October and then go to Disney on the 22d. I know that I will still be tired, achy and vulnerable to infection. I do avoid buffets and I am wash my hands a lot. But other than that I don't take any special precautions. The other two post treatment trips have gone fine just taking those simple precautions.

For the tiredness, I just plan to take it easy. You could send your husband off to do an attraction with the kids while you enjoy a shady bench and a snack. My daughter is grown so my husband generally just takes a break with me. Having the kids will definitely make it harder. A scooter might be of some help but using Fastpass and a touring plan will probably help more. We have been budgeted for a scooter for our last several trips and have found it really wasn't needed. But reactions to cancer treatments are very individual so you may find it helpful.

Have a great trip. Disney makes a great break from the cancer treatments.

 

[dizprincess27]

First off, Congratulations on finishing your treatment I too just finished treatment in July and posted a thread on here because I really, really want to come this December but was wondering if it was too soon due to residual issues from the chemo! I'm in PT now and trying to work though everything so I think I'm going to go for it. I will be traveling with 2 teenagers 18 & 19 yo so I'm hoping they will pitch in as far as carrying the backpack and going ahead to get FP's and stuff. I'm so used to doing Disney commano style and I know I will push myself but I'm going to take the week off after as well to recooperate . I imagine it will be a different trip all round but fun nonetheless so enjoy yourself while celebtrating your recovery!

 

[Bete]

scooter. I think you have to look at it as protecting your investment on your trip. Yes, it will cost to have a scooter, but you will be able to do so much more there and you will have your memories to make with your family which is priceless. I would say you will be less irritable having a scooter. The walking at Disney can go from 6 to 12 miles a day. This is more walking usually then the normal person does in a day. You can always park the scooter for a while if you want to walk some, too.

Have a park stragedy that allows you to rest, here and there. For example, do a ride, then a show, do another ride, and then have a meal, then do another ride, and then do a parade. You get the idea. Alternate the activities; so, you will be able to rest and you will hopefully last longer for the day. Think about an afternoon break back at the resort. The family can do the pool while you nap or maybe you can go back to the room for a nap yourself. Meet up at the park after you have had rest.

The scooter comes with a basket usually; so, you can store pills there. Get any kind of container; even a lunch bag would work. Use the lunch bag like a purse. There are neck holders like for passports that would keep your pills. If you're savy the backpack can probably be hooked up to the back of the scooter. We have used bike chains or similiar to secure a backpack to a scooter. If you rent from an outside (non-Disney) scooter company you can probably get a scooter for $150/week. You can get a travel scooter that will break a part and it can fit in most cars.

You may have to think about this trip differently then your past trips but you can still enjoy it.

 

[Krisscot]

Thanks for all the tips! I am definitely going to be resting more than I ever have. And taking in more shows too. I can't remember how large the safe is, but if I just put the narcotics in there it should fit, then hopefully no one will want the others. bleck. Is there a place that lists all of the first aid stations. Oh and no roller coasters for me this time. Not with these meds, I think I am going to try and not do the scooter at first and then just keep the numbers of those rental places handy. I want to try and make this more restful, maybe hang out more at the resort and then eat good food at nice restaurants. Not quite sure yet.

 

[livndisney]

Thanks for all the tips! I am definitely going to be resting more than I ever have. And taking in more shows too. I can't remember how large the safe is, but if I just put the narcotics in there it should fit, then hopefully no one will want the others. bleck. Is there a place that lists all of the first aid stations. Oh and no roller coasters for me this time. Not with these meds, I think I am going to try and not do the scooter at first and then just keep the numbers of those rental places handy. I want to try and make this more restful, maybe hang out more at the resort and then eat good food at nice restaurants. Not quite sure yet.

Each park has one First Aid.

Studios-near the entrance by Guest Services.
MK-Between Caseys and Crystal Palace.
EP-Near Odessy, between Test Track and Mexico.
AK-Between Pizzafari and the Safari.

 

[Michigan]

For the magic kingdom if you don't have a scooter we found that the train is great. We get on the train at the entrance and get off at thunder mountain ride all the rides in that area then get the train again to the next stop then after the final stop you could ride a horse drawn carriage back down Main Street or take the train back to the entrance. If you do walk down Main Street all the stores on the right side when exiting the park or left when entering are connected and have chairs in them to rest.

 

[KPeveler]

Definitely rent a scooter - it is amazing having a place to sit when you get tired! I remember when I used to struggle through "to be brave" - the first time I had my wheelchair and a place to sit it was awesome! Almost everything is mainstreamed, so you can spend most of your time in the scooter in the regular line. It is so easy!

Just look into the companies in the FAQs to find some companies - off site rentals are MUCH less expensive than the ones rented by Disney - and they are easier to drive too!

 

[PatsMom]

Unless you are taking a ton of narcotics, they will fit in the safe with no problem. I put my lorazepam, vicodin, temezapam, and percocets in there. I like to be prepared for anything! I figure the other pills aren't anything someone would be interested in stealing. Unless they want to control their diabetes, have neuropathy, urinary urgency, etc, etc! But I know that the narcotics could be a popular theft item.

I keep thinking about a scooter - I think we would end up doing a lot of doubling back to pick it up. I usually like walking. Driving a scooter means you spend more time looking for someone about to step in front of you, etc, and less time looking at the scenery. I thought about driving part time and walking part time but it seems like more trouble than it is a help.

But everyone is different. If you are tired or if you have a ton of neuropathy in your feet from the treatments, a scooter might really help out your trip.

 

[dclfun]

I would recommend the scooter, hands-down, and from an off-site company that charges less. I am in the midst of chemo now and am only on round 2 ( for stage 4 colon cancer) but already am pretty wiped out. Although I use a power chair for my disability, I know there's no way I could walk around the parks all day, just due to the exhaustion and shortness of breath. Are you staying on-site? If so, you might want to return for a daily nap or you can even nap in First Aid if you'd prefer not to leave the park and your family. A swim might be nice too, just to relax during the day and save your energy a bit. Make sure you remember to eat small meals to keep up your energy too and to keep from losing weight. As to the meds, bring what you'll use during the day and if you're concerned, they can be stored in First Aid, although sometimes it's a pain to have to return to that location to retrieve them. I'm so glad you're going! I went on a back-to-back Disney Dream cruise a few weeks ago after I'd just gotten diagnosed. I spent alot of time relaxing and sleeping but I really, really, enjoyed myself. Just think- you won't have to cook or clean, and someone else will make your bed every day! ---Kathy

 

[Krisscot]

I just have to say the dog on the cruise is AWESOME!!! Lucky dog! What scooter company do you think is the best. I looked through the ones on the sticky and there seems to be a pretty big range... ANy experience with any of these?

 

[SueM in MN]

Just got to reply here finally.
Sorry to hear about the new reason for your trip, but hope you have an awesome time.

I have like 23 pills I take daily... Should I store those somewhere? Or just try to carry them in a back pack?

Take the backpack with you on rides.
It should not be bothered, but I'd be worried with something so vital in it.

I just have to say the dog on the cruise is AWESOME!!! Lucky dog! What scooter company do you think is the best. I looked through the ones on the sticky and there seems to be a pretty big range... ANy experience with any of these?

Any would be good.
If you have never driven one before, Randy's is nice. They actually deliver it to you and do as much demonstration and explaining as you need to feel comfortable.
Some people would prefer to have the ECV delivered and waiting for them, so choose a different company that will deliver and pick up without you there.
Apple has been popular lately.
I'd suggest visiting some of the websites and just looking around to see what kind of scooters they rent and if any look better to you than others.

I would recommend the scooter, hands-down, and from an off-site company that charges less. I am in the midst of chemo now and am only on round 2 ( for stage 4 colon cancer) but already am pretty wiped out. Although I use a power chair for my disability, I know there's no way I could walk around the parks all day, just due to the exhaustion and shortness of breath. Are you staying on-site? If so, you might want to return for a daily nap or you can even nap in First Aid if you'd prefer not to leave the park and your family. A swim might be nice too, just to relax during the day and save your energy a bit. Make sure you remember to eat small meals to keep up your energy too and to keep from losing weight. As to the meds, bring what you'll use during the day and if you're concerned, they can be stored in First Aid, although sometimes it's a pain to have to return to that location to retrieve them. I'm so glad you're going! I went on a back-to-back Disney Dream cruise a few weeks ago after I'd just gotten diagnosed. I spent alot of time relaxing and sleeping but I really, really, enjoyed myself. Just think- you won't have to cook or clean, and someone else will make your bed every day! ---Kathy

Sorry to hear about your new diagnosis.

Good hint about First Aid. They have individual rooms or cubicles with cots. It's nice and dim, quiet, calm and cool in there. Even if you don't sleep, just lying down for a while in those conditions is a good rest.

 

[Disney Enabler]

JUST DO IT!!! Going on this vacation will take you and your family away from your everyday concerns. It will give you a chance to experience the parks in a whole new way. Even if you don't go on the thriller rides or any rides at all there is so much to enjoy in the Parks. Eat a meal at a place you have never been. Go to shows. Enjoy the shopping even if it is window shopping -- they are generally air conditioned.

I would suggest you use the First Aid Station. I have used them to leave extra oxygen bottles -- I am on oxygen 7/24. I have seen people using the beds as a respite. It is a wonderful place to go if you need it.

I use a scooter. I have had good luck with BuenaVista scooter rental for DisneyWorld. I like Deckert for Disneyland. Be sure to practice just a bit before getting into a crowded park.

I understand your concern about going while being in treatment. Last Feb I was four months into my chemo and had about two months to go. I went on the DIS ABD Backstage Magic Tour. Yes I was tired but I had the time of my life. It was an incredible trip but the highlight was laughing. I hadn't heard myself laugh in a long time. But seeing my husband who is my primary care giver and chief worrier enjoying himself was incredible and worth everything. Planning the trip helped to get me through chemo and radiation.

I hope you have the most incredible time that puts many many memory moments into your life treasure box.

Carol
It's a great day to be alive!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

JUST DO IT!!! Going on this vacation will take you and your family away from your everyday concerns. It will give you a chance to experience the parks in a whole new way. Even if you don't go on the thriller rides or any rides at all there is so much to enjoy in the Parks. Eat a meal at a place you have never been. Go to shows. Enjoy the shopping even if it is window shopping -- they are generally air conditioned.

I would suggest you use the First Aid Station. I have used them to leave extra oxygen bottles -- I am on oxygen 7/24. I have seen people using the beds as a respite. It is a wonderful place to go if you need it.

I use a scooter. I have had good luck with BuenaVista scooter rental for DisneyWorld. I like Deckert for Disneyland. Be sure to practice just a bit before getting into a crowded park.

I understand your concern about going while being in treatment. Last Feb I was four months into my chemo and had about two months to go. I went on the DIS ABD Backstage Magic Tour. Yes I was tired but I had the time of my life. It was an incredible trip but the highlight was laughing. I hadn't heard myself laugh in a long time. But seeing my husband who is my primary care giver and chief worrier enjoying himself was incredible and worth everything. Planning the trip helped to get me through chemo and radiation.

I hope you have the most incredible time that puts many many memory moments into your life treasure box.

Carol
It's a great day to be alive!!!

and, sometimes that is just the medicine that is needed.