trip during chemo

[dez1978]

Hello. Several months ago I realized my kids had a random 5 day weekend in Sept where they wouldn't miss much sports wise, and decided to plan a trip to WDW for MNSSHP. Then in June I was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 1, caught early) . I've had a lumpectomy, that all went well, and now I've started chemo. 12 weekly rounds of taxol/herceptin. So my trip will fall after my 6th treatment. I'd be due for the 7th on the day we are flying out, so will skip that week. I've already talked to the dr and he's on board with this and says "Live as much as you feel up to". So as long as I am not sick, we plan to go. Really all I have planned is the party on Friday, sleep in, hang out at the resort/DS on Saturday, and Epic universe on Sunday, then we fly home Mon am.

For any of you who have done chemo and done a trip like this, do you have any suggestions? I have been looking into renting a scooter if I need to, thinking that maybe energy might be the biggest hurdle for me. I have planned to wear masks when in a crowd/plane etc. Lots of hand sanitizer, electrolytes etc. Anything else I might be missing?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

So you are just beginning chemo now? How are you feeling so far?

I just finished chemo in early summer. (Second time, first 22 yrs ago. Had taxol first time and taxotere this time, along with cytoxan and adriamycin first time.) I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I remember thinking this time I would not be up to a trip right now when I was in the midst of it. (Was very fatigued to the point I had to sit if in a store; low level nausea/anorexia; and bad, frequent diarrhea!) You might be different, especially if it’s a quieter trip. (I am going next month as I feel a lot better now, though surgery was rough in July and I just got out of the hospital for something unexpected, so I am hoping I actually get to go.) You, if I recall, are younger than me, also. (My younger self seemed to tolerate it a little better.)

With chemo, effects are cumulative. So each week it gets harder and harder as your blood levels take a beating. My red blood cells being low made me really fatigued, and even when I was in the hospital, from their taking so much blood, it happened again to me. When my red blood cell levels are up, I feel much better.

OK, with all that said, I think it’s great to do something fun - and live again - if you think you’re up to it. I think the ECV or a wheelchair may be a must. Be sure to wear a hat as the sun may be too much. Plan frequent rests, even if it’s in the parks in an attraction. Be careful when you’re indoors with people coughing and sneezing - consider eating outdoors if possible. Wishing you a great time with your family!

 

[dez1978]

So you are just beginning chemo now? How are you feeling so far?

I just finished chemo in early summer. (Second time, first 22 yrs ago. Had taxol first time and taxotere this time, along with cytoxan and adriamycin first time.) I hate to be a Debbie Downer but I remember thinking this time I would not be up to a trip right now when I was in the midst of it. (Was very fatigued to the point I had to sit if in a store; low level nausea/anorexia; and bad, frequent diarrhea!) You might be different, especially if it’s a quieter trip. (I am going next month as I feel a lot better now, though surgery was rough in July and I just got out of the hospital for something unexpected, so I am hoping I actually get to go.) You, if I recall, are younger than me, also. (My younger self seemed to tolerate it a little better.)

With chemo, effects are cumulative. So each week it gets harder and harder as your blood levels take a beating. My red blood cells being low made me really fatigued, and even when I was in the hospital, from their taking so much blood, it happened again to me. When my red blood cell levels are up, I feel much better.

OK, with all that said, I think it’s great to do something fun - and live again - if you think you’re up to it. I think the ECV or a wheelchair may be a must. Be sure to wear a hat as the sun may be too much. Plan frequent rests, even if it’s in the parks in an attraction. Be careful when you’re indoors with people coughing and sneezing - consider eating outdoors if possible. Wishing you a great time with your family!

I've had 1 treatment so far. Other than feeling like I am 100, so far it's ok. My whole body just aches. I had it Thursday. Friday I was ok, just really tired. Sat and Sun I wasn't as tired, just so sore. Like my hips and back, and cramps.. omg. But I think that could probably be managed with meds. I called and left a message for the nurse this morning about that, but will def be asking before my treatment this week.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

Chemo is accumulative so if you're feeling it after the first round imagine after the 6th...
I'd say if possible change your dates. If not possible and the doctor says its safe for you to go then go knowing you'll likely not be up for doing much.

Also sounds like maybe you could benefit from Claritin as its recommended due to bone pain from chemo. So I'd ask your doctor if that would be okay to take.

Personally I'd be worried about febrile neutropenia and infection and going to Disney...

 

[dez1978]

Chemo is accumulative so if you're feeling it after the first round imagine after the 6th...
I'd say if possible change your dates. If not possible and the doctor says its safe for you to go then go knowing you'll likely not be up for doing much.

Also sounds like maybe you could benefit from Claritin as its recommended due to bone pain from chemo. So I'd ask your doctor if that would be okay to take.

Personally I'd be worried about febrile neutropenia and infection and going to Disney...

My stay is booked on points, so I'd have to use them by the end of the year or lose them bc I have a dec uy.

I've been taking claritin, but it hasn't helped at all. Thank you for the tip though.

 

[Counting Stars]

Chemo is accumulative so if you're feeling it after the first round imagine after the 6th...
I'd say if possible change your dates. If not possible and the doctor says its safe for you to go then go knowing you'll likely not be up for doing much.

This is so true... I would not recommend traveling at the mid point of chemo. Disney is a physically challenging vacation and Chemo is very hard on the body. If you can't bank your points perhaps you can rent them. My best thoughts for your speedy recuperation and recovery.