Visiting the park with a cancer patient

[TheHundredth]

Hi! about 5 weeks ago i was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment and I'm losing my hair and all that jazz.

Has anyone been to the parks with a cancer patient? Do you have any tips or suggestions?

My doctors have cleared me to go and have told me to try and not get too much sun. But thats about it.

ANY tips appreciated

 

[Raenstoirm]

Yes I have. I am so sorry about your diagnosis.

Tip 1 big hat and sunscreen. You may not like the look, but your skin may be more sensitive.
- Drink water, much more than you would usually
-dont be against renting a wheelchair. Your body is dealing with a lot, so if you are tired, dont be a hero!
- to go along with that, if you are tired, stay in bed later, go back to the hotel earlier, take a mid day break, whatever you need
- be careful with your eating. Some foods are harder to digest. Depending on your side effects, some foods may make you ill.
- if there is something you find you need (such as waiting in line in air conditioning) get a GAC. So for HM for example, you would be able to wait inside until your turn as opposed to the hot queue.
- and most of all, have fun. You are going through a lot physically and emotionally right now. Let that all drift to the back of your mind for a bit.

 

[jlevis]

I am a survivor and have been to the park three times with my cancer (renal cell w/sarcomatoid features). I'm still on chemo, an oral form, and do get a bit of nausea and I get tired. I would suggest that, if possible, you take an occasional break. If you can go back to your resort or take in a show so you can cool down and rest. If you get nausea be sure to take an anti nausea agent with you.

I found Disney to be a healing place as I dealt with my cancer. I was able to push the disease into the background. I always left the parks a healthier person. Go, and enjoy yourself.

 

[ttintagel]

Sending good thoughts your way. I've been through cancer treatment, and I've been to WDW, but never at the same time!

You might want to post the same question on the disABILITIES board.

I have been to WDW with other serious illnesses and injuries, though, so maybe I can understand a little. I would just say, don't try to push yourself, and don't feel bad if you're too tired to do some of the things you planned.

Are you able to eat OK? Maybe it would be helpful to have some groceries delivered from a place like gardengrocer.com if there are certain foods you know you can tolerate better than others.

 

[Pooh57]

Go to guest services and ask for a guest assistance pass. This will allow you to by pass the long lines. You just have to explain why you need one and they issue the pass. We did this when my husband was diagnosed with cancer.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[livndisney]

Go to guest services and ask for a guest assistance pass. This will allow you to by pass the long lines. You just have to explain why you need one and they issue the pass. We did this when my husband was diagnosed with cancer.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.

Sorry, this is not correct. The only people who get front of the line are some Wish children on their Wish trip.

Disney does offer a GAC for those that need assistance-but the card states right on it "not intended to shorten wait time".

OP please feel free to visit the Disabilities thread for more correct information to help you plan your trip.

 

[itsdisneytime]

I am going to send you a private message. Please check. Best wishes on your trip.

 

[Karabee]

I have as well (my mother). A few things I noticed and we changed in our habits -
- The medication made her feet and hands very swollen. We searched for crocs while we were there (at the time there were none) because she had issues walking. That being said, the more comfy shoes the better.
- While the rest of us were hot, she could be cold, so you may want to bring a couple layers in case.
- Parks on the earlier side and then later. She could not be in the high sun so we took a mid-day break and went to the pool (in the shade) or just sat in our room and read and relaxed.
- We asked for smaller and plainer food portions. Her taste and appetite was a bit screwed up and they were more than happy to help.
- Sitting down alot was a must and this was fine! Every bench in WDW has a lovely view.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and I wish you the VERY VERY best with your treatment

 

[Mich Mouse]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a wonderful trip to WDW. My DD and I accompanied my best friend and her son in 2005 in the midst of her treatment. She needed a wheelchair and we also used a guest assistance card. Both were necessary. I also rented a car and brought her handicapped pass to make transportation easier.

When we reminiss about the trip my friend will always remind me that she thinks that trip to WDW healed her. Her emotional state needed it. Her son remembers when we saw wishes he prayed and wished with all his being for his mom to be healed. He was 12 at the time. That trip was truly magical.

May God lay his healing hand upon you!

 

[ttintagel]

If you're experiencing a lot of fatigue (I know I did!) you may want to consider renting a wheelchair. The average WDW guest walks eight miles a day, and that can be a lot when you're feeling wiped out. We've rented from Walker Mobility (http://www.walkermobility.com/) and been pleased. They deliver to your hotel quickly. This will also give you a place to sit in lines.

Drink as much water as you can to stay hydrated. It may also be hard to stay on schedule for medications with so much going on, but it's important to keep on top of them, especially if you're taking pain meds.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum for information. And I would strongly recommend use of a wheelchair or an ECV; it will be needed.

 

[hearts8701]

i wish you every success with your treatment in june i am 5 years in remission from a head cancer i have only one suggestion since PP have covered everything large crowds and heat made me nauseous i kept a plastic bag (ziploc or shopping bag)with me at all times making clean up easy as well as a clean shirt just in case

 

[RMulieri]

I am an Hematology/oncology Rn that works with alot of Leukemics and Lymphoma patients.Most of the advice here is spot on..I am sure you know this but ,You will definitely want to make sure you wash your hands and often,depending where you are in your chemo( and what regimen you are on) , you can be more likely to catch a virus/bacterial infection.Get plenty of rest, plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun as much as you can.Have a great trip!

 

[Pats Dragon]

I'm very sorry about the diagnosis. Hopefully you will be one of the growing number of people with a good prognosis. We went several times with my sister during the years she had chemo. My suggestions are 1. call ahead and they will do a special cleaning of your room. 2. rent a scooter so you won't be so tired. 3. wear a hat and bring a bag with any medication that you may need. 4. take it easy but have lots of fun!!!!

 

[cinderkeli]

Im a 4 year breast cancer surivior and yes I went to disney during chemo...Just go and enjoy it... I knew I couldnt do everything so I picked the attractions and rides I enjoy the most.... I did wear a hat (I also had no hair) and wore lots of sunscreen... I went to the parks in the morning and by the afternoon time I went back and either napped or enjoyed the pool and headed back into the parks for dinner and more rides.... I surprised myself on how much I was able to do... I think it was the excitement of being there that gave me more energy but Disney does do that for me LOL I say go and have the best time .. I did!!! when I went back home I put all my pictures that I took on my screensaver on the computer and that way when I received the rest of my chemo and was laying down I could revisit my wonderful vacation that my husband gave to me I swear it helped me get thru the chemo with a smile on my face....and I hope this for you.....

 

[Butterbunkins]

Our next trip will be my mother’s first with cancer (Carcinoid) and I have gotten much of the advice you have gotten here. We are planning for a slower paced trip, keeping her well hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible. She has talked with her doctors and they will make sure she has had her last chemo treatment before the trip a few weeks prior since she gets stronger the further away she gets.

I suggest the wheelchair route as well since walking around Disney tires anyone, it will be especially hard on you. Renting from an offsite vendor will ensure you have the chair everywhere and not just in the parks if you rent from Disney. I have a found a few with incredibly reasonable prices and pick up and delivery right to your resort is no charge.

Get the GAC card from guest relations. If you have to leave your chair behind for an attraction, they will make sure you have a place to wait comfortably and off your feet.

Cinnamon is a natural defense against nausea. If you start to feel nauseous and your medication isn’t helping like it should, find a snack with cinnamon.

Best wishes to you and your fight!!!!!!!!

 

[livndisney]

Our next trip will be my mother’s first with cancer (Carcinoid) and I have gotten much of the advice you have gotten here. We are planning for a slower paced trip, keeping her well hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible. She has talked with her doctors and they will make sure she has had her last chemo treatment before the trip a few weeks prior since she gets stronger the further away she gets.

I suggest the wheelchair route as well since walking around Disney tires anyone, it will be especially hard on you. Renting from an offsite vendor will ensure you have the chair everywhere and not just in the parks if you rent from Disney. I have a found a few with incredibly reasonable prices and pick up and delivery right to your resort is no charge.

Get the GAC card from guest relations. If you have to leave your chair behind for an attraction, they will make sure you have a place to wait comfortably and off your feet.
Cinnamon is a natural defense against nausea. If you start to feel nauseous and your medication isn’t helping like it should, find a snack with cinnamon.

Best wishes to you and your fight!!!!!!!!

Sorry, this is not correct. A GAC does not provide a place to sit in line. In you need a seat, you need to bring a wheelchair or ecv with you. Most lines are wide enough to manage them.

 

[ScarletFire]

Breast Camcer Survivor here; I traveled to WDW immediately following chemo with my DH, DSthen10 and DDthen8. That was SEVEN years ago.

Your biggest concern are the GERMS. Spray your room with Lysol, clean TV remote and phone with Clorox wipes, don't touch the railings in the queues and carry Germex to use often. I'm not a germophobe but a depleted white blood cell count compromises your ability to fight infections.

As soon as you enter your first park, visit guest relations and inquire about a GAC. I found the GAC extremely helpful; lots of benefits.

Have fun and good luck with your treatment

 

[DVCMikey]

I am very sorry to hear about the battle you are going through. Keep strong and you will get better.

I think you will enjoy yourself. The cast members go out of their way to make guests feel good and to help them in any way possible. If you have any special needs make sure you tell them upon enter the parks and even at the resorts. One of the best things about disney is how much they accommodate their guests.

If anything a trip to Disney will make you feel better!

 

[DisneyMim]

Sorry to hear what you are going through. My husband has had cancer. I was worried the first time we went after his treatments, but it went fine. Everybody told you lots of great tips, take breaks, rest, etc. One thing I did was when we checked into the WL I spoke to the CM and asked her for a quiet room. I knew that we would need a good night's sleep so we could enjoy our days. She was wonderful and gave us a very quiet room. I think it may have been an upgrade. This will make a real difference. You can go back and rest and then at night be able to really rest well for the next day's adventure. My family has changed since my husband's cancer. We take more time to smell the roses and are never in a hurry for anything. He does get tired more easily, but we just adjust. Yes cancer sucks, big time, but with a little love and patience you will get through. Be well and take care,

Enjoy The Magic!!