WDW and Chemo....

[HollisterSweetie]

This year, my mom will be in the middle of her chemo treatments for breast cancer when we go to WDW. I`m afraid she won`t be able to enjoy herself and do as much as she usually does(such as ride BTMM, T0T, etc.). If anyone has any personal experiences and/or advice so that my mother can enjoy herself despite the circumstances it would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance

 

[Momof-3]

We took my son to WDW for Make a Wish two years ago. He had cancer too and it was between treatments. We immediatly rented a wheelchair for him. Make sure you bring tons of sunscreen, hats, and maybe even an umbrella to keep her out of the sun. My son who was 8yrs old at the time...couldnt handle the heat all day. And we went in October...but it was hot then that year. We would go to the park....leave about 2-3 hours later...go back to the resort...rest and then go back. We did that ALOT! Just being out in the sun made him exhausted...but Just take it easy/slow...dont worry if you dont see everything...and keep her hydrated! Use tons of hand sanitizer!

I remember my son didnt want to ride alot of the rides either. But he loved Epcot, the parades, fantasmic and that sort of thing. I just made sure he was okay and not getting overheated and too much sun. We just took it slow....our other children who were 6 and 3 at the time were as understanding as could be expected. The real magic is just that we were there....together.....and not worrying about treatments or scans or doctors.

That trip really made a big difference with my son. He was so tired of being on chemo for 2 years and all the drs and hospital stays. It really did perked him up...and made him happy and made him realize that there is more to life than just being sick.

I hope you have a wonderful time. Cherish everyminute of everyday! You will be so happy to have the nice break.....I hope all is well....

 

[worm761]

hi! no advice. just wanted to wish you a happy trip. and to tell you..you may want to post this on the DISabilities board also.

 

[bean]

I'm 31 now but when I was 17 I was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma and was on very high dose chemo for 18 months. My Mom and I took a very special trip to WDW during this time and it did a world of wonders to lift my spirits. Definitely get out of the heat as much as possible, wash hands often, and build in time for breaks. At the time, I rode everything I wanted. YOu would have to assess your Mom's health though. I think it's a fabulous place to be when you're dealing with a lot of sadness. Best of Luck!!!

 

[ScarletFire]

I went last summer, one month after completing chemo for breast cancer. I definitley had to take it easy. I found loads of helpful information on the disABILITIES! board. I took advantage of a GAC(Guest Assistance Card) for the duration of my stay. If you want more details about the GAC, PM me. It saved our trip. We had a wonderful vacation and all CM's were extremely kind and helpful.

 

[ruttie]

I went to MNSSHP last year just as i was finishing my 3rd round of chemo. My BFF and i took our 4 sons (what were we thinking) do youknow how many kids were dressedas power rangers with ran ponchos!!!!!!!
Any way my biggest advoce was conserve walking walking was a big deal for me my legs KILLED me every step i took was painful i think all my energy was zapped so the walk to the monorail after was really hard, I was not tired but my legs just would not make it (hard to describe) Luckily I have a great friend who just took things in stride and we took it slow. ENJOY!!!! and drink lots of fluids!

 

[vital]

I think it's fantastic that you will be able to share this time together! As a nurse who works with cancer patients I would advise to keep her hydrated and cool as much as possible. As the others said rest is also important. I don't know if she is on any anti-nausea medicine (or needs any for that matter) but Zofran is a great drug! It decreases the nausea without the sleepiness of other meds. Have a great time and take lots of pictures!

 

[ChloeChipper]

I rewarded myself with a trip to Disneyland after my 5th round of intense chemo, and it was wonderful. I was exhausted but it really lifted my spirits. I rested a lot, while the others went on rides. Watching the joy on the faces of my loved ones really was neat. Normally we are all running around from ride to ride & that trip I was forced to sit and 'observe'. It was really nice! I saw things in a very different way, even more 'magical' than normal if that makes any sense.

Tips:
1. Keep her away from the densest of crowds - people on chemo have a very low resistance to sickness.
2. Definitely get an electric wheelchair. That eliminates her possible feeling of guilt of having someone have to 'push' her around.
3. Take turns 'resting' with her while others go on rides.
4. Eating - some of the stronger smells of restaurants really made me feel ill - find places with plenty of fresh air.
5. Get the assistance passes, in case she does want to do some rides.
6. Bring extra drugs for nausea, diarhea, etc.
7. Avoid the sun if possible. Have her wear hats/sunglasses, etc.
8.. Dont pressure her at all, she'll do what she can. Let her know that its ok not to want to participate in everything.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Leota]

Zofran & Compazine are a Godsend!

I don't have experience with Cancer & Chemo. But both my son & I have a very serious chronic disease which requires vast amounts of medicines with similar side effects to Cancer Chemo. Ours has peaks & valleys. If we go when one of us in struggling, we take it slow & easy. Like others have said, hydration & temperature control are very important for us. Also, since our immune systems are severely compromised, we are cautious about cleanliness & crowds. I have had to use a chair before & it felt very awkward for me. I much preferred when my family just walked slowly with me (That's just a personal issue tho, I hope your Mom won't hesitate to use one if necessary)

I have found WDW restaurants very accomodating when I have been out to dine but unable to handle much more than toast or bland mashed potatoes. If your Mom is having trouble eating but still wants to go dine with you, don't hesitate to discuss her eating issues with the CMs. They were so helpful to me. Also, a grocery stop on the way in for Bottled Water (the FL water my cause her more stomach distress) and Ensure (if her eating is really impaired)

Also, when either DS or I have been very sick, our Doctors contacted local Doctors to let them know we'd be down and gave us numbers for them. Being armed with numbers for a local Doctor or hospital was very reassuring.

WDW has bought us much Joy & a relief from the challanges we face. Luckily right now, we are both in a very good place with our illnesses. I Pray that your Mom has a Magical Trip & beats her battle with BC.

 

[DisneyMim]

God Bless you. We went to Disney following my husband's battle with cancer and the one thing I did (and I got this advise from a wonderful fellow Diser) was to write to the resort before we went asking them for a quiet room and explaining our situation. When we got to the resort (WL) I again spoke with a CM. What I was concerned about was the noise coming from the lobby and the restaurant. I wanted my husband to get as much rest as possible (as if you can as Disney!!LOL!!). The CM was wonderful. We got a very quiet room. I also agree about getting a local doctor's name. And don't forget about any meds. Make sure they are in a CARRY-ON so they are with you at all times along with some water so meds can be taken anywhere at any time. We are never without a couple of bottled waters. I hope you have a wonderful time. Take it very easy, stop to smell the roses and ENJOY!!

 

[pampam]

If she needs to take a break in the parks for just an hour or so, she can go to first aid. You can stay with her if necessarry, or go enjoy the park and check in on her when she is rested. That way, she won't have the exhaustion of going back to her room for only a short rest, and she won't feel she is keeping you from enjoying the parks. First aid is usually quiet and darker.