will I be ready for vacation?

Options
kimber3006
kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

We're trying to plan our "makeup" Disneyworld vacation.  Instead of our first full day at the parks in November, I was getting my first dose of chemo, so we're trying to plan a makeup trip to look forward to!  My son starts school in the fall this year, so we can't go in October like we were first thinking.  So I'm wondering if we could go during my break between chemo and radiation?  Or will I still be too tired?  I did 4 DD AC and am currently doing 12 weekly Taxol, the last of which should be April 12th.  We're thinking of going the week of May 2nd thru May 8th.  The other option is to brave the heat in late July/early August.  How many weeks should I give myself to heal after radiation (should be done mid to late June) before spending a week walking around hot parks, swimming, etc?  Are either of these options realistic? 

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • karen_in_nj
    karen_in_nj Member Posts: 59
    edited February 2010

    Everyone's different but I was MUCH more tired after radiation and for a longer time, than after chemo. I would think if you'll be three weeks past your last chemo then you'll probably be all right, if you aren't having many side effects from Taxol (I was fortunate - I didn't). We did Disney in August 2008 and I won't do it again in the summer. I thought I could handle heat and humidity but they have a whole different concept of humidity down there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Christine2000
    Christine2000 Member Posts: 176
    edited February 2010

    I finished radiation Dec 16th and was on a plane to the caribbean for a very active vacation (swimming, hiking etc) Dec 21st. I was a little tired but I listened to my body and took breaks when I needed to. It was SO GREAT to have something to look forward to!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    You will know how long it is taking you to "bounce back" after each round, so that is about how long it will take you to recover from the last one, plus a day or two more.

    I was on a 3 week schedule, and I started feeling better about a week and a half out. I would have felt fine to go on vacation 2 weeks out. I finished chemo April 30th, we went away for a long weekend at the end of May and I felt great. It was nice to have a break before starting Rads. I did have some appointments between Chemo and Rads though - mapping and so forth and a Onc visit to start me on Tamoxifen, etc. So bear that in mind if you are trying to plan a vacation in this time. 

    Rads didn't really affect me at all, either with fatigue or burning, but everyone is different. I finished Rads on July 8th, had my ooph July 28th, and went on vacation 15th August. My husband and I had a few days away together which was lovely, then we went camping as a family - I was totally healed from Rads, and had plenty of energy, etc. I didn't go swimming, but only because I felt self conscious and hadn't organised a proper swim prosthesis for myself. I would have been OK to. skin-wise.

     It is a fantastic idea to do something nice at the end of it all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited February 2010

    I am from Florida -I was raised in Melbourne Beach- about an hour from Orlando.  July/August is NOT the time to go to Disney:))) The heats from RADS probably wont compare.

    Me and you are finishing Taxol the same week. I leave for Florida for the following week for 2 weeks.

    May is a really nice time in Florida.

    So I am literally leaving the week following treatment ending with a bottle of Xanax and plans to enjoy myself. Even if I am tired it wont be too tired to enjoy myself etc.   As far as RADs-I want to start asap so I will start as soon as I get back. You don't want to go more then 6 weeks inbetween but the sooner the better so just make sure you have with your rads specialist etc and are ready to go. That is atleast my plan.

    Also, keep in mind tha tif your neropthy etc gets real bad they may cut the 12 weeks shorter.

    Have you had any SE's yet?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    I think you will be ok - you can do half days at park and half days at the pools if you need to back off.  I tried to do something fun (day trips) on each of my "off" weekends (had chemo every other week) and went to texas for a week - shopping, lots of walking, etc the week after I finished radiation.

    Go for it!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Let-It-Be
    Let-It-Be Member Posts: 325
    edited February 2010

    I'm just back from Disney, it was my son's 10th time with me so if you need any planning help, I think I know my way around there by now.  I finished rads Sept 5th. I walked at least 14,000 steps per day.  But by the end of the day, I was in bed and fast asleep. I know I'm still not right on as before.  I agree with Mary, you can always crash at the pool and May is the perfect time to go weather wise and crowd wise... 

    You have to be ultra careful with the sun while in rads and forever afterwards...

    I also had terrible neuropathy in my feet which has resolved somewhat nicely and my feet didn't bother me at all this past trip.  That is something to consider BUT, even with the neuropathy after chemo, my feet always felt better when I walked. 

    Pretty in Pink, if you read this, the weather was chilly, some days  in the 70's, still got in the pool and yes, way warmer than here!!!

    Definately check out the new TRex restaurant in downtown disney.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for the input all!  I just didn't want to make reservations and then have to cancel everything all over again.  That would be too depressing.  I just sent an email to our travel agent to get a quote for the first week in May.  That will be almost exactly 3 weeks from my last scheduled chemo and will put us there for my 40th birthday.  :)   I may try to go the week before, though, just to get into radiation sooner.  My onc said he usually waits 3-4 weeks, so I assumed that was standard?

    Thanks for the reminder Kerry.  I'll have to get all of that scheduled for the week before I go so I can start right into radiation when I get back. 

    karen_in_nj - lol!  Living in the lowcountry of SC, we're accustomed to unbearable humidity, but even we tell people not to visit us in July and August, so I know what you're saying.

    Pure - One of my best friends is from Melbourne!  I've been there several times.  As far as SEs, so far the numbness/tingling in my fingers and toes hasn't lasted much past treatment day.  I've had some pain in my joints - especially where I've had previous injuries it seeems - but nothing terrible yet.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2010

    Let-it-be - Thanks!  This will only be our 3rd trip.  The last time we went it was immediately after New Year's and downtown Disney was so horribly packed we couldn't even begin to enjoy anything there.  It was awful.  The rest of the week the crowds thinned and we had a great time at the parks.  It was too cold for even a heated pool, though.  I've already purchased a swim prosthesis and a mastectomy suit as it will beach weather here in just a couple months, so I'll be all set for beautiful April/May weather!  I'm so excited!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited February 2010

    just enjoy yourself.. you can always take it easy

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    Another tip for going out in the sun after Rads - I bought myself a UV shirt as I don't like wearing loads of sunscreen (it causes cancer! LOL!) The radiation field is quite large, and as Christine says you have to be careful in the sun afterwards. The UV shirt just covers everything nicely.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited February 2010
    • omg what is a swim prothesis? I have been wearing my normal one:) Oh no was I not suppose to do that?

    Where di dyou get your suit? Lands End?

    Who is your friend? Melbourne is a small town and I lived there for many many years.

     (pm me her name:)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    I think swim ones are cheaper, and just foam....my real one cost a lot of money, I wouldn't want to risk it with chlorine or maybe falling out.

    The place where I bought mine just altered a normal swim suit for me. They sewed in a "cookie" into the bra part, so I don't even have to put a prosthesis in. I just pull it on and am good to go. I love it!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited February 2010

    Great great idea.... Where do you get the swim prostessis?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    There is a lingerie store near me that does prosthesis fittings, they have all sorts of stuff. All my bras and my swim suit are just regular ones - not mastectomy ones.

    I did try on a couple of mastectomy swim suits but felt they were very high necked....I have little boobs (or boob!), so my lack of cleavage on one side isn't that obvious. I love the sewn in thing - I can mess about with the kids, and don't have to worry about anything falling out.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Kimber - we've been several times to Disney and love it.  We've always gone the week of July 4th because my husband is a track official and they work the big track meet held at Disney - the prelims for the Jr Olymics.  Needless to say Disney is really busy that week.  My friend at work, whom we've made fun of for his obessive organization on a Disney trip turned me onto a site that tells you the best times to visit each park, etc.  I believe the cost is $15-20 to join, but well worth it.  I think it's called Mike's Tour Guide - if you're interested I'll look up the correct information.  We finally decided to use this website and I kid you not, the week of July 4th the longest wait we had at any park was 10 minutes.  Some parks we went on rides 3 and 4 times in a row with no wait.  This company/person really has it down to a science and we no longer make fun of my friend, because it really works.  This may help you see more without without wearing you out too much.

    Disney truly is magical....................all of your troubles seem to disappear at the gate. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited February 2010

    Thanks for the thread Kimber.  I want to do something as well, but I am thinking more a weekend in Victoria or Orcas Island in the San Juans.  And was thinking two weeks after Taxol, but I will have a much better feel for things by the end of this month.  If the San Juans, perhaps I will splurge and take a sea plane there.  Kenmore Air goes there several times a day.

    Would love to see some whales!!!!

    Thanks for the tips on the shirts.  My worry is the back of my neck which will be exposed while cycling.  Hoping to schedule rads so I will be finished just prior to the Livestrong challenge on June 20.  I will need to train during radiation, although could have done 30 miles yesterday.....did 20 with no problem.  I have decided to invest in primo cycling gear too.  This is in addition to the padded shorts/leggings I do have.

    I don't worry about needing sunscreen as sit under a tree between swims in the summer.  Unless you spend hours in the sun, a really minor worry this far north.

    My real celebration will be in the fall as friend Nadine and I both have milestone birthdays this year so we may do Paris towards October or November.  If that doesn't work out, will go to the UK, as haven't been there in a long time.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2010

    I've been wondering about sunscreen.  My son and I are both blue eyed and very fair to begin with and the sun is brutal here (and in FL).  We spend A LOT of time outdoors.  We always rent an umbrella at the beach, but still need sunscreen.  Any non-toxic suggestions?  Kerry, any recommendations for UV shirts?  I've seen them for kids, but have never paid attention to adult options.  I'll definitely need some lightweight long-sleeved ones for this summer, not just for the sun, but also to protect from mosquitos - SC's official state bird - lol!

    Jenn3 - Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer!  This will be our first trip during a busy season.  Both other times we've gone in January - first time for our first anniversary and second time for my son's fourth birthday.  I just saw where we can get 45% off our room for stays over 5 nights - woohoo!  My little boy is SO excited.  :D

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • everyminute
    everyminute Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2010

    Pure - My aunt and uncle lived in Melbourne for years also - Warren and Gwen Lightfoot.  They owned a construction company.  She was brutally murdered down there about 10 years ago - big front page case as it was a mechanic that she knew  - he then killed himself in front of the swat team :-( Sad. She was a great lady.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited February 2010

    Kimber - I use Clarins skin care products including sunscreen.  Pricey, but they really are the best.

    My moisturizer has a SPF of 20 so never worry about going outdoors if I am wearing long sleeves.  That is, unless high summer and I will be doing something like cycling into the sun.

    I can ask my friend who is a Stage IV BC survivor what she would recommend....she had BC about 15 years or so ago and is just fine.  She also sells Clarins at one of the NYC department stores.  They have a sun block which is what I think you will need.

    Since Clarins are what I use, I am not up on other brands, but sunscreen technology is vastly improved recently.  So you don't have to settle for the nasty, smelly stuff that was the norm only a few years ago.  YAY!!!!

    I am not even aware of the sunscreen in my moisturizer.  Smells just wonderful and does the job.

    The other product you can look into is tinted moisturizer.  Most of the good ones have sunscreen as well.  So kill two birds with one stone.

    Olay might have what you need if you want to go more mass market.  They are after the Clarins market (obvious from the packaging), so would look there first.  Good luck. - Claire

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Kim - I use Neutrogena Sunscreen, which my dermatologist recommends.  They have a wonderful formula that can be used on your face and body- it's great for sensitive skin. I use it under my makeup (more so in the summer) and always use it when I'm going to be outdoors for extended time on my face and body.  I've never sunburned using it - and I am a beach person who has fair skin.  

    The website I mentioned is http://www.tourguidemike.com/  It looks like the cost is $21.95.  My friend also purchased his book, but I think the same information is available online.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Oh........... forgot to mention.  I always put on the cream based sunscreen 30min -45 minutes before leaving the house/hotel/condo, then again right before I go outdoors and usually touch up with a spray formula  ........at the beach or pool every hour sometimes more, at Disney/amusement parks every few hours.  I rarely wear hats, but when I'm at the beach or Disney I wear a hat for extra protection from the sun.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    I would just check that whatever you use sunscreen-wise doesn't have Parabens. I check everything now. 

    As for the UV shirt, I just bought it from a sporting store, it wasn't that expensive. It gets cold if you are swimming in it, but for messing about in the sand, etc it is invaluable. I also wore a lot of those tunicy cotton tops that were in fashion last summer - thin and light, yet they covered me up a bit.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pure
    Pure Member Posts: 1,796
    edited February 2010

    I didn't realize you were in Charleston. We go to charleston quite a bit-especially in spring.

    Next time I come lets meet for coffee or something!  I love Charleston so much!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kimber3006
    kimber3006 Member Posts: 586
    edited February 2010

    Claire and Jenn3 - Thanks, I'll check those out.

    Pure - I would love to get together the next time you're in town!

    Kerry - I check the labels, too, for parabens (which I started watching for years ago when I read about a possible link with Alzheimers) and petrolatum, though it's hard to find a body moistureizer that doesn't use either!  I actually got so paranoid after diagnosis that I switched to nothing but castille soap, but it's just way too harsh on my skin.  That's probably why I look I've aged 10 years in the last few months while others are talking about baby-soft pretty chemo skin - lol!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited February 2010

    LOL - I did the exact same thing! I am only now using moisturiser again - one from a naturals company called Avalon, I got a really nice moisturiser. St Ives is another brand that has no parabens and is inexpensive.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited February 2010

    As for soft skin, I am headed into a bath tub with bath oil.  Loving Body Shop Moroccan Rose bath and massage oil.  Need a hot bath right now as was damp and chilly today.

    Really enjoyed the marionberry scone I had with chai latte where my cycling buddy took me.  Yum.  Felt virtuous after the 22 miles.

    Kimber....castille soap.  YUCK.  I am loving the Body Shop grapefruit/rose body wash.  Was really wonderful when smelling less than optimal from the AC.  Just such a refreshing scent.  They also make a glycerine soap in the same scent that is wonderful in hot weather.

    All this reminds me that I need to collect my birthday present from them that I get with my membership.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories