Hello
I am new to this board and to cruising. I tried searching for an answer to my question but there are so many threads and posts out there. First of all I think it is fantastic that there are so many posts. It means that lots of people who have challenges are out there traveling and enjoying themselves .
Let me tell you a little bit about my family then I will ask my questions. If you have a tip that you can think of please feel free to share it just because I didn't that question doesn't mean I won't need the tip. We will be on the Disney Wonder 12/18/11 cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
I am the mother of two wonderful boys ages 7 and 9. I adopted them 5 years ago and the only reason that is important is because the both have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I often leave the adopted part out because to me we are a family the adopted part doesn't matter. One day I was telling a coworker that my boys bother were exposed to alcohol and drugs before they were born, and she gave me a look then after a pause said "well it's good you turned your life around". I just had to laugh.
Because of the exposure they both have ADHD, ODD, RAD and another bunch of letters. They both are in general education classes and are very well behaved young men. However in new situations or when they are stressed they tend to act out. My 9 year old is developmentally and intellectually delayed so his behavior is closer to that of a 7 year old. They both take medication during the day. When they are at the kids clubs on the ship will the counselor give them their medication or do I go and give it to them? I am fine either way just making a plan.
My oldest also has asthma at school he is not allowed to carry his inhaler, will he be allowed to on the ship?
I am a cancer patient and can walk but when I travel I use a mobility scooter. I can walk and stand but not for long period of time. I have stage iv cancer and have been going through some pretty aggressive treatments because my cancer is aggressive. One of the locations of my cancer is in my lower spine and my hip, which makes my lower body strength pretty week. By December I may be stronger who knows. I am pretty lucky because 6 months ago I could not get up off the floor without help. 3 weeks ago I was walking in the sand on the beach in San Diego and got up from the ground all by myself.
This cruise is very important to me because having stage iv means I will continue to be treated for cancer the rest of my life. This could very well mean that this is the last Christmas that I will be able to travel. I am hoping that I continue to get stronger, but want to prepare for the worst. I am trying to create an over the top absolutely rememberable magical Christmas for my guys. So preparation is key. I am hoping to anticipate trouble before it arises so that all they remember is the magic. Looking over the shore excursions most of them say you may not bring an electric wheelchair or scooter. I am planning on purchasing the luggie scooter which is light and very portable. It folds up to the size of a stroller and can be pulled behind like a carry-on bag. When folded it is the same size as a wheeled carry-on bag. Would I be able to take that on the tenders? They even sell a hard case that looks like a suitcase perhaps I should purchase that too then they won't even know what I have it could be sand toys and clothes.
As I said I am open to anything you might have in the way of a suggestion or tip.
I am new to this board and to cruising. I tried searching for an answer to my question but there are so many threads and posts out there. First of all I think it is fantastic that there are so many posts. It means that lots of people who have challenges are out there traveling and enjoying themselves .
Let me tell you a little bit about my family then I will ask my questions. If you have a tip that you can think of please feel free to share it just because I didn't that question doesn't mean I won't need the tip. We will be on the Disney Wonder 12/18/11 cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
I am the mother of two wonderful boys ages 7 and 9. I adopted them 5 years ago and the only reason that is important is because the both have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I often leave the adopted part out because to me we are a family the adopted part doesn't matter. One day I was telling a coworker that my boys bother were exposed to alcohol and drugs before they were born, and she gave me a look then after a pause said "well it's good you turned your life around". I just had to laugh.
Because of the exposure they both have ADHD, ODD, RAD and another bunch of letters. They both are in general education classes and are very well behaved young men. However in new situations or when they are stressed they tend to act out. My 9 year old is developmentally and intellectually delayed so his behavior is closer to that of a 7 year old. They both take medication during the day. When they are at the kids clubs on the ship will the counselor give them their medication or do I go and give it to them? I am fine either way just making a plan.
My oldest also has asthma at school he is not allowed to carry his inhaler, will he be allowed to on the ship?
I am a cancer patient and can walk but when I travel I use a mobility scooter. I can walk and stand but not for long period of time. I have stage iv cancer and have been going through some pretty aggressive treatments because my cancer is aggressive. One of the locations of my cancer is in my lower spine and my hip, which makes my lower body strength pretty week. By December I may be stronger who knows. I am pretty lucky because 6 months ago I could not get up off the floor without help. 3 weeks ago I was walking in the sand on the beach in San Diego and got up from the ground all by myself.
This cruise is very important to me because having stage iv means I will continue to be treated for cancer the rest of my life. This could very well mean that this is the last Christmas that I will be able to travel. I am hoping that I continue to get stronger, but want to prepare for the worst. I am trying to create an over the top absolutely rememberable magical Christmas for my guys. So preparation is key. I am hoping to anticipate trouble before it arises so that all they remember is the magic. Looking over the shore excursions most of them say you may not bring an electric wheelchair or scooter. I am planning on purchasing the luggie scooter which is light and very portable. It folds up to the size of a stroller and can be pulled behind like a carry-on bag. When folded it is the same size as a wheeled carry-on bag. Would I be able to take that on the tenders? They even sell a hard case that looks like a suitcase perhaps I should purchase that too then they won't even know what I have it could be sand toys and clothes.
As I said I am open to anything you might have in the way of a suggestion or tip.