After almost 40 years as Campers and Caravanners we have been forced by ill health to retire for good. I have been diagnosed with Throat Cancer, and I’m about to start Radiotherapy at 64years old. We still have our caravan, which will be usefull for when our Daughters come to stay with me. I’m still feeling rather frightened about it all, and the treatment that lays ahead of me in the form of Radiotherapy.
I’m feeling quite poorly at the moment, but l realise that l have some good friends and fellow campers on here.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Oh, Romany Girl, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Sending love and strength as you go through your treatment, and all fingers crossed and vibes vibing for you.
Once a camper always a camper in your soul, sit in your van and have a cuppa with your daughter, and let memories keep your spirits up.
Good luck with the treatment, wishing you a speedy recovery.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
So sorry to hear this Julia. Keeping everything crossed for you that your treatment is successful.
I don't think radiotherapy is anything to be frightened of, just endured. (Though I completely understand how you're feeling, especially if you're unwell.)
Lovely idea from Deborah for you to sit in the caravan and have a cuppa with your daughter - do it. Just a thought but might she also be able to tow it somewhere local so you could still stay in it together?
Thinking of you and please keep us updated. xx
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
I’m so sorry to hear this Julia. Wishing you well with your treatment and hopefully, when it is all done and dusted, you might be able to get back to the odd trip away in the caravan.
Thankyou everyone for your kind thoughts and wishes, and all the ideas for possible future use of our Caravan, indeed it would be lovely to feel strong and well again to get back inside it, but l cannot manage to get up the steps at the moment, and use a wheelchair to get around due to Arthritis in my hips and Knees. My daughter has visited this morning with her little dog, which has cheered me up at lot, and is coming back again in the morning to help tidy the place up a little and do a few chores.
We will probably get a fair few visitors from the medical practice I’m registered with later in the week, but the biggest problem is that we live quite some distance away from our large hospital and treatment centre so quite a lot of travel.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Hope everything turns out good for you keep the faith be strong set your heart and soul on being out with nature next spring, make plans for happy days ahead.
Quote: Originally posted by romany girl on 09/7/2021
After almost 40 years as Campers and Caravanners we have been forced by ill health to retire for good. I have been diagnosed with Throat Cancer, and I’m about to start Radiotherapy at 64years old. We still have our caravan, which will be usefull for when our Daughters come to stay with me. I’m still feeling rather frightened about it all, and the treatment that lays ahead of me in the form of Radiotherapy.
I’m feeling quite poorly at the moment, but l realise that l have some good friends and fellow campers on here.
Julia
I have just been through the same thing and I am a good few years older plus I do not smoke. I finished the radio and chemo therapy in 1st January. I also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and getting back and forth from the hospital is a 24 mile round trip each time.
There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel and we have just come back from our 4th caravan outing this year.
The 1st 3 months after finishing the radiotherapy are the hardest, but you need to preserve and force yourself to get back to normal as soon as possible. The only remaining issue I have is no saliva so need to drink plenty of water all the time which means exercising my bladder more frequently. LOL!
What kept me going during the 3 months after the course was looking for sites to book and sorting out the caravan with odds bits and pieces. Don't rush out to sell the caravan as it gives you something to look forward to doing..
Truly sorry to hear this, Julia, and wish you all the very best.
I recall your own kind and thoughtful words to me when I had my own troubles to share on here, and still appreciate them today, 5 years on.
I have no experience of such ghastly ailments... or caravans for that matter... so sadly, you'll not get a single wise word from me, but that should not diminish my hopes, prayers, and best wishes for you.
Horrible news for you, but they will have you up and running I'm sure before too long,, As for getting in your van have you thought about one of those electric lift things you just stand on and up you go they even do wheel chair ones
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.