Forum Discussion

thesunchaser26's avatar
Apr 12, 2026

Full time travel

Hi everyone, I don’t usually post something this personal, but I wanted to share our situation.

My wife Lisa and I had planned to start full-time RV travel this June as the start of our retirement. Just a few weeks ago, she was diagnosed with cancer.

Right now, she’s still feeling well enough that we could take this trip, and that time together means everything to us. Unfortunately, the medical bills and treatments have quickly taken a big portion of what we had saved.

We’re trying to figure out how to still make this journey happen while we can.

If anyone has advice, resources, or has been through something similar, I’d really appreciate hearing from you.

3 Replies

  • I am sorry to learn of this. Nobody “deserves” the cancer thing. I’ve no clever tips to impart, just my best wishes for her recovery and your financial situation.

  • I’ll add first post from you. Benefit of the doubt you’re reaching out for assistance and empathy and not a spammer. 

  • First, my sincere thoughts go out to you and your wife especially. 
    I truly hope her diagnosis is on the good side of a bad situation !

    Without getting into dollars and sense, I’d let that diagnosis and treatments be a guide.  
    Getting into dollars and sense, full timing while under treatments and until complete there seems like a complete non starter just logistically. (And yes I’ve been in a similar/same/worse scenario.)

    Im sure you or hope you understand the logistics. 

    Now, digest some other things. 
    You were gonna be full timing in 2 months form now. One would assume you already have the RV and a plan for your house. 
    If you have the first part,  just go take a trip, and then come home if you need to or have to. 
    Next, and this will sound a bit harsh, but if the medical bills have already drained you in the first few weeks (or longer even) your finances and insurance aren’t sufficient for full timing and questionable overall IMO.   I know this is a horrible time to have financial worries but if they’re there, they’re there and a sudden health issue likely isn’t the main reason but just a small contributor to your financial situation. 
    I could be totally wrong and there’s maybe 1000% more to the story that you didn’t share, but from what you shared and your request for opinions, that’s what I see. 
    Above all, having that time together especially in the face of a major health problem is the most important. (I could go on about things I wish I did and honestly regret being as pragmatic as I was.) 

    But quantity and quality of time does not need to fit in the box you’ve already created (full timing… a dream for you guys I’m surmising). But put it in the box that fits for now. 
    Again, the best to you both!!