Camping with cancer

[dcb17b]

In January of this year I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. I have begun a treatment plan which consists of 6 rounds of intense chemo over 18 weeks and end with a stem cell transplant. So far I have not had any issues with tolerating the treatment. I am wondering if camping will still be possible with this condition. Infections are my biggest fear due to my immune system being suppressed. Has anyone had any experience dealing with a similar situation?

[dcb17b]

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. I am pleased to find that there are others who have traveled a similar path(not that I thought there wouldn't be). So far I have completed 2 of the 6 chemo treatments. I feel OK and so far have had no complications,thank God. Camping is a big part of our families summer and so many memories are made every year.Although my prognosis is a good one,nothing is guaranteed. I certainly hope I can get out a few times. Thanks again for the encouragement and prayers,God Bless You all.

[Joyce_in_NY]

My husband and I retired in June 2013 and decided to work camp that fall. Almost immediately after, I got a cancer diagnosis and had to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy. We lived in our RV in Branson, Missouri the entire time. (A very long way from our stick home in upstate New York) I avoided big box stores, but often went to shows and ate out at restaurants. When I felt ill, I stayed at home in our RV. There were nights that climbing the three stairs to our bedroom felt like a mountain -- but a much smaller mountain than if I had been home and had to climb a full flight of stairs at night. It was soooo much easier to shower in the RV -- and I could take just a few steps to sit on the bed to dress. When I got home (after my last treatment), it was so much harder to shower in a larger enclosure -- I couldn't hang onto the walls as easily! Then I would have to go all the way to the living room (about 30 steps lol) to sit down to dress. It was utterly exhausting. So for me, being in the RV was an excellent option during that time.

Think about your options -- what works well for one person might not work for another, but don't be afraid to try!

[GaryKH]

wishing you all the best in your treatments!I've had Multiple Myeloma for 19 years , along with a Stem Cell transplant & chemo ever since. My thoughts on this are that i can sit in a chair in a beautiful campsite just as easy as a chair at home & stare at 4 walls! I have to take precautions of course, but it really helps with my recovery. You need to evaluate your own needs & see if this would work for you. If it does, then go for it! Best of luck.

[bbaker2001]

we will praying for you also.
we too found out Jan DW had 2 types of cancer. have had two operations, and one more to do. then follow up every 90 days for 2 yrs. in 4 weeks the last one, and then want to hit the road. we will travel whenever we can. visit hospital when needed.
Gods comffort

[stew47]

If you're u feel good.... Camp. I'd maybe worry a little about shower houses while immuno suppressed. Maybe keep your trips near quality medical care. Make plans for getting family and rig home in case of an unexpected illness. Best of luck and prayers for you.

[Anmacc2]

DW has serious and chronic health issues. It is much more convenient and easier for us to RV. Comforts of home, our own space, less germ exposure, outdoors vs being in public buildings. A couple of times we've had to leave the rig and come home then went back when the timing was right. Dealing with a serious illness is very personal and subject to many variables. Find your comfort zone and what works best for you. There's no right or wrong. It's about what you want and need. We will keep you in our prayers.

[dtappy3353]

There are quite a number of us who are immune suppressed for various medical conditions.

We stay away from big crowds, wash our hands lots, get required vaccines and attempt to eat healthy....(refrain from rubbing your nose and eyes with hands....use tissue)

When we get sick.....we get REALLY sick.

Complete isolation is not good either. As you already know, there are good and bad germs out there.

Wishing you the best!

dt

[DownTheAvenue]

kknowlton wrote:
I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with such a serious illness, and wish you the very best! No experience dealing with that, but what would concern me would be your susceptibility to infections, especially on chemo. I think you would be best off to ask your doctor(s) for their advice.

X2

[kknowlton]

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with such a serious illness, and wish you the very best! No experience dealing with that, but what would concern me would be your susceptibility to infections, especially on chemo. I think you would be best off to ask your doctor(s) for their advice.