- Time of past OR future Camino
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Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving, this sentence is one to hold onto, thank you VNwalking.No one used to talk about this.
Which is ridiculous, as 1 in 8 of us will have to deal with it at some point.
I am thinking of @Anniesantiago today, as she faces a possible diagnosis.
Anyone who has been through this will know in their gut how that day feels - no matter how long ago it was.
Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
I'll start.
I was meant to be walking in 2009.
But.
Surprise.
Instead I spent the summer awaiting a biopsy, and then surgery, then the recovering from it, and finally deciding what next.
The gory details of the story don't matter.
What matters is I can say that there is a far horizon where cancer isn't occupying the entirety of my consciousness.
And I wouldn't live one day differently, cancer included.
Life is precious and fleeting. I know that better now.
Cancer taught me vulnerability opens the heart like nothing else.
It showed me strength I didn't know I had.
And that love is all around us, when we don't try be an island.
The camino is waiting. She will wait as long as you need. But I was fit enough to walk distances surprisingly soon after surgery.
I got off relatively lightly. Not everyone does. But life does go on.
And knowing all that? Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving, no matter what the outcome.
Deeply heartfelt prayers, Annie...and for any others, if you are in the same boat.
It's scary as heck, but taking one moment at a time you do get through it...just like on the camino.
May you have all blessings, and may your journey through this culminate in a celebratory Camino...boots on the ground in Spain!
Written on a rock on a camino detour was a similar thought, each step is a prayer to the earth.Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving
No one used to talk about this.
Which is ridiculous, as 1 in 8 of us will have to deal with it at some point.
I am thinking of @Anniesantiago today, as she faces a possible diagnosis.
Anyone who has been through this will know in their gut how that day feels - no matter how long ago it was.
Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
I'll start.
I was meant to be walking in 2009.
But.
Surprise.
Instead I spent the summer awaiting a biopsy, and then surgery, then the recovering from it, and finally deciding what next.
The gory details of the story don't matter.
What matters is I can say that there is a far horizon where cancer isn't occupying the entirety of my consciousness.
And I wouldn't live one day differently, cancer included.
Life is precious and fleeting. I know that better now.
Cancer taught me vulnerability opens the heart like nothing else.
It showed me strength I didn't know I had.
And that love is all around us, when we don't try be an island.
The camino is waiting. She will wait as long as you need. But I was fit enough to walk distances surprisingly soon after surgery.
I got off relatively lightly. Not everyone does. But life does go on.
And knowing all that? Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving, no matter what the outcome.
Deeply heartfelt prayers, Annie...and for any others, if you are in the same boat.
It's scary as heck, but taking one moment at a time you do get through it...just like on the camino.
May you have all blessings, and may your journey through this culminate in a celebratory Camino...boots on the ground in Spain!
12 years ago I underwent treatment for breast cancer. 4 and 1/2 months of chemotherapy double mastectomies and just when my hair was growing back a follow-up CT scan showed spots in my lungs and my liver. Being a hospice nurse I knew those were the spots that breast cancer can metastasized to. My husband and I had planned to walk the Pacific Crest trail, more than four times the length of the Camino Frances. I was in a quandary because my physician wanted me to wait two months and have a another scan see if anything grew big enough for a biopsy. I had to decide between sitting around and worrying or go ahead and start hiking the Pacific Crest trail. Well I chose to enjoy life. It was hard at first the chemo had really broken down my strong body. I cried everyday because I couldn't do what I used to do and it was so hard. Really upset me to get past so much my frumpy out of shape older women. (I tend to be a little judgmental sometimesNo one used to talk about this.
Which is ridiculous, as 1 in 8 of us will have to deal with it at some point.
I am thinking of @Anniesantiago today, as she faces a possible diagnosis.
Anyone who has been through this will know in their gut how that day feels - no matter how long ago it was.
Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
I'll start.
I was meant to be walking in 2009.
But.
Surprise.
Instead I spent the summer awaiting a biopsy, and then surgery, then the recovering from it, and finally deciding what next.
The gory details of the story don't matter.
What matters is I can say that there is a far horizon where cancer isn't occupying the entirety of my consciousness.
And I wouldn't live one day differently, cancer included.
Life is precious and fleeting. I know that better now.
Cancer taught me vulnerability opens the heart like nothing else.
It showed me strength I didn't know I had.
And that love is all around us, when we don't try be an island.
The camino is waiting. She will wait as long as you need. But I was fit enough to walk distances surprisingly soon after surgery.
I got off relatively lightly. Not everyone does. But life does go on.
And knowing all that? Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving, no matter what the outcome.
Deeply heartfelt prayers, Annie...and for any others, if you are in the same boat.
It's scary as heck, but taking one moment at a time you do get through it...just like on the camino.
May you have all blessings, and may your journey through this culminate in a celebratory Camino...boots on the ground in Spain!
Dear Annie, I wish you well for your journey.Thank you all so much for your wise and comforting words.
You are all so very brave!
I can't tell you how the support on this forum has touched me.
Your stories give me hope and courage, and it's good to hear I'm not the only one who feels the waiting, waiting, waiting is the agonizing bit. I'm not a patient person to begin with ::chuckle:: so this is a kind of torture.
Emotionally, I'm still ok and strangely calm.
Physically, the lump throbs and I want it gone.
Spiritually, I'm good and still grateful to wake up alive each beautiful morning.
I feel blessed to have lived the life I've had and hope for many more Caminos!
I'm looking forward to today's doctor visit and I'm praying he will order the biopsy to be done this week so I can have an answer, one way or the other.
As a two time cancer survivor I can say that for me the waiting was the hardest, waiting for doctor appointments, waiting for test results, waiting for treatment: a day can seem like a year. I don't know you Annie but my thoughts are with you.
I echo all that you have said, Bagobev - the waiting is hard and despite mine being 16 years ago, there are still times when I worry that it will return. Sending you positive energy, Annie, and hoping it will take you through to the Camino - my first will be this year!
What a group of amazing, wonderful, courageous survivors!
I love reading your stories!
They give me strength and hope.
Today I got the appointment for the biopsy.
It will be Friday at 2 pm.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you all again!
Good luck with your biopsy. Something that got me though the uncertainty and fear is feeling the moment. I tell my hospice patients "All anyone has is the moment they are in and that moment is the same for all of us". As I went through chemotherapy and fear I told myself there's nothing happening right now in this moment I can't handle. So often we worry so much that we're not feeling the peace of the moment we are in. I'm not saying something bad can't happen but each of us has great inner strength when we need it. And even something bad is easier to face moment by moment.What a group of amazing, wonderful, courageous survivors!
I love reading your stories!
They give me strength and hope.
Today I got the appointment for the biopsy.
It will be Friday at 2 pm.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you all again!
Hi VN Walking and a big Camino hug to anyone going through this illness, recovering from it, or close to someone affected by it. I did my first Camino in 2018, and as you all know, we are frequently asked why we are doing the Camino. I wasn't forthcoming at first, I didn't want to bother anyone else with my trials and tribulations. But eventually, as people opened up to me, I then opened up to them. This happened on many occasions throughout my epic 44 days on the CF.No one used to talk about this.
Which is ridiculous, as 1 in 8 of us will have to deal with it at some point.
I am thinking of @Anniesantiago today, as she faces a possible diagnosis.
Anyone who has been through this will know in their gut how that day feels - no matter how long ago it was.
Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
I'll start.
I was meant to be walking in 2009.
But.
Surprise.
Instead I spent the summer awaiting a biopsy, and then surgery, then the recovering from it, and finally deciding what next.
The gory details of the story don't matter.
What matters is I can say that there is a far horizon where cancer isn't occupying the entirety of my consciousness.
And I wouldn't live one day differently, cancer included.
Life is precious and fleeting. I know that better now.
Cancer taught me vulnerability opens the heart like nothing else.
It showed me strength I didn't know I had.
And that love is all around us, when we don't try be an island.
The camino is waiting. She will wait as long as you need. But I was fit enough to walk distances surprisingly soon after surgery.
I got off relatively lightly. Not everyone does. But life does go on.
And knowing all that? Each step is a whisper of thanksgiving, no matter what the outcome.
Deeply heartfelt prayers, Annie...and for any others, if you are in the same boat.
It's scary as heck, but taking one moment at a time you do get through it...just like on the camino.
May you have all blessings, and may your journey through this culminate in a celebratory Camino...boots on the ground in Spain!
Spain cured your veganism - hahahaha, I know what you mean. Great inspiration to read your story, thank you for a wonderful reply.12 years ago I underwent treatment for breast cancer. 4 and 1/2 months of chemotherapy double mastectomies and just when my hair was growing back a follow-up CT scan showed spots in my lungs and my liver. Being a hospice nurse I knew those were the spots that breast cancer can metastasized to. My husband and I had planned to walk the Pacific Crest trail, more than four times the length of the Camino Frances. I was in a quandary because my physician wanted me to wait two months and have a another scan see if anything grew big enough for a biopsy. I had to decide between sitting around and worrying or go ahead and start hiking the Pacific Crest trail. Well I chose to enjoy life. It was hard at first the chemo had really broken down my strong body. I cried everyday because I couldn't do what I used to do and it was so hard. Really upset me to get past so much my frumpy out of shape older women. (I tend to be a little judgmental sometimesand competitive).
About a month into the trip I was walking and talking with a young man having a great time. I looked back and my husband was way behind us. That was the day I realized Sharon had come back. My reserves were back. 5 months later, I stalled a month, I went and saw my worried doctor who quickly arranged a CT scan. The results were amazing every spot was gone in my lungs and my liver had only a few small ones left. I believe the fresh air and exercise and my decision to eat vegan healed me. Although Spain cured me of being vegan, I continued to walk the Camino every year and will complete my 10th Camino in May. And still no more cancer 14 years later.
Wishing you all the best. I went on my own, because in all honesty I never expected to be told I had cancer. Big mistake, I should have gone with someone. If you can, go with your partner, a family member, a friend or a fellow pilgrim soul. Whatever the resulting news, it will make it easier to walk out of there.What a group of amazing, wonderful, courageous survivors!
I love reading your stories!
They give me strength and hope.
Today I got the appointment for the biopsy.
It will be Friday at 2 pm.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Thank you all again!
Congratulations, I am also a cancer survivor. I have walked the Camino 9 times and feel healthier each time.My wife had breast cancer in 2017, and after her operation and chemotherapy, is in remission.
We decided to walk the Camino in 2018, in thanksgiving.
We left her original family home in Switzerland on 9 June, followed the Via Gebennensis, the Via Podiensis, the Voie Nive-Bidassoa, the Camino del Norte, arriving in SdC on 30 October. 2178km in 133 days.
She finds walking is therapeutic, yet her medication makes her tired. So I planned our Camino around short stages, staying mostly in private rooms to give her comfort, and booked everything ahead to give her certainty.
This year, we're spending a week in SJPdP as volunteers, and then flying to Lisbon to walk the Caminho Português.
She is my inspiration!
We will be at the Pilgrims office (Accueil des Pèlerins) at 39 rue de la Citadelle from 4 to 11 May.Congratulations, I am also a cancer survivor. I have walked the Camino 9 times and feel healthier each time.
2 questions, when are you volunteering in St Jean and where? My husband and I will be there in May volunteering at Beilari.
Also what medication is your wife on? And how long is she expected to be on it?
My doctor wanted me to go on Arimidex for 5 years which I declined because it only lowered my risk of reoccurrence by 15% and exercise lowered it by 30% and exercise had no negative side effects? I am a nurse so I know there's many different kinds of cancer. But I've also learned the hard way that doctors often don't tell you you have options. That said, it sounds like you have a good plan that works for you. A buen Camino and many more to come.,♥
I will be in Santiago a few days during that same time. Maybe I will see you in the Pilgrim office.We will be at the Pilgrims office (Accueil des Pèlerins) at 39 rue de la Citadelle from 4 to 11 May.
The medication is Tamoxifen for 10 years.
We will be in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, not in Santiago. We'll be in Santiago mid-August.I will be in Santiago a few days during that same time. Maybe I will see you in the Pilgrim office.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer experiences - they are every bit as much about facing cancer for you as for your family members. I DO hope you will return to the Camino!Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
I haven´t (yet) myself. Nevertheless, here is my experience:
I went to my first Camino Portuguese (Lisboa - SDC) in 2018 with my son Jonathan. It was tremendous experience, both the camino and going one month with my son. We returned home happy and very close to each other. Two weeks after our return Jonathan was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and very bad prognosis.
I had planned to return to the Camino (Primitivo) in spring 2019, but one week before my departure my brother died of cancer. I did not depart.
I am still trying to understand. It seems to me that we are supposed to go through "valley of shadows" to find out what´s important in our life, to find the right "self", to understand that we are never alone. But it hurts.
Yes. Indeed.I am still trying to understand. [...] But it hurts.
Very true.Getting diagnosed with cancer is scarier than living with it.
Oh, no! You too?Just diagnosed. Unbeknownst (if there is such word) t me
Well put VNwalking, I agree. It seems for some of us the silent stalker caught us unawares, so now the Camino walker comes to do some repairs.Oh, no! You too?
I am very sorry, @gerip. This is not a club any of us would have chosen to join in a million years, but welcome anyway.
There is a big silver lining to this cloud...love and kindness become much more accessible and much more important....
May your journey be smooth and may you be well!
Gerip, I hope those of us who have contributed to this thread have been of some help. I think we can all say that we are here for eachother, in one way or another. No doubt you will have your own family and friends to help you fight the fight.Just diagnosed. Unbeknownst (if there is such word) t me I've been walking through cancer since I first began in 2018. Couldn't figure out why it was taking me all day to walk the same distance as a morning this past October. Good to read so many stories here of survivors. And my prayers for those who are still fighting the fight.
Yes.Not everyone is comfortable talking about it, and often fear and anger are emotions that can surface from time to time.
Yes, this is quite common, but they just wish us the best and are trying to do/say something to help. We may not feel very positive or brave at the time they say this, but I think it all helps. Of course, having someone to just listen or hold your hand or help you put your socks on etc can be just the simple act of kindness and compassion that is much appreciated. We had adopted a rescue kitten, who had the habit of laying on my stomach (where I had thr operation) and purring away. It was magical, it was if she knew I needed some healing vibrations!Yes.
It's normal for these emotions to arise.
But sometimes it feels as though everyone around you just wants you to be brave and positive.
So if you have someone in your constellation of friends and family who is ok with you being real...that person is worth their weight in gold.
Animals do heal and are more aware than we will ever understand.We had adopted a rescue kitten, who had the habit of laying on my stomach (where I had thr operation) and purring away. It was magical, it was if she knew I needed some healing vibrations!
Beautifully written ; thank you.Hi VN Walking and a big Camino hug to anyone going through this illness, recovering from it, or close to someone affected by it. I did my first Camino in 2018, and as you all know, we are frequently asked why we are doing the Camino. I wasn't forthcoming at first, I didn't want to bother anyone else with my trials and tribulations. But eventually, as people opened up to me, I then opened up to them. This happened on many occasions throughout my epic 44 days on the CF.
I met fellow sufferers in various stages of recovery or mourning a loss of a loved one who was taken by this illness, or other similar tragedy.
For me, walking my first Camino enabled me to open up about how it affected me, cry lots of tears, scream lots of screams and laugh out loud at still being alive and fighting to get well again.
I was shocked in January 2017 with a diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer, having started to feel some unusual abdominal pains about 6 months earlier.
An operation quickly followed, scary but necessary. That removed the tumour and re-plumbed my pipework, it's amazing what medical science can achieve. Unfortunately, due to risk of further metastasis, I had 6 months of chemotherapy to nuke anything left lurking around inside - it was that treatment that really did the damage to me, physically, mentally and emotionally.
The Camino I walked was a much needed healing process, a safety release valve, a love injection, a gift from the universe and I can truly say that now, almost 3 years after my initial diagnosis and operation, I have managed to recover about 95% of the "old me" if you like. It's this "old me", always positive, full of energy, willing to try new things etc., who I had somehow lost through the impact of the illness and treatments. I had become a shadow of my former self, anxious, delicate, lacking confidence, feeling down and often tearful.
But it wasn't just the Camino that helped me recover, it was also the love of my wife, children, family and friends. However, it was the Camino aquaintences, friends and places that gave me the opportunity to let it all go, a massive discharge of negative emotions to the stars in the Milky Way above and the brown earth that I trod each day. It was a way of proving to myself that I could reach a difficult goal and overcome obstacles, and above all enjoy the wonder of life for as long as I can. We are all mortal beings, so life is a ticking clock; but we waste so much time on meaningless activity or non-activity. The illness brings all that into a very sharp, unavoidable focus. The Camino enables time and space to make the transition, the necessary transformation, to discover or re-discover your true self; at the very least to be brave and take on the new journey with an open heart and mind, a yielding and soft approach but with a strong spirit to say: just do it!
Buen Camino perigrin@, whoever you may be, no matter what you have to face, or what you've been through. Whether you choose to share it or not, we are all just passengers on this rock, passing through to another destination. On walking the Camino, it's often said: it's not the destination that is important, it is the journey. Choose love over hate, choose good over evil, choose laughter over anger, choose positivity over negativity, embrace it all and find your way to walk below the stars above, feel your feet on the ground, let go your fears, welcome each day as another gift to try and be the best you can to yourself and all those around you.
Maybe on my next Camino I will meet one of you, maybe not, but I feel we are all connected. In our day-to-day lives we may often lose this feeling of connectedness, the Camino is a great remedy for anyone needing to reconnect with their soul, inner-self, to feel close to nature and the wonder of existence and share some of the feeling with other mortal beings who may walk with you a little way along the path of life.
I am also a cancer survivor and will be walking in September. I hope we meet up.One year ago, Jan 19,2019 I started my cancer treatments. The radiation burnt my thyroid out of commission so taking medication to rectify that situation. Have a couple big doctor appointments in March and May and if all goes well I hope to start my Camino Frances September 2020. I also lost my sister a few years back to cancer so hopefully this walk will be for the both of us. Just trying to go forward and I hope this pilgrimage will help me accomplish this. Buen Camino.
I hope we do also. I will remember your name Sharon.I am also a cancer survivor and will be walking in September. I hope we meet up.
Maybe we can wear a pink ribbon on our packs or hats to identify others who have lived through this, or are still dealing with it? (I dislike the word 'survivor,' for some reason. I lived through that experience. Now I'm living other experiences. It's dramatic but no need to hang on to the drama after the fact. It was. That's all...)
Ha! Great idea!Or paint our shells pink, @VNwalking ?
DwainS, I honestly cannot think of anything better you can do after what you have been through. The Camino experience will give you ups and downs, but it will also give you lots of time for reflection and bit by bit you'll be able to release some of the negative energy that may have affected you through it all.One year ago, Jan 19,2019 I started my cancer treatments. The radiation burnt my thyroid out of commission so taking medication to rectify that situation. Have a couple big doctor appointments in March and May and if all goes well I hope to start my Camino Frances September 2020. I also lost my sister a few years back to cancer so hopefully this walk will be for the both of us. Just trying to go forward and I hope this pilgrimage will help me accomplish this. Buen Camino.
Thanks very much for your encouragement and thoughtful insight in what I might experience on this trip. I'am a chef in a busy restaurant and we all know how hectic than can be and it was hard after my treatments. Just need to get out on the open trail and reflect on the last few years. Thanks again.DwainS, I honestly cannot think of anything better you can do after what you have been through. The Camino experience will give you ups and downs, but it will also give you lots of time for reflection and bit by bit you'll be able to release some of the negative energy that may have affected you through it all.
Don't look for it, don't force it, just be open and enjoy the simplicity of walking from A to B, looking for a meal, sharing moments with others, looking for a bed each night (but don't expect to sleep much!), walking into Churches along the way, reading messages left by others for loved ones written on stones or bits of paper (many will hit you hard, others will make you laugh and smile), listening to others' stories (many of which will inspire you to continue fighting and living life as fully as you can).
Despite the unpleasant experiences you have been going through, you'll suddenly feel awash with gratitude that you are alive and you can truly get to know yourself in ways you've never imagined.
Your patience will get challenged from time to time, so be soft and gentle with yourself and others. It's all part of the journey. I didn't always manage it, but I quickly realised my mistakes and used to say to myself: Oh no, for that moment of negative reaction I've just burned my Camino brownie points for the day! I then went to apologise immediately to the person I had upset, and ignored the fact that they had upset me. There are going to be moments when we or others are tired, irritated due to lack of sleep or painful injuries, so we will not always be on our best behaviour with eachother.
Over 30 to 40 days you will find incredible internal resources that will begin to transform you, possibly forever.
Buen Camino mi amigo
I agree absolutelyWhat an amazing experience!
But I'm not surprised.
Cows are underappreciated...and it's true that many other beings are sensitive to things we humans can't detect. Dogs have been known to sniff out cancer, for example. And they have a radar that detects need for comforting....
It is always so, but we unknowingly project ourselves into an imagined future, and try so hard to be independent. Cancer cures one of those illusions...You learn that it truly is one day at a time and that love and support is all around
May it all go well for you both, Gary. That arrival in Santiago will be especially sweet.I will get back to the Camino Portuguese eventually and will walk into SdC next time to give thanks for my wife’s returned good health, with the current delay but a blimp on a longer journey for the both of us.
I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer experiences - they are every bit as much about facing cancer for you as for your family members. I DO hope you will return to the Camino!
Take care of yourself!
Thank you all so much for your stories.
I go for my second opinion tomorrow and my lumpectomy is on Wednesday.
Your courage is inspirational and gives me a lot of hope.
Buen Camino - and I think I WILL paint my shell pink!
Thanks for reminder, Annie. Candle is glimmering away as I write...Thank you all so much for your stories.
I go for my second opinion tomorrow and my lumpectomy is on Wednesday.
Your courage is inspirational and gives me a lot of hope.
Buen Camino - and I think I WILL paint my shell pink!
May it be so, Michelle!My prayers and hopes today are for health and strength for as long as possible so that I can one day walk the Camino. Preferably, before chemotherapy.
All the best, Annie! ♥I go for my second opinion tomorrow and my lumpectomy is on Wednesday.
thank you for sharing your experience. A couple years ago I posted about my worries walking the Camino post broken ankle. In the past year I have been diagnosed with lymphoma and lost my father in law to that same disease. My prayers and hopes today are for health and strength for as long as possible so that I can one day walk the Camino. Preferably, before chemotherapy. I am in awe of others who have made this journey. Buen Camino.
Maybe we can wear a pink ribbon on our packs or hats to identify others who have lived through this, or are still dealing with it? (I dislike the word 'survivor,' for some reason. I lived through that experience. Now I'm living other experiences. It's dramatic but no need to hang on to the drama after the fact. It was. That's all...)
Gary, I look forward to seeing you on the Camino someday to celebrate your wife's good health! Stay strong!Thank you all for sharing your stories. I have been quite affected by them. It’s all still quite raw for me currently. I was due to leave for the Camino Portuguese in March 2020 but my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last October. If the Camino was a life experience, then the cancer experience has been one to. You learn that it truly is one day at a time and that love and support is all around. I will get back to the Camino Portuguese eventually and will walk into SdC next time to give thanks for my wife’s returned good health, with the current delay but a blimp on a longer journey for the both of us.
Buen Camino
What an amazing experience!
But I'm not surprised.
Cows are underappreciated...and it's true that many other beings are sensitive to things we humans can't detect. Dogs have been known to sniff out cancer, for example. And they have a radar that detects need for comforting....
The nose knows. What a wonderful story, Annie! Thank you for sharing it.When I was sitting on the couch watching tv, he would often rest his head under my arm (where my cancer is) -- I can see why that particular breed makes such good companion animals.
A confession: That label, 'survivor,' bugs me.instead of survivors we should call ourselves warriors!
The nose knows. What a wonderful story, Annie! Thank you for sharing it.
Here?I posted his photo
Annie, we visited friends a month ago that have two adorable Golden Retrievers and I fell in love with their lovable personalities and the affection they both give and also want.When I was staying with my son last month, their Golden Retriever, Jean Luc, was especially conscious that something was "off" with me. Every time I coughed or sneezed he would run to me and make sure I was ok. When I was sitting on the couch watching tv, he would often rest his head under my arm (where my cancer is). He'd often just lie there and look deep into my eyes like he was saying, "I understand."
View attachment 70459View attachment 70460 -- I can see why that particular breed makes such good companion animals.
Keep your dream alive, maybe it will work out for you in 2021 or 2022. I live in Spain and I've seen people doing the Camino this year, despite all the challenges.Late to the party, but here goes (On mobile so bear with me). I started planning my Camino back in 2015. Checking out the routes, time required, equipment comparisons, joining forums to get the straight scoop (thanks Ivar), all that jazz which is fun and helps build the anticipation of going on this pilgrimage. So 18 months of saving leave and getting family buy in.
Family situation and work schedule didn’t allow for a ’17 or ‘18 Camin, but ‘19 is all locked on. Then came the lung cancer diagnosis. Rather than humping the Primitivo I ended up taking a journey with surgery and chemo. In remission now with quarterly imaging and oncology appointments. Only one false alarm since the end of chemo.
Well, time passes and I’m nearly as strong as I was before, though not nearly as fit, and the desire to walk my Camino is even stronger. I want a to make a pilgrimage of joy and thanksgiving, really just a celebration of life. So I plan a mini-Camino, the Ingles, which should be a good fit for my level of physical fitness (a wee bit anemia going on, part of Chemo side effects) and allow me to visit family in the UK, and spend time with my son who graduated high school that year. Everything is on track and good-to-go. The only cloud on the horizon, apart from some dodgy imaging of the lung that turned out to be nothin, Was this virus thing that had just made its way to Europe. We all know how that story turned out.
Camino 2020 cancelled. My fear is that I could end up being a vector. I spent enough time in hospital worrying about lungs and breathing to risk creating even the slightest chance of inadvertently passing Corana on to someone. The closing of borders and other travel restrictions sort of took the decision out of my hands in the end. Still, planning to walk Primitivo in ‘21. Honestly, I continued to plan my Camino and visit this forum, even when I was flat on my back due to chemo treatment. Not because I thought I was going, but because it was something to occupy my mind and something to look forward too.
So I still walk my cancer Camino and very much look forward to walking in the foot steps of King Alfonso and the multitude that walked before me.
Well, on August 13, 2018...my fifth Camino commenced, arriving in mid-afternoon in SJPdP and directly continuing to Orisson in dreary weather but with a warm welcome and dinner there.No one used to talk about this.
Which is ridiculous, as 1 in 8 of us will have to deal with it at some point.
Have you faced cancer and walked it off?
Please share your story.
That’s the spirit, Kazibar! And never mind, how you’ll do it, it’s your Camino!i Really resonate with that PepI. I did a grueling six hour third Dan black belt grading in December 2018, in January I was disgnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. It’s tough cancer with only a 15% 5 year survival. Last year was all surgery and chemo. This summer i had a smallish recurrence. I was going to go to Spain and walk but the COVID closedown stopped that. I managed to walk St Cuthberts way in September before starting a new round of chemo.
i Should finish in feb and am aiming to be in Spain in April or May(COVID willing). My numbers are according to my oncologist incredible. I’ll walk short days up to 15 km max mostly 10. I’ll get luggage transported. I’ll stay in private rooms. I’ll not give myself a hard time if I grab a taxi. But I am going.
Its likely that I’ll get less able going forward. I can’t do karate now. Though I did ski in January. So I need 2021....
prayers for all of us...l
Dear Kazibar, you could well be one of those 15% survivors, especially given your incredible determination. I wish you a successful recovery and that you may realise your dream to walk the Camino.i Really resonate with that PepI. I did a grueling six hour third Dan black belt grading in December 2018, in January I was disgnosed with stage four ovarian cancer. It’s tough cancer with only a 15% 5 year survival. Last year was all surgery and chemo. This summer i had a smallish recurrence. I was going to go to Spain and walk but the COVID closedown stopped that. I managed to walk St Cuthberts way in September before starting a new round of chemo.
i Should finish in feb and am aiming to be in Spain in April or May(COVID willing). My numbers are according to my oncologist incredible. I’ll walk short days up to 15 km max mostly 10. I’ll get luggage transported. I’ll stay in private rooms. I’ll not give myself a hard time if I grab a taxi. But I am going.
Its likely that I’ll get less able going forward. I can’t do karate now. Though I did ski in January. So I need 2021....
prayers for all of us...l
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