Crossing Wishes Off Bob’s Bucket List
Sandy and Bob, center, crossing wishes off Bob's bucket list aboard Dawn Princess.
May 1, 2012
by Sandy McFarlane
How do you react to catastrophic news? We were reeling when my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our thoughts galloped…in his 60s, Bob was too young for this! Then, after the operation, the doctor delivered the knockout blow: A few cancer cells had settled in the lymph nodes leaving Bob with only one to five years left to live.
Bob has always been a positive person and he drew on that to stay aloft. His voice firm, he told me he wasn’t going to let this news destroy him and that the years he had left would be his best ever. Between our seven children and me, we vowed to make that happen. I wanted to spend every possible minute left with him, so I quit my nursing job to look after Bob.
One night a year later, as Bob went to bed, I took a few minutes to straighten up the house. Under a pile of magazines, I found a scrap of paper. It was Bob’s bucket list. Hands trembling, I read it:
- Go on another cruise (the last had been 15 years ago)
- Do a skydive
- Take Sandy to see where she was born
- Do a bungee jump
- Renew our vows
- Travel around Australia
We’d been talking about taking another cruise because the one we took in 1993 had been absolutely magical. With Bob soundly asleep, I went online and found a sailing of the Dawn Princess that stopped in Wellington, where I was born. We could renew our vows onboard, I thought, granting three of Bob’s bucket list wishes in one.
Then and there, I secretly booked the cruise for February 2009 and gave it to Bob for Christmas. He was ecstatic to receive it. As we boarded, we were a year and a half into Bob’s diagnosis. As happy as we felt, there were times we looked at each other and wondered if this would be our last great adventure together. But we made every effort to put that aside and enjoyed the trip.
The vow renewal was beautiful. The captain performed the ceremony in a beautifully decorated room, fragrant with fresh flowers. We ate canapés, drank champagne and allowed ourselves a small cry. Even the captain remarked it was the most emotional ceremony he’d ever performed, as the Princess crew knew our story and the significance of this cruise.
Four years into Bob’s shocking diagnosis, we took another cruise aboard Dawn Princess to New Zealand. I managed to surprise Bob again. This time, Bob’s best friend, Ian Munro and his wife, Mae, who were in Australia on vacation, surreptitiously joined us on the cruise. That’s saying something, as they swore, they’d never take one.
As Bob and I settled into our cabin, the Munros rapped on the door. “Room service for McFarlane,” they said. Puzzled, Bob answered, and the look on his face was priceless.
If Bob and I could spend 10 months out of 12 onboard we would. But as it is, we are saving for a cruise for later this year–Year Five– and another in 2013 with the Munros, who quickly flipped and are now avowed cruisers.
Perhaps Bob’s bucket list did get stuck on “Go on another cruise.” Skydiving and bungee jumping are on hold while we anticipate the luxury and peacefulness of another at-sea vacation. I like to think that the power of Bob’s positive attitude, supplemented with an occasional joyful surprise, keep our lives moving optimistically and thankfully moving ahead in a forward trajectory.
Sandy and Bob live in Turosshead, New South Wales, Australia. They’ve enjoyed two Princess cruises and plan to become Elite cruisers!
Wow! A beautiful story. A positive attitude is everything in life. 20 years ago, following brain surgery, the doctors told me my mom had 6 months to a year left…she is now 92 and still laughing at everything that comes her way. I wish you and Bob 20 more years of cruising and having fun!
Yes, What a wonderful story! Cruising is so wonderful because it would cost a small fortune to see everything you see on a cruise by land. People can fulfill dreams and see the world. I hope he does everything on his bucket list. I’m slowly completely mine!
Many thanks for sharing your moving story, Sandy. We hope you can cross many more wishes off Bob’s bucket list.
Stories like this are truly beautiful and encouraging, it just brings tears to my eyes. I love cruising and can’t imagine what that brings into these two people’s life, so many joys and life time experinces. All I can say is that you are truly blessed and wish you can enjoy many, many more years together and cruising! Thanks for sharing your story.
Lovely story that brought tears to my eyes. Wishing you many cruises in the future and forget the rest of the bucket list – doesn’t get any better than taking a cruise, lol.
What a beautiful story…God bless and keep you both. My husband and I toured on Princess last year – my very first cruise ever!- and want to tour on Princess again….we love the Princess line….next time, hopefully Alaska, but must say the European tours look amazing….
We have done 7 day Alaska, 13day New Zealand, &21day Mediteranian Have loved them all, can’t imagine going with any other cruise line they are so professional. My husband is about to start Chemo, so hopefully we can look at another cruise down the track
it is a year since my chemo..and we will cruise in jan 2013..good luck to you both!
this is just the kind of story i needed to read as my mum is quite ill just now .god bless you both.
Im so sorry to hear of your mum’s illness. Keep up your spirits and I hope she doesnt suffer too much. God bless
Damn the torpedoes – full speed ahead!! Sandy & Bob, my hat is off to you. I’m 67, retired 2 yrs., and there is a history of the disease in my family so I’m pre-disposed to it and have some empathy for what you are going through. When my wife and I took our first cruise in 2008 to celebrate our 35th anniversary, little did we know we’d be hooked on cruising! So hooked, I went into the travel business after retirement and have never looked back.
Like you, we have decided to enjoy every day we are on this earth. Hang in there, mate, and keep on cruising!
My husband had proton treatments for his prostate14 years ago and is still in great shape.Our first cruise was on Princess to celebrate 40 great years of marriage, and have been on many cruises since. Tomorrow is our 64th. Hang in there, there’s lots more to come.
Sure brought back a lot of memories of my situation. I was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and decided to go on a cruise with Princess also. While on the ship I had time to reflect on all the good times I had in life. Then the operation in February 2011. Would you believe able to cruise again in November 2011 Glad that everything going ok with your bucket list. My list is another cruise this November to South America. Good luck.
Sandy and Bob, I’ve been profoundly touched by your fortitude and sense of spirit. Bravo! I wish you many years of love and strength. Maybe, my partner and I might see you on a cruise! Peace.
hope we do meet some day. Take care and enjoy cruising
Well done you two. Thank you for sharing your story and hope for more cruise for you though you should get all your children on the next cruise also. That would be a great trip.
We did around Australia last fall on Dawn Princess and met up with my wifes cousin after 40 years in Perth
Bob and I are hoping to make our next cruise around Australia. would love to have all the 7 kids and 17 grandkids do a cruise with us BUT gotta win the lottery first.We all get together at christmas and its wonderful having such a huge family. I know that I wont ever be lonely with having all those children
What a great story, so many of us think we should do all these things, but
so few of us seldom do! I hope and pray you and Bob get to be Elite members soon!
God Bless Bob, you and your family. God gives us many miracles I pray Bob receives one.
Sandy and Bob don’t listen to those doctors. They are not God. My husband was told he had 6 mos. to a year to live. Laughing is the best medicine (and cruising). Frank lived another 9 years and we didn’t waste a day of it. May God bless you.
Thankyou everyone for your kind comments. We are saving for our next cruise which will be on my birthday next march……unless I win the lottery and we will be off in a heartbeat.
My husband has prostat cancer for 20 years, his surgery was aborted because his cancer cells were also on his node. We had taken many cruises since , Princess is our favorite, no one can tell you how many years one have left. Your story is similar to our.
What a truly inspirational story of determination & focusing on the positives in one’s lives.
)
Wishing you & Bob & all your seven children/family many , many more wonderful years living your lives to the fullest !!!
How fantastic to be able to tick off things to do from one’s bucket list !!!
Maybe you should add to your list !!!
We should never ever stop dreaming !!!
All the very best
Jenni thankyou ” never stop dreaming” is now added to our list.
A truly beautiful love story. Here’s to many, many more years of love and memories. Our stories are identical, except my darling husband passed a few days after our 47th anniversary last year. I am a nurse also, and took care of him, with our children. We went on many Princess Cruises, so I have good memories to savor. God bless you with many more years to fulfill your bucket list!
So sorry to hear that you lost your beloved husband Joan.Im glad you have those wonderful memories.Cherish them! Hopefully it wont be too long before you are able to go on another cruise to relive those memories
What a beautiful story. You will have many more cruises in life together with Bob’s positive attitude. A positive attitude is the ticket! I’ve only been on two cruises, and I absolutely loved them.
I discovered about 3 months ago that I had two lumps growing in the pelvic area. It was later found that the lumps were my lymph glands. By the way they felt and the way they were growing cancer is suspected. This Thursday I will find out if it is cancer, if it is I have another growth in my body that has caused the cancer cells to spread to my lump glands. I can only hope that if I am told I have only months to live I can be as positive as Bob and make the best of whatever time I have remaining. My wife and I have talked about taking an Alaskan cruise. I hope I will be able to put my thoughts of the future aside and enjoy a cruise with my wife.
Bill, I don’t know you, but I am praying that even if you do have a tumor, that you can have a positive attitude and live the rest of your days enjoying life and not being afraid. Having survived cancer, which had spread to the lymph nodes also, and lived another 20+ years, I believe it is all good and all God. Keep the faith, Friend. Best of luck.
Bill I feel for you.Please be as positive as you can and make plans to go on a cruise with your wife.Bob and I are always making plans and each new plan gives Bob a reason to keep positive and move forward. Ill pray for you. Take care and God bless
Bill….a dear family member was told she had a very aggressive type of breast cancer and that she had maybe 2 to 5 years at best. That was over 15 years ago and she is still enjoying her life and her family. Judi is correct…doctors are not God. Life is so unpredictable, fragile and precious for each of us…none of us know if we will be here tomorrow. Make the most of today…build all the sweet memories that you can, while you can. Having a positive attitude is a choice you can make. By now you have received your diagnosis and I pray that you are okay, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
Sandy and Bob this is a story I will never forget.This is a beautiful story and God is enabling you to tell your story to help others to survive disappointments in life. Much success to continue this joyous time in your life. May God continue to bless you to have many many more cruises and memories.Enjoy your years to come.
Thankyou Sandy, we plan to enjoy every minute of our time together
Congratulations, Bob! This is a great testament to your will and positive attitude! I wish you dozens more years and cruises to add to your life experience. Not everyone is so fortunate.
9 years ago, I was placed in a similar situation with my own husband… Bruce was 47 at the time. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and a familiar conversation ensued. As a result, we booked a Princess Cruise, this time to the Panama Canal… his ultimate wish was to see the stingrays in Cayman one more time, and this was an itinerary much different than any other we had ever taken. 11 family members came along… and we had the time of our lives. I’d like to say time stood still for those 11 days. No question, the private excursion out to Stingray City was magical. I’m grateful for the ship’s hospital and medical staff, because from that moment on, Bruce’s health deteriorated rapidly. I was grateful to get him off the ship and onto the airplane for his final journey.
Home, our lives were confined to the hospital and hospice. Five months from diagnosis isn’t allot of time to wind down a relatively short life. I can tell you first hand, there was no “skydiving”. There was no “2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu”. I think often of those days of introspection, of prayer and hope. It’s a difficult position to be in, wishing for miracles as well as the end to needless suffering.
Fast forward nine years. Bruce taught me to enjoy life as much as I can. You just never know. I found a new partner… after only six weeks of dating, I took him down the Mexican Riviera on a cruise many only dream about. In our eight years of courtship and marriage, there have been cruises to the Caribbean, to Mexico, and we have a Princess
Cruise Tour to Alaska booked for September. Life is good, and I make the effort to enjoy it fully, thanks to Bruce’s legacy.
Thanks, Sandy, for reminding us all how fragile life can be, how important it is to take the time to enjoy it while we can, and keep a positive attitude.
My husband passed away in February. He wasn’t ill and it wasn’t expected. It takes a
toll on you that is hard to overcome. We had been on 3 cruises with Princess and had
wonderful memories. I can only hope for me since we both are young, that I can find
someone as you have to share with. You never know what life has in store or when it
is your time.
Hi Mary Jo thankyou for your inspiring story. I have always believed that “if its meant to happen, it will happen” and I honestly dont think God is ready to take Bob just yet. We are both involved in making stuff for children with aids in Africa and there is so much more Bob needs/wants to do. With his positive attitude he will last a while yet I think.Although he keeps preparing me for the inevitable as Im 10 years younger than him he worries about me. So I tell him he just has to stay to look after me!!
Hi Sandy,
Hi Bob,
What a moving story. I don´t usually have time to sit and read many comments, but I have done with yours.
Last year I was rushed into hospital myself for an emergency operation. It was a matter of 3 hours to save my life. The doctors did it and I much appreciate their work.
I have been in this situation 3 times in the past 20 years and this last situation really shook up my husband Peter and myself. At the age of 61 we now intend selling our business.
We have booked 2 cruises with Princess for this June to Alaska and back and intend doing
more. Everday I open my expes I am grateful for what we have and intend enjoying it all as long as I am blessed to do so. Wishing you both many many wonderful moments together
Hi Lind and Peter, thankyou for your comment.PLEASE dont put off anything as you dont know what tomorrow will bring. Do as much as your health will allow. Enjoy every minute with each other and enjoy your cruises. Maybe we will meet someday on one of the cruise ships. God bless.
Exactly, Sandy. Since my husband retired, & I am almost at the retirement stage,I have made it a priority for us to travel .I tell him we should travel & see the world while we are still able to do so. Because, as you say, ” WHO KNOWS what’s in store for the future??I am really looking forward to our upcoming cruise in Jan., so we can gather some more beautiful memories,like on previous cruises. And hopefully we can just relax & concentrate on each other,away from the distractions of everyday life, & enjoy each day. Life is too short.BOB – There have been many advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, so stay POSITIVE, & keep hoping for the best!!
To be so strong at a time when feelings of sorrow, weakness and no doubt surrender is abound takes great courage and shines an inspirational light to us all, who one day may find ourselves in such a situation. Sandy and Bob have together with the other inspiring comments have shown a pathway to all those who have read them. Thank you.
I can relate to that. It is the hardest thing that one has to endure when you lose a
loved one.
Thanks for your story. I am an avid cruiser myself and am having cancer surgery this week. It’s the unknown that gets to your emotions. Whatever the outcome, I plan to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Best wishes to you and your family.
That is a great way to look at life. I agree with you that its the unknown that gets to
you emotions, as I have lost my husband and have to move on.
Hi Victoria,good luck with your operation this week. Please be positive. As you know our brain controls our bodies so if you have a positive attitude you will come through. As a registered nurse I met a lot of cancer patients and noticed that the people who let their results get to them, didnt fare well whereas those who said they will “fight it” Did quite well. Ill say a prayer for your quick recovery.Fight for all you’r worth Victoria!!
What a wonderful story! I very rarely read the blog but something drew me in. I wish you both many more years of fun and adventure, you are truly an inspiration.
Your story is so inspiring! Hopefully the doctors are wrong and Bob has many years left to cruise! My father-in-law passed away this past summer after being ill for just under one month and it was through talking to him that I decided to book my first ever cruise! He told me he regretted not doing things he always wanted to do and now it was too late. I am taking our daughter who turns 13 this month–can’t talk my husband into going–he served 20 years on a Navy ship and that was enough for him! Best of everything to both of you!
Hello Rose, Bob and Sandy,
I,too, served 20 in the Navy. Eight years ago I had Quad by-pass and 4 1/2 years ago lost my bladder and prostate to cancer. I’m a widower who was fortunate enough to find another true love, and we have been cruising ever since. We’ve taken 4 Princess cruises in 12 months and are going again this month. Hang in there.
We are 78.
bobg@frontiernet.net
Bob and Billie
Good on you Bob. Live Love and laughter are the best medicine, thats for sure!!
Our first cruise was on the P+O FAIRSTAR many years ago. My husband wouldn’t hear of cruising but I so wanted to go on one as Id worked on the fairstar the previous year as a child carer and had so much fun. I decided to purchase tickets for my husband and two youngest children who were still at home and I gave it to them as a christmas gift. Reluctantly Bob came on that cruise and he had the best time with our children and never stopped talking about the cruise.Thats how I got him into cruising.
Wonderful inspring story. He’s to many more cruises for you both.
Such a beautiful story of hope and love. We did the same with my wife’s cousin who wanted to cruise with us again before he passed. The trip to the Caribbean was wonderful on Crown Princess. Everything went perfect. Unfortuantely 5 days after return our cousin passed. We miss him terribly but will alway remember our special time together that cruise.
To Rose: I also spent a career in the Navy and felt similar to your husband but changed my mind for family and I am so happy I did. We have now had 6 cruises on Princess and 4 on another line. Princess is our favorite and we are scheduled for a two week to Hawaii cruise in Decemeber of this year. I have to say that cruising Princess is nothing like being in the Navy. I loved the Navy and love cruising Princess as much.
To Rose- my husband was also in the Navy and he does cruise. I hope your husband will go with you and your daughter it would be a shame for him to miss out. As we know we do not know how long we will be on this earth. Family time will be remembered by your daughter forever. Hope her dad will go.
I was lead to read your inspiring story. I am a believer in John 3:16: There is a Medical report and there is a Biblical report. Keep trusting in your maker with a positive attitude because His Blood still works. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Get into the word of God, be not only hearers but doers of the word. Talk with the Lord about whatever you are going through. It is all in the name of Jesus. Be blessed with many more years to serve
Thankyou Shep, we too are believers and its our faith that keeps us strong
Beautiful…. We lost my husbands mother and she loved to Cruze which gave her great memories .
I had hundreds of prostate cancer tumors in my bones and lymph nodes last year. Went through surgery (at my insistence), radiation to large spine lesions, and Provenge. Things still looked bad. Then I went to Healing Sessions at Church in December and within a month all tumors disappeared !! My doctors are all puzzled. I am not. I am also a doctor. God healed me. Have faith and live! I have 3 more cruises planned for this year!
Like Winston Churchil once said: Don’t Ever Ever Ever give up!
Please ask your doctor about Provenge and using radiation as a way to ‘prime’ the immune system around the time of treatment with Provenge. I think this novel way may be a break-through in treating cancer.
All the best to you!
What kind of surgery did you have? Was is for prostate cancer?
Yes Linda Bob had a radical prostatectomy,unfortunately some cells were released and were found to be in his lymph nodes. BUT we are being really positive and living each day with lots of laughter and love.
we wont ever ever give up hope
A very touching story! It brought a tear to my eye! Enjoy your next cruise!
I was lead to read your very inspiring story. I believe in John 3:16. Continue in the Word of God
Abide in the Word , be not only a hearer but a doer of the word. There is nothing to hard for our and Lord and Savior. There is power in praise, forgiveness and prayer. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Asking the Holy Spirit to lead you in the path in carrying out the plan that the Lord has for you daily. It is all in Jesus, if he does not do it, it will not be done. I have been there and done that. His blood still works
AMEN AMEN AMEN. There is nothing too hard for HIM. HIS ways are not always our ways but Jeremiah 29 says HE knows the plans he has for our future. We could not be in better hands, than our wonder LORD.
I love your story. 5 years ago I lost my husband to ALS, he was 59 years young. We were told in November 2003. We went on our first cruise to the Panama Canal. We had always talked about doing it when we retired. Our next cruise was to Alaska, June 2005. The disease was taking its toll. The crew was wonderful. They helped when ever they could. In 2009 I took my 16 year old grandson on a land & cruise of Alaska & glaciers. We did things that my husband didn’t get to do. Next year my daughter, son-in-law, 3 grandchildren and I are planning a cruise to Alaska.
God love you both. Life is short, you never know what is planned for you.
What a beautiful story! But as an RN, I must add that the Mc Farlanes should also know that Mayo Clinic, especially the one in Jacksonville FL has an excellent track record for treating prostate cancer at any level, and they offer a variety of clinical trials that can be continued at home That’s where nearly all of our local docs go when they get that kind of cancer, and they always do great! Info and appointments can be made on-line. Our local Panama City Beach entertainment offers bungee jumping, and at the right time of year, there are hot air balloon rides, and of course, parasailing, if maybe not the skydiving. Wishing you the very best!
Hi Camille yes we do know of the Mayo clinic but we live in Australia and are on an aged pension so medical treatment out of Australia is way beyond our means God bless
I love the tenacious attitude demonstrated out of love, devotion and loyalty that both Mrs. and Mr. share for each other and for life. God has a plan for Mr. McFarlane, and God is not ready for Mr. McFarlane yet. Mr. McFarlane needs to complete his bucket list first and then create another one that is three times as long. He has plenty of time on the books.
hear hear Syndi, thats what I say, God is not ready for Bob just yet
Dear Sandy, What a wonderful message you’ve given all of us and yourselves as well. I join so many others who wish you many more years to continue to expand you bucket list. as a retired nurse I know your positive attitude is therapeutic in itself. I’ll think of you and your husband enjoying your cruises- not the plural. Maureen
Thankyou Maureen
I like Bob was diagnosed last fall with prostate hopefully caught in its early stage,I;m having my operation on may 15/12 just came back from my preop,we have cruise about 15 times the last in Jan on 10 day carribean out of FLauderdale on the Emeral, we love crusing and am looking at a trip from Vancouver to austraila Good luck with your bucket list but mor importanly your health
The best of luck with your surgery! My husband had a radical prostatectomy 13 years ago and still going strong.
good luck with your op Ted. Glad its been caught early. Bob had an elevated PSA 18 months before he had surgery. He was in denial and said “Many men die with prostate cancer not Of it” But our Dr called him in when his PSA rose to 38.6 in a matter of weeks and said he needed treatment asap. He refused chemo or radiation and opted for surgery which I feel wasnt the best option as the cancer cells escaped into his lymph nodes.If hed had surgery very early in the paece the story would have been different
We have been where you have been in the health department. Don was diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago and had surgery. Lymph nodes involved. His prospect was less than 2 years. He has had secondary cancer in the bladder and now in his ribs and spine, but we are always hopeful. Treasure all the time you have and we will do the same. He is currently in remission (12 weeks now) and we are looking forward to our 20 st cruise in March with Princess. We have also been doing our bucket list and not regretting any day of it. Onward fellow travellers,, and prayers are sent your way
Congratulations on your remission Don. Hopefully we’ll see you on the cruise in March. Whereabouts are you going?? We are doing the cruise to Japan
Thank-You for sharing and wishing Bob and you many more cruises. We cruise every year and I love to plan it and it is the best week out of eah and every year. No distractions just you and yours enjoying each other and the beauty that surrounds you. Keep cruising and getting the most out of life!
What a beautiful story. I am a “C” survivor and I know how Bob feels. Never give up but what a wife to surprise him!!! I wish the both of you much long happiness. Keep cruising
thankyou Pat
What an inspiring letter. My husband and I took 67 wonderful cruises together. Our goal was to do at least 75. He passed away 2 years ago from cancer. Since then I have taken more cruises with a daughter and granddaughters. My 75th will be this October on the Sapphire Princess. Princess feels like a 2nd home to me.
What a great story and I wish Bob and you many more years of good health ahead. I do know how the power of positive thinking along with prayer and good medicine do help make people become long term survivors! Keep those happy surprises coming!
Sandy and Bob,
What a moving story! I have recently been undergoing treatment for breast cancer which was fortunately caught very early. The sinking feeling I had when getting the “it’s cancer” diagnosis made me appreciate how limited our time here on Earth really is! I understand the desire to live life to the fullest and applaud your resolve to travel and enjoy! We are taking a cruise this June to Norway on Princess to celebrate my completion of the radiation treatments… and it is really getting me through this difficult time. My prayers and positive thoughts go with you!
Wow Betty, you’ve been through a lot and I feel for you. I hope you enjoy your cruise this year and will be thinking of you. Take care and God bless
By choosing wisely, you can travel ‘around’ Australia on Princess and schedule a bungee jump at one of the ports. Then you are down to one….
Although its Bob’s desire to bungee jump, Im really afraid for him doing it. He’ll be 75 this year and feel the pressure on his eyes will be horrendous doing a bungee jump. So Ill hope hes happy with another cruise. He’s already done a skydive.
Thank you for sharing your story. I came home from work stressed out and feeling a bit sorry for myself. Reading your story made me thankful for everything and everyone I have in my life. You are truely an inspirtation. My dad is a prostate cancer survivor. At my age, I thought I had learned everything I could from my parents. Boy was I wrong. They both handled a difficult situation with humor and grace. God Bless you. Enjoy crusing. I love it. It’s simply the best vacation ever!
What a positively beautiful story! Cruising is so relaxing. Bob’s taken the right approach. I wish him many more years mof great health and lasting memories.
What a wonderful sweet story! My prayers for you that you will be blessed find God’s will and peace and enjoy every moment together! I pray for your health, strength, peace for your mind and soul and God speed!
I could so relate to you. My husband and I have cruised, and built up so many memories. I lost him to cancer 3 years ago, and not a day goes by that I do not give thanks for the life we had, and all the great memories I have. I am sure you also have many memories. My mantra during the most difficult times was = I have no choice, and what is is, and life goes on. My heart goes out to you. Marie
Thankyou Marie, we do have many beautiful memories.We went back to Africa after 30 years marriage to where we met and married when I was 17. We renewed our vows in the same Cathedral and had the same priest renew our vows who had married us originally in 1969[He was pretty old this time] So I can say we have been married to each other 3 times!! We are trully blessed with 7 children and 17 grandchildren and my dearest wish is to someday have them altogether on a cruise with us. But only winning the lottery will do that!! Take care and God bless
sandy, That was such a beautiful story. It brought tears to my eye`s. I lost my Dad this yr. Jan. 11th He too had cancer and was given 6 mos. but he lasted almost 2 yrs. I tried talking him into a cruise ( as I have been on several ) but he just wouldnt do it. So I took him and my Mom and brothers on a trip to the Grand Canyon, route 66 and Hover Dam as well as Las Vegas. We had a wonderful time! This unfortunately was my dad`s last trip He died 4 mos. later. So I guess what I`m trying to say is I wish You and Bob many many more cruise`s ! I will be praying for You.
Im so sorry for your loss Sherry, I can only imagine what you went through.But Im glad that you have such lovely memories of your dad’s last trip God bless.
My neighbor (in his 70′s) was diagnosed with prostrate cancer. The doctors told him his time was short. I was talking to him one day and I told him about a friend of mine who had a similar diagnosis. He decided to take his all his immediate family on a cruise. He said why die and just give the money to the children when I can spend time with them now and enjoy their company while I’am still alive. To make a long story short a few months later I noticed what appeared to be a family reunion at my neighbor’s house. I asked him what was the occasion. He said I decided to take all my family and grandchildren on a cruise all expenses paid. He said “What a turnout”. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my money. I just had to laugh. Most people will love cruising if they will just take that first one. I took the Alaskan cruise on the Saphire Princess and just loved it.
That would be my greatest wish… to share a cruise with all my children and grandchildren!!
In Sept. 2011 I lost a very dear friend. In 2005 she invited me to join her and her sister and brother-in-law for a month in Portugal (a friend of theirs had a home). It was my first trip to Europe and I had a wonderful time. As my friend was dying she said to me to be sure to go back to Europe with my husband….she told me “Don’t wait”. I am also a cancer survivor and I know how fragile life is. In November 2011, I told my husband Bob we need to take a cruise (we have taken one cruise on Princess to Alaska several years ago) and off we went to a travel agent. First time abroad for my husband, we will be sailing on Crown Princess in the Mediterranean, leaving May 20th. We will be celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, it takes an illness or losing someone you love to realize it is time to enjoy each and every day. I will pray for your Bob and hope he is able to keep checking things off his bucket list.
Enjoy your cruise Sharlene You’ll have a wonderful time
Dear Sandy and Bob…I have a similar story to yours …we have been cruising for 20 years when Jack was diagnosed with prostate cancer…what a shock! … needless to say we decided to do a family cruise within a few months of the surgery…took the kids…grandkids…and my Mom with us …we had the time of our lives and have lots of pictures to remember this trip…this year we were able to travel with family on the Island Princess…what a great memory…as it is we live 3 months at a time and with each negative PSA we dream of more adventures …places we haven’t seen …and the bucket list!
Good on you Marie just keep the dream alive. we do the same every three months. Bob has to endure having a zolodex implant[through a horse needle, well thats what we call it as its huge] But thats whats keeping him alive
Sandy: Our story mirrors yours, it was 5 years ago that my husband (then 62 yrs old) was given the diaginosis of prostate cancer also, he also had surgery and cancer remains, he also has been through the treatments and lots of challanges, his Surgeon gave him between 2 to 5 years to live , and he is now passed the 5 year mark. So you and your husband just keep on planning and doing these wonderful trips. We have been on 3 cruises since the cancer diaginosis , so we know how wonderful the times at sea are, we would like to plan another cruise this year and hopefully we will be able to. For us our faith in God is our rock.
Best wishes to you both.
Bob’s 5 year mark is inJuly this year and we are ever hopeful that he will pass this with no problems. We just keep making plans and look forward to the next christmas with all our children and grandchildren
We ;will be thinking of you in July , praying that all goes well and you pass that mark. Every time my husband has to go in for another PSA and the count goes up a little bit , we are concerned . But you have to go on and keep living your life. Time is precious. God Bless You.
Sandy & Bob,
What a beautiful story. My husband and I had always talked about one day going on a cruise, unfortunately almost 9 years ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I decided then and there that we would do what we always wanted to do and told my husband that when he was feeling up to it we were going on that cruise; however that was not meant to be. He passed away not quite five months after being diagnosed. I did go on a cruise with my sister 2 years ago, and while I enjoyed it was bittersweet as my lovely husband was not with me. I have recently booked a cruise for this September and it will be my first trip by myself, I am so excited about this. I hope you both have many many more cruises together, and maybe even the bungee jump too.. God Bless you both and enjoy each other for a long time to come beacause none of us knows how long we have….
Susan I can only imagine how hard it was for you on that cruise without your dearly beloved. I really dont know how Ill manage when the time does come as Ive been with Bob since I was a child really.But Im so glad you have decided to go on another cruise on your own. You will enjoy it Im sure.
Sandy, thanks for your kind words. I sincerley hope you have Bob with you for many years to come, but if and when… trust me you will find strength from within. I was married at 18 and had never been alone and I never thought of myself as a strong person but we do what we have to to survive and I am managing. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss Dave but I am proud of myself for coming this far. Best wishes
A wonderful story!!! Remember God is Good. May you have many more happy cruising years.
Thankyou Esther and Howard I hope we do have many more years together.
Wow, this was such a beautiful story. As I write while sitting at my desk, I must say that this really brought me to tears. Sandy, I don’t imagine you’ll ever read my comment, but if you do I’m so very, very sorry to hear about your husband; he is a very strong man. Reading your story and other stories like this really makes you take a step back and appreciate the finest thing in life, love; without it this world would be a very lonely, less magical place. My wife and I were married this past April and celebrated our honeymoon aboard the Ruby Princess—I’m 28 and my wife is 25. This was our first cruise and I must say we will now be doing one cruise a year, at least that’s the plan for now. I will keep your husband, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers; may he continue to defeat this disease. God bless.
thankyou John and congratulations on your marriage. Hopefully it will last long and well as ours has. Just remember to tell each other every day what you mean to each other. Every morning when I wake , Bob has always said how beautiful he thinks I am[even now when I dont think I look all that great in the morning] AND cuddles at the kitchen sink are wonderful. Good luck to you both
Bravo to you both. Cancer does not just affact the person diagnosed. It impacts the whole family. We are now in the ninth year of my husband’s remission and thank God for every day. We, too, turned to cruising as a way of celebrating. After surgery we took a zip line in Jamaica, Sea Trek in Aruba, and we managed to get to his ancestral lands in Sicily. We also went on a flight seeing tour of Denal, plus other various adventures that we had always said, “some day”. Our bucket list continues to grow. And, we finally got our son to go on a cruise – something we thought he would never do. We have now cruised with each segment of our family. We thank God for every day we have and look forward to many more adventures, God wiling. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You speak to all of the survivors of prostate cancer and their families.
I have had a scare with prostate problems. I puts things into perspective. Enjoy family & friends, travel. Treat yourself well, have faith, and smile.
What a wonderful story. Am so happy that you were able to quit your job and enjoy the time you have left together. Sounds to me like you may need to add some items to the “bucket list” because with the attitude both of you have, you’ll have plenty of time to spend checking them off your list!
My husband and I have always talked about a trip to Alaska, and not long ago I mentioned going there after he retires (which will be in about 7 years). He told me he didn’t want to wait until he retired – he wanted to go sooner. We’ve had several family members pass away before they reached retirement age, and several others that are retired but have health issues that keep them from traveling and enjoying their retirement.
So, I made a call to his cousin, who is a travel agent, and we started looking into going on an Alaskan cruise/land tour next summer. We knew what we needed to save, and were prepared to do so. Then we get a call from her, and she has an offer we can’t refuse. A great deal on a land/cruise in Alaska THIS SUMMER. So…..we’re off to Alaska in June of this year!! Still can’t believe it.
My Grandma and Mom both used to tell us if you can afford it – do it – don’t wait. They will both be smiling down on us while we’re on our Alaskan cruise.
how wonderful !!!!! Wish it was us.We will be doing a cruise next march for my 65th birthday. We are really saving hard, and that’s something on an aged pension! Enjoy every day of your cruise
The Lord up Above,guided you to find bobs Bucket List,and You took it,and “Went With It’ God is Sooo Very Good. My Father was diagnosed with a very rare lymphatic t-cell lymphoma,and given one year,well he did not leave this world until seventeen years later,and he and Mom had a Wonderful 63 years together.Thanks for Sharing your inspiring Story.It is PROOF that we must live OPTIMISTICALLY!!!!!!!!!! WITH HOPE,AND FAITH,GOD BLESS YOU BOTH, Wishing you many,many more years of Cruising and Loving One Another.
A positive spirit does wonders for the one involved as well as all those around him. I think one is usually born this way, but nurturing it by all helps too. It is a real blessing!
My husband had his prostate successfully removed some years ago. It was but one thing he no longer has: no taste, no sense of smell, little hearing, no teeth, nor sex. The only thing that really works is his humor!
Upon returning from a 29 day European cruise in 2010 and visiting his renalogist, we received a call to get him to the hospital and check him in. We thought he was joking ….. NOT! He was in the hospital 10 days and has been on kidney dialysis ever since. Since then, his hematologist has found him with pre-leukemia. We were quite shaken by all of this and I asked My husband what he wanted out of life. He replied, “One thousand months.” On Christmas Eve 2011 he reached that goal. People who know him well agree that only he would think of his age like that, and he’s still going strong. The only thing he complains about … ever … is that he no linger enjoys eating … it’s too hard.
We used to cruise 2 – 4 times a year on Princess, but we have to wait a while. He has switched to peritoneal dialysis we can do it at home (without needles) and after he has been on it for a year, Princess will allow him to cruise again. We’re REALY looking forward to that …. probably starting with the 2 week Hawaii RT from Los Angeles. I feel our spirits soaring already and hope yours are, too.
thankyou for sharing Patricia, and Im so sorry to hear about the new diagnosis. But you both sound as though you are very positive people and that is what gets us all through the trying times. Love and positivity.
I am stage 4 cancer and have only a short time to live. Would very much to know what you couod offer a companion/care taier in such a situaton, I am onkyh 60 years old. I would preere Mexico or Hawaii or Alaska is flying is very limited go one way.
Ploease excuse the wriginb, ift is lagte and I cannogt see very well with this tiny night lightl.
Thank you for \everythinng and God Bloess,
Silvia Jaiff
Hi, Sandy & Bob, My husband Barry & I were on that cruise in February, 2009 and had the pleasure of meeting you both the day that you renewed your vows on board, the reason for our cruise was because Barry was diagnosed with Dementia just before the cruise. We had a wonderful time and often talk about the amazing journey we had onboard and was hoping for another cruise. Unfortunately Barry developed Parkinson in late 2010 so we wont be able to do another cruise together, we were hoping to do an Around Australia Cruise to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary last year but it has been put on hold.
So glad to hear that Bob is living his ‘dreams’ and am glad to have you both as wonderful friends from our only cruise. love and god bless you both. Barry & Janice.
Hi Janice and Barry lovely to hear from you. Im so sorry that you’re unable to come on another cruise together but hopefully someday we will meet up again. I treasure the photo you took of us on the evening of our marriage vows. Love and best wishes Sandy and Bob
Hi Sandy & Bob,
I’m so glad you shared your story with all of us – it’s really inspiring! You are so lucky to have each other and to be able to still cruise together. Enjoy every minute!
Sadly my beloved husband was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer halfway through our holiday in Europe and just after our cruise there in 2010. After an emergency flight with two nurses travelling with us back home to Australia he died in hospital five weeks later. At first he was told he had one to five years left but even though he was only in his early sixties and very fit the cancer was so aggressive that he didn’t survive. Before going on holiday he had been diagnosed with a bulging disc and was still in some pain with it. He had a CT scan and the doctor said it would be okay to go on holiday and gave him painkillers and anti- inflammatories to take with him. However the pain got so bad and he wasn’t eating so we went to get it checked out at Southampton General hospital in the UK where we were given the shocking diagnosis!
He was so brave throughout all the pain and always thought of me. We were still very much in love after thirty years together. He urged me to still go on the cruises that we had booked for the following year. I didn’t feel like going without him but I knew that he would want me to go so I took a girl friend with me.
It was hard at first and i missed having him beside me but I had other cruising friends from the USA who were on the same cruise so that helped. My US friend made a special DVD with beautiful words and music as a tribute to our friendship and the wonderful cruises we had enjoyed together. It was very touching and we all cried together.
At Christmas I booked a last minute cruise on my own on the Sun Princess and was glad I did. I had to make the effort because my husband would have wanted me to and I feel that he was there with me in spirit.
I am going on a cruise to Alaska on the Sea Princess in June and I have booked more cruises for this year and the next. I find being out at sea really therapeutic – just watching the ocean and the sailaways and meeting people. I always remember that it was me who urged Les to go on our many cruises all over the world and now I’m glad we did as unfortunately he didn’t live to enjoy his retirement. Luckily I have it all on video and I often watch the wonderful cruises we had together and listen to his lovely Scottish voice. Soon I will be going on my 25th cruise and I am looking forward to more. I am living for the NOW as yesterday is gone and we never know what tomorrow might bring.
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass – it’s about dancing in the rain!”
Joyce so nice to hear from you.Im glad that you are continuing to cruise,it IS very therapeutic!! Well today we got a bit of bad news from Bob’s recent tests. They have found growths on his liver and he has a “broken rib” so he is having more scans and ultrasounds next week to see if they are metastases. We are saving madly to go on a cruise in March 2013 for my 65th birthday so heres hoping and praying that Bob will be Ok.
My husband and I also did a cruise to NZ in February 2009 (Rhapsody Of the Seas) this was only months after cruising to Tahiti on Sun Princess Oct 2008, on our return from NZ John was not well and it turned out that he had lung cancer and only lived for another 3 months. It was a rude shock for us all and he is greatly missed. We had enjoyed a few cruises over the years and also did some overseas travelling before retirement, as he told one of his workmates, you don’t know what is around the corner, so don’t wait till retirement to travel. John had only been retired for 12 months. For the last 3 years I have been travelling with a friend who is also on her own, and we intend to keep doing so as long as we are able. My motto is ” Never put off ’till tomorrow, the fun you can have today”, as a result my bucket list is getting longer, as I tick one place off another couple are added. Many cruises are in the planning, and Princess is the way we will be cruising. Sandy & Bob my thoughts are with you, keep working on the bucket list and enjoy one day at a time.
Nola we are definately living one day at a time. We are so much more in love today and our greatest enjoyment is to walk along the beachfront here inTurosshead each morning and at the moment watching the whales head north to warmer waters.Every day is a blessing for us being together. We have just spent a wonderful weekend in Sydney with our 7 children and 17 grandchildren, and we pray that Bob will be able to spend many many more weekends with them.
Great story Sandy & Bob and one that I can relate to from personal experience.
My wife Wendy had a liver transplant 4 years ago after having a disease of the bile ducts for over 25 years. She got so ill that I had to resign from work early at the age of 61 and become her carer. She was on the list for a transplant for 7 months when she got to the desperate stage and was fortunate enough to get a donor liver in time to save her life. The doctors who performed the operation said that after doing a biopsy on the old liver, she would not have lived for more than a month without the transplant. We will be forever grateful to the donor and the donor family for saving her life.
We had been on 2 short cruises over the years but when Wendy recovered after about 7 months of continuous problems with infections we decided that we would live every day as if it was our last and made a commitment to travel as much as possible. We started to cruise 12 months after the transplant and we have done 12 cruises in the past 3 years including some back to back cruises. We have done 2 of those cruises on Princess and thoroughly enjoyed our cruises with them.
We trust that you and Bob will also continue your cruises and that Bob stays well with God’s grace and healing hand upon him. Keep positive and spend your time together as much as you can.
Thankyou Marty and Im so happy to hear that Wendy has had her transplant.We were most probably on one of the Princess cruises you were on as we did two to New Zealand on the Dawn princess recently.
Great real life story, guys. We lost my wife’s mother in December, only 3 months after being diagnosed with Leukemia. Life is too short. We just came off the Diamond from S.E. Asia & China and just booked Alaska on June 17, this year. Whilst we can, we will. Hope Bob stays well…
Fantastic we can relate to how you both feel as my husband was diagnosed the same in 2011 and we did a cruise to New Zealand in March 2012 which was great.
We are now going to Europe for two months in July and then plan to cruise again.
Enjoy your life as it is too short.
What a wonderful story.It has given me the courage to do another cruise .
Last August we were booked on a 3weeks cruise to Asia and had to cancel it due to a perforated diverticula and abscess on the bowel.
The surgeon told me it could happen again and I wouldn’t want to be in Asia when it did.
This has made me very wary of going too far from home but after reading Bob’s story, I realize what a wimp I am! Thank you Bob, and all the very best for the future.
Congratulations on your positive and up-lifting story. I did my first cruise with Dawn Princess late last year and it was wonderful. I am booked in for another in November this year, and am already looking to book another. Keep positive, enjoy your cruising, and I hope you both get to share many more “adventures on the high seas” with the wonderful people of the Princess line.
we were on the Dawn Princess in November last year for Bob’s 73rd birthday. Loved every minute of it
Have faith. We know what you are going through. My husbans has just had the prostate removed. Him being only 57. Good report though. We have a 48 night cruise booked for October with Princess. Our outlook on life has also changed. We will not be returning to work on arival home. All the best.
As a prostate cancer survivor of 9 years I agree that one must keep working through that bucket list as finances allow and of course there are always new cruises to put on the list. However, enjoy everyday together. There are terrific cancer doctors in our major public hospitals to look after Bob. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (prostate.org.au) can put you in touch with your local support group where you can get support, knowledge and empowerment. Focus on diet and exercise as these can have very positive effects for cancer patients. Just go for it and enjoy life.
I loved this story. My husband and I enjoyed many cruises together and since he has past away I continue to cruise with friends. I will turn 80 next year and have two cruises booked. One to Scandinavia and Russia with a friend, and one with my daughter who is so very good to me, this one along the Eastern Seaboard of USA ending in Quebeck, Canada. Hope to make one next year on Princess’s new ship, the Royal Princess when it comes to the Carribbean. I have never been disappointed with a Princess cruise.
thankyou for the info Graeme we will definately be in contact with them. Unfortunately got a bit of bad news today ?? mets on his liver but Bob is very positive still. He is refusing any chemo or radiotherapy. He said he wants “quality not quantity of life”
Lost for words! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story and yes we too pray many years ahead for you and Bob! God Bless!
thankyou so much Rodney. God bless you
Sandy and Bob a wonderful story and good luck to you and all the others with similiar stories to tell, but how do you get on for travel insurance or do you not bother? My husband is unable to get travel insurance because of his encounter with the big c
Hi Mary, because I use a gold mastercard Im covered for travel insurance. My bank the Commonwealth has assured me that we were covered.
Hello Sandy and Bob, Your story is just GREAT!! I wish you the best of everything. My husband lost his prior wife to cancer, I lost my prior husband to a heart attack. We met on the internet, got married 6-7-08. Went on a small riverboat cruise for our honeymoon. Have been on several cruises since. In Feb of 2011, I was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer also in my lymph nodes. I have gone thru chemo and am now in remission. I still have chemo treatments every 2 months. I want to go on more cruises, as yes, they are soothing, but I do not have my strength back yet for doing all the walking, I was down to 90 lbs. I want to go at least next year on our 5th wedding anniversary to Alaska or Hawaii. Bless you.
Viola I pray that you are soon well enough to be on another cruise next year. You will be added to my prayer list. Take care and God bless
Everyone is different. Some people are unable to pull themselves our of the depression after hearing the word “cancer.” My husband was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had to wait a month for surgery and he became very depressed, despite the fact that I have been a nurse for 50 years and one of our sons is a physician at a outstanding hospital. Each person takes one minute at a time, sometimes, and that is what they do. Not everyone can be one of those positive attitude people, while I commend them, I saw my husband go through a terrible emotional period. Thank God, that the cancer was not invasive.. I had breast cancer 10 years ago. Next year is our 50th wedding anniversary and we would like to renew our vows at sea. But, remember, it is not for us to judge others and the way they deal with adversity.
Still waiting to see if any replies re travel insurance. I think
A truly inspiring story, but the prognosis of only 1-5 years disturbs me greatly. I don’t know the state of medical sophistication in Australia, but in the states the post-surgery treatment of prostate cancer has advanced tremendously. Radiation treatments can now pinpoint the exact lymph nodes that are effected and there are oral chemo drugs that can keep the disease in check. I had your same diagnosis 17 years ago and I am still doing great. Will be taking a transatlantic cruise in the fall. Don’t accept the first opinion of a surgeon, check with a good oncologist and do some homework, so you can do many more of those wonderful things you both enjoy. My best to you both.
Hi Kent,thanks for you response, BUT my husband has refused chemo and radiotherapy unfortunately. However the oncologist last week has put him on a new trial drug [reassuring my husband that it was not chemotherapy]so here’s hoping!!!!!
SANDY, YOUR STORY OF YOUR HUSBAND’S ILLNESS REALLY TOUCHED ME……MY DAUGHTER’S HUSBAND WAS DIAGNOSED ON MARCH 6. 2012 WITH INOPERABLE CANCER…HE DID NOT WANT TO CONTINIE WITH CHEMO OR RADIATION…….AS A RESULT, HE PASSED AWAY MAY 6, 2012. THEY WOULD HAVE CELEBRATED THEIR 5TH WEDDING ANNIVERSAY ON MAY 26………THEY HAD SO MANY PLANS AND HAD ENJOYED THOSE YEARS TOGETHER……….MY HEARTFELT PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU AND BOB. I WILL BE SAILING ON 9/18/2012 ABOARD ISLAND PRINCESS FOR A CRUISE TO BEAUTIFUL ALASKA…..
Amazing Post by All!
The wisdom that God imparts through the experiences of life on earth, are a true testament to His abiding love. If we pass through this temporal life and forget the purpose God intended for us, we miss so much! Your words of encouragement, courage, determination, joy, sorrow and the ability to express love for one another is overwhelming! “Love one another and your neighbor as yourself.” …..Truly, an example expressed on this site! Fellow cruisers…..Amen and Amen! “This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God’s Blessings to all. Until we meet again….Bon Voyage!
What is Bob afraid of? Chemotherapy is a wonderful drug, radiotherapy is awesome these treatments have saved my husbands life. My husband was diagnosed with advanced metastatic prostate cancer at the age of 46, and was told he was not expected to see his 50th birthday.He was not offered any treatment by this Dr after surgery, he told us to go away, sort things out for the kids and enjoy the time he had left. We never went back to that Dr, instead we searched until we eventually found one who gave us hope and started Andrew on chemo straightaway. He turned 50 last December. With out Andrew having the courage to fight and take the treatments he would not be here. He had his first lot of chemo and radiation over 4 years ago and is currently having more chemo and had some radiation a month ago. The chemo today is far better tolerated than it was 4 years ago, improvements in the drug and the way it is administrated have improved so much. The chemo now targets the cancer cells and does not destroy all other cells like it did in the past. There is nothing to be afraid of Bob, keep fighting to stay with your family, you owe it to your wife she is looking after you. We have been on several cruises including two of the Cunards since Andrews diagnosis and we are sailing again on Dawn Princess in November. We have three children and one beautiful granddaughter, we live life to the full, we enjoy everyday when Andrew is feeling good. Through chemo and radiation recently he still played golf every week, only missing one. He is an inspiration to all who meet him. He is hoping to be able to ski again in January when we are in the French Alps with most of our family. He is researching to buy a body brace to protect his spine as it is badly damaged by the cancer, he has cancer in his hips, pelvis shoulder arm and skull. He will never give up, new drugs are being discovered all the time, he eats well and walks everyday, we laugh often and always look on the positive side. We donate every month to cancer research, what a waste if people don’t take advantage of the new drugs that come out of the research. Good luck to you both, stay positive and continue to love life, but don’t give up!!
I agree, my husband us currently in his second round of chemo, and has completed 35 raidation treatments, he was tired, but with the meds they have now, he tolerated the treatment very well, we were told he would lose his hair, be sick, and lose allot of weight
we went in today and he gained 7 lbs in two weeks, still has all his hair, and is not sick at all, everyone is different, my husband still is told he only has 9 months to live so we just booked a Panama Canal cruise for this christmas, It is very true that the drugs are new and improved, not only the chemo drugs but the drugs to counter act the effects of the chemo. I did not want my husband to take it either, as we were told it would only buy him 6-9 months, and I did not want the little time he had to be sick. But so far so good, he has had chemo a total of 9 weeks. and is feeling well.. good luck everyone, cancer sucks, so take too the seas and relax and enjoy
Hi Angela thankyou for your post, well Bob is still with me and he has asked me to renew our vows every year that he lives past his 5 year prognosis. SO we are going on a cruise on 21st February 2013 to New Zealand and renewing our vows yet again. Not many women marry the same man 4 times!!!! Bob although ten years my senior is a very romantic man and cant do enough for me. We were both registered nurses and swore we’d never have chemo as we saw how ill our patients were. We just enjoy everyday together and trust in God and hope that he hears and answers our prayers.
Your story was most inspiring. My husband has been told that he has Pulmanary Fribrosis (his Lungs are dying). We took a cruise on the 28th August 2012 on the Coral Princess to Canada/Alaska. This trip took 18 months to save and plan and it was well worth every penny. Anthony is a man of very few words. What we both seen took his breath away. The whole time we were in Alaska his coughing was very minimal and he felt really good. We also took the trip with his sister Brenda and brother-inlaw Wally.The four of us had never been away together for this length of time. The Coral Pricess gave us a chance to bond and we had a wonderful time together. The friendship became something that none of us expected and will last a life time.this was Anthony’s only bucket list. If we never get back at least he did what he wanted to do and he will never forget. Thanks to the Princess lines