On July 21, 2016, it will be five years since my life-saving lung cancer surgery. March of 2016 commemorated three years since the last metastatic (traveled from my lung cancer) brain tumor was treated with gamma knife surgery. I don’t know why the brain tumors quit showing up, but I’m grateful.
Now I like to read my body and brain scan reports often, just so I can be thrilled with the words “No evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease.” However, I will have stage IV lung cancer on my medical records as long as I breathe.
Now I know clear down to my toes that our lives are finite. The knowledge caused my husband and I to rethink our life priorities. I had to learn to be comfortable inside my new body, while my husband retired so we could ponder how to best spend our remaining time on Earth.
We finally made a couple of decisions. We are moving from this:
To this:
Yes, that’s correct, ladies and gentlemen! We are downsizing from a huge family home to a used motorhome that measures about 400 square feet. Here’s a question: Did we own our home, or did it own us? We decided the latter, and decided to be the free spirits that were always lurking just under the veneer of our respectable lives. Did I mention I had brain mets? 😉
But before my husband and I begin traveling together, I am going on a three-week cancer rejuvenation retreat to focus on pranayama, or yogic breathing, Hatha yoga and meditation. I am going to drive myself to the retreat in northern California to begin my second wind.
I’m actually writing this introduction because I can’t wait to start “mouthing off” about whatever I please.
My Second Wind 
love it! Not even mentioning your overall life accomplishments, this decision in itself has freed you into a world that plenty of human beings secretly want but they limit themselves from having.
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This is awesome! Congrats for being strong in a society where it’s easier to “give up”. 👏🏼👏🏼
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It takes a strong woman to recognize one, que’ no? xoxoxo
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It is good to be free of the demands and chains of home ownership…..and did I mention the indoctrination of a civilized world? How I wish I could accompany you to California and delve in the journey of those seeking to be enlightened! March forth my friend…
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Kido, I expect to see you from time to time. If you feel like doing an RV vacation, we could pick you up for a few days. I love you.
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When your adventure brings you to the Delaware shore come and stay with me for a few days. Would love to celebrate life with you. Travel safely! XO
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Will do, Cassie, as long as I can take a ride on Nautigal, I think that’s the way its spelled! xoxo
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ok…guess what? I know we will eventually meet now!! My dad started a campground in 1947 called “Lake Lenwood Beach and Campground” It is where I grew up…check out the website. My brother Mike and wife, Mary have done an excellent job taking over the business since my dad died in `1999. I live 1 mile from the campground. SOOOOO….you better head sometime to Wisconsin, and I will “get you a spot” in the Kettle Moraine, Beautiful spring fed lake..no moter boats, just kayaks, canoes for rent, or a john boat for fishing!! Love you! Diane “Wisconsin” on Inspire. Facebook Diane Dricken-Flynn
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I will do that, Diane! We will park our home on your heavenly family property.
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You must come visit us…no problem crossing the border…we have all living facilities at your disposal including RV parking. I have mu surgeries x3 in Aug. so anytime after that will be great!!! Love you to the moon and back and congratulations on such a great decision!!! Born free!!!
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Oh, Gloria, I would love that. I went to Verizon today to upgrade out data plan. It turns out, Canada and Mexico will be included in our new plan, so I will be in touch soon. I don’t know when we will get to Mexico, but I’m sure it will be beautiful whenever that is. Thank you for your generous offer of hospitality. We’ll do it. Bill wants me to tell people that our 3 day visits can turn into a week real easy. 🙂 I will be praying for you with your surgeries. Blessings to you.
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Oh, boy! I hope you update your travels regularly so I can experience the journey with you! It sounds like a wonderful adventure.
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I hope to, Caden! Thank you.
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Dora, you and Bill drive safe and watch out for those crazy drivers. Have fun and enjoy your trip. Can’t wait for all the adventures you write about.
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The people better watch out for THESE crazy drivers! Just kidding. We will. thank you!
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I’m so proud of and happy for you prima! I can tell you, you are brave! I hope someday to have even a portion of the courage that you have! God speed prima! I can’t wait to read about your adventures! Xoxo~CC
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Thank you Carmela, I just now got logged back in to this site. xoxoxo Give Punky a hug for me.
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