David Murphy - a change of plans

[davidmurphy02]

No way to sugarcoat this news, I have been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which has already metastasized to my liver. Those of you who know about these things will understand that this is not great news and due to the advanced nature it has limited treatment options - just one, in fact - chemotherapy. The survival time overall is in the 12-14 month range, but some people do better and of course miracles do happen - just not very often. This is what Alex Trebeck had and he went on for a good while, so I hope to do my part to extend the average as well.

25 years ago I quit my corporate job, we bought a trailer, and hit the road traveling extensively for several years. At the time many of our friends and family thought we were a little crazy. But we love the outdoors and in our travels noticed that when we hiked to the top of a mountain we didn't run into a lot of 80 year olds. I figured that we should do as much of that as we could while we were young and fit, and that I could always sit at a desk and do accounting work later in life. That turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I returned to full time work after several years but we kept the trailer and traveled whenever we got the chance. We have had many, many wonderful adventures and good times rather than working endlessly and putting off everything for our golden years.

When that first trailer wore out and we found Escape a few years ago we thought we'd be set for many more years of wonderful adventure and an actual retirement. We were able to take two long trips last year that convinced me I needed to retire for good and be able to travel freely. Next week we were set to head west on a 10 week trip. Instead I will be making much shorter trips to my oncologist for chemotherapy. So if you at all have the means to travel or do whatever it is you really want to do to enjoy life, don't put it off - DO IT NOW. I am certainly unhappy to be in my current situation at only 67, but I've been doing a lot of what I want for several decades and am unhappy mainly because I wanted to live forever and thought I was just getting started.

Over and above the wealth of technical expertise and advice I have received from forum members, even more valuable is the feeling of fellowship and support. The Escape family is one of the best things about having an Escape. Although our Spring trip is off, I will begin planning a fall trip in the hopes that I may be in between chemo regimens then and feeling well enough to travel - it's always good to have something to hope for and look forward to.

I will look forward to traveling vicariously through all of you for a while and hearing about your adventures!

[sofmerc]

Healing prayers for you David!

[Small but Sweet]

I’m so sorry to read this news. I pray for your health and that you beat the odds.

Cats and their purr frequencies are said to be very healing to humans as I’m sure you know.

[gbaglo]

So sorry to hear this, David. Wishing you well.

[Donna D.]

Sorry to hear your news. You have a good attitude and that's always a plus. Wishing you the best!

[gbaglo]

Don't know who came up with the term "golden years", but is should be "gol dern years".

[Emjay]

I will be thinking of you and hoping for a basketful of blessings to go your way. You have been one of those folks who have a lot to offer the Escapers who need advice and solid information. Keep the faith. Oncology has come a long way to the benefit of all.

Emjay

[HarleyD]

All the best for you David!
I will cherish the sock/target tube Mary made for me, love it.
Thank you for all the excellent comments you have made to make all of our camping more enjoyable.

[Kanoer54]

David, miracles do happen. Thoughts and prayers are with you.


jon

[splitting_lanes]

You’re in our thoughts, Godspeed

[Clearwater Chris]

David, in the few short months that I've been following this forum, you were one of the first to make me feel welcome and part of this little community. I always felt confident in the things you shared. All of that, despite our never having met or PM'd. I hope to meet you in the future, so stay strong! I will be keeping you in my prayers!
Chris

[Vermilye]

So sorry to hear. Wishing you the best.

Jon

[MVA]

David,

Your kind approach to life through your interactions on this forum, and your wisdom of balance in life are to be imitated by others. We are praying for your health.

Steve & Kathy

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by davidmurphy02

25 years ago I quit my corporate job, we bought a trailer, and hit the road traveling extensively for several years. At the time many of our friends and family thought we were a little crazy. But we love the outdoors and in our travels noticed that when we hiked to the top of a mountain we didn't run into a lot of 80 year olds.

We did the same, only with a boat. Sometimes the decision was confimed at a place like Delfi, a very steep place, when we saw the average tourist often had trouble stepping down from the tour bus. My wife refers to those years as the best years of her life.

Good luck on the chemo and hope it goes well for you.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

So sorry David, please pm me with your phone number. I too am fighting pancreatic cancer, for past 2 years. I have some info you may share.

[Randy in Maine]

I am on your side buddy!

[HABBERDABBER]

Best wishes.

[wackyburggeezer]

Never give up! Never give in! Certainly everyone here is ready to help if you need. We'll even help you plan your Fall trip! Chemo x 2, but the nurses are the BEST!

[Andrea]

Prayers for your healing! Thank you for your words of wisdom. So true!

[Mucram]

I’m very sorry to hear this news. Hopeful that you will continue to post as I always enjoyed your insights. Thanks for sharing & keep hopeful.