Is there a Holiday or Vacation Spot for Breast Cancer Survivors?
If one in eight women have this disease....and if our numbers express suffering AFTER cancer treatment ends...my guess is that I am not the first lady to wish that there was a place I could visit...a getaway or resort that offers a REAL REST and RESET experience just for us, so-called "survivors".
I've looked all over the internet and cannot find any such place ANYWHERE.....the only thing I can find, are sites with long wait lists for FREE HOLIDAYS (geared mainly toward metastatic scenarios - which I was happy to see but which do not help me, personally!). I don't mind paying for my vacation. I am ready, willing and able to leave this afternoon if I could find a proper and suitable spot!
It's just that travel agents really don't know how to help me, do they? lol
This morning, I called a place and tried to book something and I gave my information 1) traveling alone (need the alone time away from hubby and kids) 2) I'm claustrophobic - method of transport matters 3) I can't be in the sun or the heat for too long 4) my bones ache so I would prefer NOT to endure a great deal of physical activity, including but not limited to, long walks, stairs, etc. 4) my lymphadema will flare up with repetitive action, sunburn, insect bites, massage and manipulation, sitting or standing too long 5) I don't drink or smoke and therefore, do not wish to be immersed into a party atmosphere 6) I don't believe in the supernatural and there is no such thing as a soul - all of the coolest things about me come from my AMAZING BRAIN so please do not send me to any spiritual or religious resorts and 7) I am young so please do not send me to a place for the aged!!
She hung up on me! lololololol
Help?
Comments
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PerAngusta - I must admit your post made me chuckle when the woman hung up on you!
Here are a few I've heard of - not sure what you are looking for but these have good reputations:
https://castingforrecovery.org/
https://www.bjbbreastcancerretreats.org/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breast_center/news_events/retreats/retreat_spring_courage_hope.html
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Hey Denise-G!
Thanks for the recommendations. I'm thinking of something much less physical...but I'm glad you posted because maybe these links might help a few others!
Keep these ideas coming please, please, please! My suitcases are packed! I'm ready!!! Just need a destination!!
In fact, my husband and I are thinking of opening an Inn/restaurant/art studio just for b.c. survivors if I don't find one on my own!!
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On the bco community front page today there's a link to this travel opportunity for survivors and caregivers https://afreshchapter.com/
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PerAngusta- I have the perfect place for you...isla mujeres Palace in Mexico. Only 62 rooms, only adult couples, very quiet, weather is not too hot/not too cold through about April and then again starting around late Sept, plenty of natural shade or umbrella shade by the pool, very little walking, plenty of opportunity for exploring the island if you wish viagolf cart, resort is all inclusive and you can resort hop to their 5 area sister resorts if you like. It is one of my absolute favorite resorts for a relaxing restful getaway. Let me know if you want more information or decide you want to go - DH & I can hook you up with a good deal and extra perks.
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I would look at health retreats. I am in Western Australia so the cheapest country to visit from here is Bali and Ubud has a lot of retreats in the rice paddies suitable for single travellers that typically offer light yoga, meditation, meals and above all peace and quiet.
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Moth? THANK YOU SO MUCH! I just complete the application!! OMG!! I love all that I read about it!
It did not occur to me that I could TRAVEL AND VOLUNTEER at the same time because I have so many annoying limitations (on so many levels) related to my experience with cancer. I assumed that something like this (no matter how interesting or appealing it sounds) would not be good for someone like me.
And who is this "me"? I have no idea!! For 48 years, I was someone else. I was focused, clear, comfortable in my own skin and knew my own mind. I loved deeply, was (I thought) deeply loved in return and I loved my life! Lots of beautiful!!!! Then, for me, everything changed! I became STRANDED inside of a new body, with new thoughts, dreams and responses. I became NOT HORRIBLE BUT – NOT ME. And no one liked her!! Everyone stopped loving her (except my hubby and children – thank GAWD!!!) and I feel like I was just holding my breath waiting for her to go away as well!!! She sort of sucked!! Weak, scared, broken girl. I didn't like her much either. Everyone was pretty sure that "I" would return someday - including me. But I never did. ):
It's been 3.5 years since my diagnosis and I feel pressured (once again, never by hubby or children! - thank GAWD! lol) to HURRY UP AND GET OVER THIS! And so I have REALLY tried. I worked hard to make myself look like I did before cancer, talk like I did before cancer, interact with my children as I did before cancer, plan, entertain, all of "my things" again as I had before....cancer. But it has been exactly like trying to jam a square peg into the proverbial round hole!!!
For the most part, I fooled lots of people!! I didn't replace my breasts with prosthetics or through surgery (i.e. just went flat) but I am tall and thin with a pretty face and long (now that it's grown back) beautiful hair!! My "appearance" implies physical fitness, youth and confidence. People love that! So, they started saying things like "so nice to see the old you back again!!!!!" And I smile and through gritted teeth reply "THANK YOU SO MUCH".
But inside? Inside I am wondering how the hell I move forward and accomplish the same comfort with myself that I once had – the ease with which I truly understood myself before cancer! THAT PERFECT STATE TOOK 48 YEARS TO DEVELOP, FOSTER AND GROW and now I am expected to "crash-course-it" ASAP!! EEEEEKS! Can you say ANXIETY INDUCING? I need a plan and I need someplace to EXPERIENCE SELF DISCOVERY!!! I thought a nice trip on my own would kick-start the agenda. I never dreamed that something like this might exist - travel, charity, value, contribution, discovery AND within an environment accustomed to dealing with persons recovering from cancer? GOSH, feels too good to be true!!! Time will tell!!! I'll keep everyone posted.
THIS OPPORTUNITY FEELS PERFECT TO ME!! I cannot thank you enough for the suggestion!
Application has been sent! Wish me luck!!!
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Good luck! I'm very interested in their program, but the timing of this year's trips won't work for me. I'm going to start saving up, though.
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What an incredible idea that is.
PerAngusta, I have had to re-invent myself after cancer, and 7 years after finishing treatment I would say I'm on my way but not there yet. I'm not going to whitewash it and say "Oh, cancer changed me for the better" because I honestly don't think it did much positive. I've gone back and done 2 years training in another field, and become very conscious about how I relate to people (sadly, because I lost a lot of my sense of humor), and am trying to find other things to look forward to in life besides the ones I can no longer do (for me, cancer coincided with arthritis becoming life-changing). Volunteering, getting out of a headspace of "I'm not that person anymore" and into one of exploring new things, sounds like an incredible way to go.
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oh yay you!!!! Serendipity! It's meant to be.
It was a total fluke that I saw that posting & your question. Their opportunities look fabulous!
FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU - it sounds ideal. When (when, not if
) you go, you'll have to let us know all about it!
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ksusan, how do you know how much to save? I didn’t see prices? I would like the Costa Rica trip or the India trip next year. I wonder if there’s a limit to oeople going. I would love to take a break from my life for a while.
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