I'm interested in views on short trips away from safety. I know this has been discussed here and there on-site. My concerns are focused on general views on leaving sanctity rather than practical questions such as insurance, etc.
I think it's fair to say that, in social terms, I have always led an unconventional life. I was always a "career woman"; never interested in children or marriage or strictly monogamous relationships. Lovers, never the affiance. This means that by the age of 43, I may not have a classic infrastructure to my life, but I have legions of friends scattered everywhere and no guilt about how I apportion my time. Naturally, since my diagnosis (Stage IV breast cancer with bone mets and an ever-changing pursuit by the docs of the right paliative regime for me), things have changed in terms of daily life. It's probably familiar to many of you to have suddenly to think in terms of the day-to-day, and any plans I have now take on a certain Herculean, even military, aspect.
Tradition among my friends is that I travel to Paris every Xmas to visit a mixed bunch of dissidents from normality; centred on an old-fashioned bohemian set-up in a flat in Montmartre, eating goose and figs, listening to frantic French music, people calling in all hours of the night and day (do you hate me already??!) New Year is usually in a flat overlooking the Sacre Coeur with physical and emotional fireworks (who is sleeping with whom? Who is talking to whom?? Who's written a nasty article for Liberation about what and whom? Who has borrowed money from whom and not paid it back?? Who is contemplating a sex change and thereby antagonising matters [latter a bit far-fetched even for us, but you get the picture...])
I'm almost deranged in my determination to go as usual this year; yet something as generally so ordinary as getting on the Eurostar suddenly seems like a major undertaking. Everyone of course is telling me to come; all will be "as normal", etc etc.
I'd be interested in people's views; particularly people who have normal lives with children and grandchildren who would never contemplate uphauling themselves for Xmas and New Year. Am I being at best selfish (I now live at home with parents and am close to an extended family); at worst reckless? What is the worst thing that could happen?
I'd be really interested in what you think of this idea
Cat xx
FormerMember
What is the worst thing that could happen? You have your E111? It's not like France is a 3rd world country, nor is it the other side of the world.
Go and have the time of your life... and I'll think of you and grumble while I'm watching Jools Holland
Your life strikes such a chord with me! Career oriented, no children, loads of fabulous friends scattered around the world!
Go for it girl. The most important thing we can do with this disease is ignore it wherever possible and lead as normal a life as we can. If you usually spend Christmas and New Year in Paris - do it! Don't take unnecessary risks, but if you're not undergoing active treatment the best thing you can do is continue to observe your traditions - I'm sure your family will understand. And Christmas in Paris . . . I lived there for 15 years so can imagine nothing better.
Heavens, cancer isn't like having a heart condition and you will know whether you're up to the trip or not. Perhaps wait as long as possible to make your reservations (though not too long with Eurostar!). If the worst comes to the worst, take your EHIC card with you - you'll probably get better treatment in France than you would here.
But I really am sure that spending time - as you do every year - with your friends will do you more good than anything else. (I've just gone up to Northumberland while undergoing chemo - the actual trip was more tiring than I would have expected, but the week away has done me more good than anything I could have imagined.)
Go for it. I'd be a bit unsure about going out of Europe, but Paris sounds just the thing. Just be prepared to spoil yourself if you feel you need to. I have a more conventional life but have been trying to pack in as many holidays with family as possible since diagnosed; I'm just more careful about taking my Euro Health card. I did decide to fly rather than drive down to England to visit relatives for Xmas, but that was partly to use up vouchers I got when I cancelled my last trip due to another Op.
Cat, Im turning green with envy! Go and enjoy Christmas with your friends as you would normally do. It all sounds lots of fun.As long as we remember to be sensible ( well now and again anyway) and as long as the Dr says its ok. Sometimes its the normal things that keep us going and you will probably come back recharged.Get that case packed girl! Have fun , love Julesx
