Forums

Herman

I'm seeking the views of our knowledgeable members on whether to sell our motorhome or not.

A bit of brief background - In May last year I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Initially, it did not seem to be a major problem the tumour was removed. prospects as they say looked okay. Unfortunately, I then suffered a heart attack in October, which set treatment for the cancer back a bit. A further biopsy in February showed that the cancer had become more aggressive I needed to commence chemo - nine week course of treatment. Followed by a month or six weeks rest then removal of bladder/prostate etc. With an expected 12 week recovery period.

At the moment i am okay and three weeks into my chemo Now to the nub so to speak. The van is our only transport, not the most ideal vehicle (A Class Hymer) Due for its MOT in June. I,m debating whether or not to get it serviced and MOt'd then try and sell it and buy a small car for the "duration" so to speak. I don't really want to part with it but it is not practical for us I think at the moment.

I don't think I will get much use out of it this summer, if i hang on to it whilst all the treatments are complete, it will be November - not the best time to sell if I have to. Friends and relatives are saying maybe now is not the best time to make decisions, but we are where we are. I'm not sure when the "best time" will be?

I know the final decision will be mine, and my better half. But what would you do? Sometime other peoples perspective and ideas are what needed in why didn't I think of that!

All views gratefully received

regards

Herman

teemyob

Hello Herman,

My thoughts would be to keep the Van. However, I do not know and not asking your financial status. Look forward to a recovery and if the van is there then you will have something to look forward to. This in my humble opinion could help keep you positive for the future.

Getting that Cancer treated is your number one priority.

Regards,
Trev.

Jagman

Hello Herman

Sorry to hear the news, I hope things work out well for you. I have a good friend with similar problems and he's doing fine now after a worrying time so here's hoping in your case Herman. My wife had surgery, chemo and radio-therapy a couple of years ago and it certainly took it out of her for just over 12 months - no way she could have driven a mh during that period. Now she's fine - could handle a tank. I guess one issue is if you can't comfortably manage the Hymer for say 6 to 12 months could someone else drive you around in it, even say on the 'bad days', 'cos even during chemo there are lots of 'good days'. Effects of chemo vary hugely from person to person, my brother-in-law recently worked right through his only taking the days for the actual treatment - others folks are completely zonked by it. Similarly, will the effects of any surgery stop you driving for long - if so how long - just a few days - a couple of weeks - if so can you manage not driving or can someone else help out. Maybe the seating position in the Hymer would prove more comfortable than a car - cramped low seats can put pressure on the prostate area - and if you need a loo while you are out, which you may well do given the problem, the mh is perfect in that respect of course. We found the mh was great during my wife's period of 'getting better', which was quite a long time really, and we used it as a 'haven' to get us out on short day trips, self-contained, private, home-from-home. It wasn't exactly adventurous but it was just what we needed. I've met a few other mh-ers for whom the mobile home aspect of the van is a 'life-saver' - especially when they need personal space, especially the bathroom. Often these folks are recovering cancer patients, sometimes they are just coping with difficult chronic conditions.

Its your call Herman, as you say, but we all need help in situations like this, there's no training for it is there, it just suddenly hits you and there you are having to make big decisions. For what its worth I'd see whether others can manage the Hymer for you when needs be, if and when you can't and ask the medics about potential discomfort and how long it will last.

If its at all possible, hang on to it, (but you will probably need another driver sometimes), and if you do manage to keep it running I reckon it will prove very useful in the recovery period enabling you to get out and enjoy some freedom. You say you may not use it much, but by that you are probaly thinking of long trips, maybe look at the Hymer is a different way for the coming year, not so much a thing of adventure, more of a daily (on the good days) means of escape from being stuck in the house.

Herman, I found all that quite hard to say but nothing like as hard as it will be for you to read, you are confronting the reality I'm just waffling - good luck mate, I'll be thinking of you.

Dave

DABurleigh

Good luck with your treatments.

Frankly, I would dismiss any subtle financial considerations. It is simply a question of whether the van will be more of a burden to you over the next several months or whether it will give you something to look forward to.

Dave

Herman

Thanks Guys for the replies.

Jagman I think you are spot on I was thinking of longer trips. We used to winter away in Portugal. Also good point about the driving position I hadn't thought of that.

Of course any non driving days/periods would apply to a car as well. I appreciate how hard that must have been to write, we are all scared of the C word. But a well reasoned argument does help sort things out.

Regards

Herman

Snelly · Eastern Rally Co-ordinator

Herman

Your motorhome may be the one thing that keeps you going throughout your treatment. To get rid may cause later regrets. If you can afford it, why not put her in storage, SORN her and buy a cheap car to run about in for now.

I had an operation a few years ago that put me out of the driving seat for 6 weeks. I know its not the same, but the thought of being able to drive my baby again kept me smiling when I was laid up.

vardy

Hello Herman. My stepfather is just waiting to go for the test to assess results of his first BCG. You sound quite a tough cookie - can I tell him about you driving the Hymer? He'd be impressed. My mother lets him push the lawn mower (nice of her) but little else!

I got my small van so that there'd be facilities on board since becoming less able to hike to the loo etc (not much of a behind a bush type) So having it all on board is as everyone says -a godsend sometimes. Lie down and rest properly when you like/cup tea/loo. Plus, haven't we all seen some motorhomers that look as if they're a 100???

And they're absolutely right about the driving position too. However mine is very heavy to drive especially with my joint problems- and an old beast to do the hills as first vehicle here. Have just got small runabout and sitting any time in it is purgatory. If van had been a lighter drive, wouldn't have bothered. Latest thing I might get is one of those revolving seat things you sit on to get out.

Bet the Hymer is like driving a puff of wind compared to the Talbot!!

D'you know......It's just struck me - reading back, it really sounds far more like a pitch to get some support for 'keep the Hymer' rather than 'It's got to go'

Also, there's a lot to be said for not jettisoning the trappings of an active life. Using things occasionally I think is far better than sitting looking at a space where they (and ourselves) used to be. I've paid the blinking subscription for the local gym for 2 yrs - can hardly go at all this year - but if I stop paying, it's like admitting defeat forever.

I used taxis at first for town, and had to wait to get small car. By the way, are you getting all your mobility/disability payments. These are meant to keep folks independent and mobile. Even if you got a lower rate because you are coping well, it would help with transport. (Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs but my s/father didn't claim for ages when he got less mobile).

Besides, how can you possibly leave this bunch - they're all so supportive. Even when I've done the stupidest thing in the world - ya get sympathy!

Lots of best wishes to you for the future, and good luck with the van,

- Helena.

Herman

Hi Vardy (Helena)

I take the point about the onboard facilities ( should Pusser be consulted as the resident Loo expert?)
I genuinely wanted peoples opinions, before making my mind up. At the moment I don't have much problem driving the Hymer, pwer steering etc, even though its an old beast 1993. Not sure whether I'm entitled to anything, I retired early and live on my pension, I'm only 57. So I expect that I wouldn't qualify for anything.

On balance I think that I may hang on to the the van a bit longer, even if we are only able to day trip as you say we have all our facilities available.

Thanks to everyone who took the trouble to reply.

Regards

Herman

bandaid

I think DA's right.

theres more to recovery than mere medicine, theres also a great deal of positive thought involved.....I know this sounds very much like psycho-babble, but over the years I've met dozens of folks who have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition, its anecdotal, but those who made the best, most complete recovery and also dealt best with the treatments involved, seemed those with a positive goal.

So, thats another aspect to consider when thinking of your Hymer.

Also, depending on the frequency of your journeys, remeber there may be ( you ask at the GP or hospital ) Ambualnce Service tranport facilities to take you to and from your treatment. Also, if you cost it out, it may be cheaper to go places by taxi when you feel up to it. Consider the cost of the car/MOT/insurance etc. then having to preplace the motorhome when you have recovered.

please take my best wishes and hopes for a full and speedy recovery, best of fortune to you and your family.........and, when you see medic at the hospital, if you're not sure ASK. about anything to do with your treatment and recovery, ( sometimes they forget that people dont understand as much as they do, and the stress can make the patient forget what they get told)