Should I book a vacation? Dad with stage 4 cancer

Rcan

Hello,

My dad was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer in October 2023. It was very traumatizing at first has we were told he would have 6months to a year. It took a huge toll on us, specially me as he was estranged to me. Long story short we’ve gotten closer & I help him as much as I can.

It bas been a year & 3 months since his diagnosis & he’s doing generally good & on palliative treatment. His cancer is stable as the onco calls it and he’s living a pretty decent life. He still is able to care for himself in all aspects, but I know with cancer things can change at any given moment.

I have a big bday coming up and have been planning to go on vacation with my husband for 2 weeks in the summer time. Is it bad if I do? Im so uncertain of what is right or wrong at this point. I have an older brother & he can lookout for him but my fear is what if I book now and by the time summer comes things take a turn for the worse.

Any advice would really appreciate it.

Lost in Dad’s cancer battle

Arx001

Hello, I’d say ask for his permission but make a cancellable/refundable travel plan.

stevenkopacz

It's hard to put your life on hold and I think you did a great job waiting and taking your time. Talk to your dad but i'm sure he's gonna want you to live and experience new things! As a 41 year old dad with a 5 year old daughter going through stage 4 stomach cancer for the 2nd time, I would tell you to take that trip!! I'd tell you to facetime me and show me so I could be apart of it but he understands. Life does't stop and I don' think he wants it to for you either.