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Post by californian on Sept 9, 2016 19:58:05 GMT
Tiffany, I am so happy to hear the good news about your diagnosis and treatment, hope you get the drugs you need and be good as new pretty soon! I am sorry to say that unfortunately the TD is not Miguel, since you recommended him so highly. He sent a picture with the email and he is very good looking, good for the eyes at least! I'll try to keep in touch and to keep notes this time. Take care, more good vibes going your way.
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Post by californian on Sept 9, 2016 19:58:40 GMT
Thank you everyone for the good wishes.
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joyb
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by joyb on Sept 10, 2016 15:50:53 GMT
Thank you everyone. My travel agent has cancelled my trip, and I will be getting 75% back on the land portion of the trip, and about 70% back for the flight. I will not get anything back for the extra room that I booked at the beginning of the tour, but that’s okay as it means my friend won’t be charged the single supplement. Once I get all of the paper work from my travel agent, I will call my insurance company to see if I can get anything back from them, as I am losing quite a bit of money. As for my diagnosis, I am meeting with my surgeon on Thursday to discuss my options. I spoke to my nurse practitioner today, and she has ordered tests in order to “re-stag” my cancer (i.e., see if it’s spread). Their concern is if this cancer is left over from my first surgery, meaning the doctor didn’t get it all, the chemo should have taken care of it. Since the chemo didn’t take care of it, it could mean that it’s a new growth, which is worrisome, because it means the tumour was created during chemo, which shouldn’t happen. This means it’s very aggressive, and they need to get it before it has time to spread to other parts of my body, if it hasn’t already. Right now, I’m just hoping that the surgeon says there’s enough skin left over at my surgery site to do this second surgery and remove the growth. After that, I’m hoping it’s not a new growth, and that it hasn’t spread. If it has, I will be in store for some very aggressive treatment. Right now, I’m just taking things day by day, and hoping for the best. That’s all I can do.
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joyb
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by joyb on Sept 10, 2016 15:58:45 GMT
Tiffany, I am so sorry to hear of your continued health issues. I am hoping everything goes well for you. I just noticed your post as I haven't been on the forum very much. As you know I battled breast cancer last year and finished my treatments just this past June. I thought about travelling this fall but decided to put my plans on hold until next year.
Wishing you all the best in your continued battle. Cancer affects so many.
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Post by chech on Sept 10, 2016 17:00:31 GMT
Awesome news, Tiffany!!
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Post by purvis on Sept 10, 2016 21:54:55 GMT
Tiffany: Thanks for keeping us up to date on your health. Sounds like things are starting to fall into place. Hope the final tests come back with positive news. Having gone through so much so far I'm sure you will be able to finish this ordeal and get to have your 2017 tour. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Purvis
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Post by bet on Sept 11, 2016 9:56:16 GMT
Tiffany - I have a positive vibe from your diagnosis, I'm sure the hardest part is waiting and not knowing. I know when my sister was having her breast cancer treatment, it was a long process from surgery, chemo, radiation and drugs etc. Her cancer was quite agressive but fortunately it hadn't spread to the lymph nodes. From a travel aspect, it's unfortunate that it all came down to a matter of weeks with missing out on Eastern Europe. At least you'll be getting on with the rest of your treatment so you can make a fresh start for 2017 and start planning your next trip, which I'm sure will be extra special. I think the last year or so hasn't been great for a few of us.
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Post by tiffany on Sept 12, 2016 11:56:35 GMT
Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts. I have to meet with my surgeon again this Thursday, but it’s just a formality visit, and he should confirm my surgery date at that time. The sad part is, my oncologist told me I should not have cancelled my trip. She said that my surgery could have waited until I got back! That being said, it’s already cancelled, and I just want to get the surgery done and over with. I would like to be recovered by Christmas, so I can enjoy the holiday’s up north with my family, and not resting on the couch! This is the first year in about eight years that I have not gone on a trip oversees, and I have to admit that I miss it! I’m hoping to still be able to go on the southern Caribbean cruise next March, but I won’t be booking anything until closer to the date.
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Post by bet on Sept 13, 2016 10:29:22 GMT
What a shame Tiffany, finding out after all you could have made it to Eastern Europe. But going on a Caribbean cruise is pretty good in itself.
I paid the balance of my tour of India last week, a month before it's due. It's a nice to have a cheap holiday for a change as the last few years of travel have been a bit expensive.
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Post by tiffany on Sept 13, 2016 11:42:18 GMT
What a shame Tiffany, finding out after all you could have made it to Eastern Europe. But going on a Caribbean cruise is pretty good in itself. I paid the balance of my tour of India last week, a month before it's due. It's a nice to have a cheap holiday for a change as the last few years of travel have been a bit expensive. Congrats on paying for your trip early. I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back, as India is one place that I have no interest in going. My aunt really wants to go there, and she’s asked me to go with her a few times, but it’s very low on my list. Maybe reading about your trip will change my mind. It is sad that I cancelled my trip when it turns out I really didn’t have to, but what can you do. I put some of the money refunded to me aside for next year’s trips, and kept the rest in savings in case I need money while recovering from surgery. While I will get a disability pay, it’s not what I’m used to, and I want to have some money aside in case I need it.
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Post by bet on Sept 13, 2016 20:13:54 GMT
I don't think India is for everyone as its not everyone's cup of tea and I guess the cultural shock value plays a big part in it but I think there's great beauty to be seen there as well. I'm keen to experience India and seeing the Taj Mahal will be a life goal accomplished. You never know Tiffany you might like it if you go with your Aunt, but I know what your saying as for me one place I have no desire to see is Brazil and I don't think I will be convinced otherwise.
I hope you have a speedy recovery.
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Post by tiffany on Sept 14, 2016 11:39:06 GMT
My boss went to India a few years ago and loved it, although he did say it wasn’t for everyone. I’m sure I’ll get there someday, but there’s a lot of other places I’d rather go to first. I would, however, like to go to Brazil someday. It just goes to show how we all have different travel priorities.
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Post by Boop on Sept 14, 2016 21:42:46 GMT
It just goes to show how we all have different travel priorities. Truer words were never spoken tiffany!! Wishing you well...........
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Post by bet on Sept 15, 2016 8:14:44 GMT
Very true Tiffany.
I was informed today that currently I'm the only one booked on my tour of India on my chosen date, there's pros and cons to that of course. The tour is guaranteed to go ahead regardless of booking numbers and there's a maximum group size of 12. But I've been offered some alternatives like choosing a different date with a partial refund, however that isn't suitable as I've already paid for flights etc or choosing another particular Indian tour on the same dates as I've booked with a partial refund. The itinerary is good but misses out on somethings I'm really keen to see but also includes places not included on my tour however I prefer my tour itinerary, which is why I booked it.
After my slightly disappointing Trafalgar Christmas Market tour last year I realised not to put as much faith in a tour itinerary in relation to overall enjoyment/experience you get out of it so now I don't know what to do. I will give it some thought over the weekend, first world problem
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Post by purvis on Sept 15, 2016 14:07:25 GMT
Bet: Sometimes having another tour member to share the experience with is invaluable. Purvis
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Post by tiffany on Sept 15, 2016 14:50:52 GMT
Very true Tiffany. I was informed today that currently I'm the only one booked on my tour of India on my chosen date, there's pros and cons to that of course. The tour is guaranteed to go ahead regardless of booking numbers and there's a maximum group size of 12. But I've been offered some alternatives like choosing a different date with a partial refund, however that isn't suitable as I've already paid for flights etc or choosing another particular Indian tour on the same dates as I've booked with a partial refund. The itinerary is good but misses out on somethings I'm really keen to see but also includes places not included on my tour however I prefer my tour itinerary, which is why I booked it. After my slightly disappointing Trafalgar Christmas Market tour last year I realised not to put as much faith in a tour itinerary in relation to overall enjoyment/experience you get out of it so now I don't know what to do. I will give it some thought over the weekend, first world problem I’m sorry to hear that Bet. I’m sure it’s frustrating to have to change your plans so close to your departure date. At least they are offering you some sort of compensation. Let us know what you decide to do.
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Post by tiffany on Sept 15, 2016 14:54:53 GMT
I met with my surgeon this morning, who now has all of my test results, and the good news is, the cancer has not spread! We already thought this based on my other test results, but it’s good to know for sure! I have a surgery date of October 4, and my surgeon is now saying my recovery shouldn’t be as bad as originally expected, given that he knows exactly where to go, and that my skin is healing from radiation. He still has me off work until January 2, however, if things look good when I see him at my follow up appointment after surgery, he may give me the go-a-head to go back to work early. We shall see. I’m just very happy that the cancer has not spread, and that my surgeon is very confident that they will be able to remove it all this time around. He told me I should be able to get back to travelling next year!
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Post by plane2catch on Sept 15, 2016 14:56:54 GMT
Bet, wishing you the best with your pending decision. I always travel by myself but have met some wonderful people throughout the years on my trips. I consider myself to be very independent and very capable of travelling in foreign countries alone. At the same time I have to say I prefer the companionship which group travel provides. My ideal size of a group travelling is 18 to 25 people.
That being said, if it were me I would opt for sticking with the itinerary you have chosen. Think you will regret not seeing places that you have been planning on seeing. I have booked independent day trips many times during my free time on Trafalgar. I remember during the Eastern European trip (I think it was this trip, it has been a while), I looked on the internet and found a certified guide that drove me to see a world heritage site of inter locking lakes. I think the name was Plitvice Lakes. At any rate, Trafalgar was not offering it as an optional and I was only an hour drive away and didn't know whether I would have the opportunity again in my life to see these lakes. Although the water level was low in the year I was there I still enjoyed the side adventure.
You'll get some human interaction with your drivers each day. Take adventure of drilling them with questions before they drop you off for the days events.
You are going to love India. I remember having the best Chicken in a cream sauce at a restaurant after visiting the Taj Mahal. Looking forward to hearing your comments on India when you return. Wishing you an enjoyable safe trip.
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Post by bet on Sept 15, 2016 19:30:26 GMT
That's great news Tiffany and such a relief. You'll be able to plan for 2017 during your recovery.
It is a bit disappointing about my tour but at least I'm still going so it's not all bad, strangely though the tour I booked is one of the more popular ones and yet my chosen date hasn't been so. Doing it on my own wouldn't normally be an issue as most of my travels have been done on my own, however India is different to places like Europe and I have to consider that I will be on my own during free time, sightseeing, going out to eat etc which being female isn't something I'm comfortable with and has its risks in India. Although I'm sure the guide will always lead me in the right direction I think overall it will make the tour less enjoyable and the negatives might out way the positives like having the better itinerary.
Most importantly both tours cover the Taj Mahal and the Rajasthan province, but the biggest draw card for me is my tour goes to Udaipur, which by all accounts is stunning as well as to Ranthambhore NP. The other tour misses these but has its advantages as well, it goes to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur instead, both of which I'm keen to see. It also visits the Keoladeo Bird Santuary which I'm sure will be good but it's not up there with excitement like the Ranthambhore NP visit, I was really hoping to spot a tiger, but there's no guarantees with that either.
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Post by purvis on Sept 15, 2016 20:09:19 GMT
Bet: Sounds like you have vetted both options and with security an issue for a woman in India you will I'm sure make the right decision. Wandering around on your free time could be a bit scary especially in some eastern countries where women are not always treated well. No matter which tour you choose have a wonderful time. Purvis
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Post by bet on Sept 15, 2016 20:53:29 GMT
Bet: Sometimes having another tour member to share the experience with is invaluable. Purvis Sound advice Purvis. I've decided to change tours, I'm certain it will be better having other travellers along for the journey and I'm sure the different places and experiences will be equally impressive as the ones on my original tour. You can't always see everything you want on one tour, and there are other places and regions I want to see as well so I'm sure I'll return one day.
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Post by plane2catch on Sept 17, 2016 18:42:59 GMT
Bet: Sometimes having another tour member to share the experience with is invaluable. Purvis Sound advice Purvis. I've decided to change tours, I'm certain it will be better having other travellers along for the journey and I'm sure the different places and experiences will be equally impressive as the ones on my original tour. You can't always see everything you want on one tour, and there are other places and regions I want to see as well so I'm sure I'll return one day. Bet, India has so much to offer. I really think it is the kind of country that if possible one needs to visit more than once in their lifetime. When I went I saw the Golden Triagle, i.e., New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Additionally, we flew to Calcutta for a few days and visited Saint Mother Teresa's tomb and charity houses. Then we flew to the southwestern coast of the country to Cochin and went on a lovely houseboat river trip.
I am really anxious to hear about your experience in Jodhpur. I have to admit, I hadn't had a lot of knowledge of India prior to my travel there back in 2013. I went on a privately planned tour with a friend who is a Catholic priest in Ft. Worth, Texas and originally from Cochin. It was a surprise when we got to Cochin and his mother and sister invited all 23 of us over to their house for a home cooked lunch. It was a good trip to me because I had previously thought that most folks in India lived in poverty. I was surprised at what a nice residence my friend's mother lived in. I know India has the history of a cast system, so this was quite a surprise to me.
Looking forward to hear if your transportation was by bus or whether it included any train travel. I forgot what tour organization you are taking for this trip??? Going to look back through the BB to see if you mentioned this in a prior post. Know you are on your trip as I type.
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Post by bet on Sept 17, 2016 22:18:26 GMT
My tour of India is with Intrepid. It's grass roots, nothing fancy but offers a taste of real India, which is what I want. They visit the big cities as well as small towns off the beaten track. There's a mix of private transportation, local buses and an overnight train, which will no doubt be an experience. I've done similar things before so I know what I'm getting myself in for.
My original tour went to Udaipur and Pushkar my new tour instead goes to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, I want to see them all so changing tours wasn't a big deal, the only real disappointment is my new tour doesn't include tiger spotting at Ranthambhore NP. It was one of the reasons why I picked the tour, so I'll be back regardless as I still want to see Varanasi, Khajuraho and Shimla and eventually southern India. I don't know anyone whose been to India so I'm just going with my own research, I'm really looking forward to India, I'm sure it will be fantastic.
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Post by plane2catch on Sept 17, 2016 23:54:03 GMT
Went back and saw you were travelling with Intrepid and looked at their tours and found yours. I will be interested in hearing about the public transportation on the public buses and train. My travel was by private coach or plane, other than the riverboat cruise. I see too you mentioned that you are going in November. I went in February, glad we missed the rains on my trip.
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Post by kiwigrandma on Sept 18, 2016 7:28:57 GMT
My tour of India is with Intrepid. It's grass roots, nothing fancy but offers a taste of real India, which is what I want. They visit the big cities as well as small towns off the beaten track. There's a mix of private transportation, local buses and an overnight train, which will no doubt be an experience. I've done similar things before so I know what I'm getting myself in for. My original tour went to Udaipur and Pushkar my new tour instead goes to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, I want to see them all so changing tours wasn't a big deal, the only real disappointment is my new tour doesn't include tiger spotting at Ranthambhore NP. It was one of the reasons why I picked the tour, so I'll be back regardless as I still want to see Varanasi, Khajuraho and Shimla and eventually southern India. I don't know anyone whose been to India so I'm just going with my own research, I'm really looking forward to India, I'm sure it will be fantastic.
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Post by kiwigrandma on Sept 18, 2016 7:37:17 GMT
Hi bet. Sorry to hear you have had to change your tour. Are you going a different time now. Me and my sisters will get to India on 9th November. I'm looking forward to it. Is intrepid organising your visa for you. We have to do our own and it's always a bit daunting for me working out how to upload photos etc. we going with adventure tours and I don't know anyone who has been with them so feels slightly risky. I know a couple of people who went with intrepid and they had great time. Also heard can't take any Indian money. Have to get American and change there..is this your understanding..
tiffany. I'm really pleased to hear things are getting better for you and you will be able to travel next year.
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Post by bet on Sept 18, 2016 23:16:39 GMT
Hi bet. Sorry to hear you have had to change your tour. Are you going a different time now. Me and my sisters will get to India on 9th November. I'm looking forward to it. Is intrepid organising your visa for you. We have to do our own and it's always a bit daunting for me working out how to upload photos etc. we going with adventure tours and I don't know anyone who has been with them so feels slightly risky. I know a couple of people who went with intrepid and they had great time. Also heard can't take any Indian money. Have to get American and change there..is this your understanding.. tiffany. I'm really pleased to hear things are getting better for you and you will be able to travel next year. Hi Kiwigrandma, new tour has the same tour dates as my old one. My tour starts 27th November. I could have done my original tour and change the dates but with flights booked and paid for including a stopover along the way and then I'm also flying back home to NZ for Christmas the day after I get back from India so it was too much of a hassle and expensive to change everything. I have to organise my own visa, but Intrepid has given me the info, it seems a straight forward enough process applying online if you fly into India. My understanding is it needs to be completed between 34-5 days prior to arrival. I haven't heard of adventure tours either, hopefully they will be ok. I heard you can't take Indian rupees in and out of India but I read people who have as it's not strictly enforced but I'm assuming it's only a small amount. I'm just planning on getting some when I arrive by atm, hope you have a good time in India.
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Post by tiffany on Sept 20, 2016 11:43:51 GMT
So it seems like I spoke too soon last week when I said my test results came back with good results. I spoke to my oncologist yesterday, and she told me that my surgeon was wrong when he told me the results of my CT scan were good. Unfortunately, it shows new spots on my lungs. One is 1.4 cm, which is not huge, however, there are dots on both my right and left lungs, and a lymph node in my centre chest that is quite large. This means that that cancer has spread. Given these new results, I will no longer be having surgery, as oxygen can cause cancer to spread, and will be starting a new drug called TDM1 (otherwise known as “Smart Bomb”) next Tuesday, which I will be taking indefinitely. This drug is not covered under our Ontario Health Insurance Plan, but my oncologist is confident that Cancer Care Ontario will fund it. The good news is, most people don’t have any side effects from this drug, and I will be able to go on living my life as usual. I’ve done some research on this drug, and based on the trails, it appears to have good results. Let’s hope it works for me! My oncologist is also going to try and get me into some clinical trials, in order to slow down the growth of the tumours. She told me that I am a rarity, and that she’s never known anyone who has gone though the treatment I’ve gone through, and still have cancer. She says that my breast cancer is the most aggressive cancer she’s ever seen, and she is looking into new, aggressive treatments for me. I hope she finds some! In the meantime, I am going to try and live my life like I normally would, and, if my doctor gives me the go-a-head, I will be booking a few short trips next year. I don’t know if I’ll be able to travel for much longer, and I want to travel as much as I can while I can. Unfortunately, I’m not a women of faith. At times like this, I wish I were, but I can’t seem to force myself to believe in something that I don’t. I know that many of you are people of faith, and I ask that you keep me in your thoughts, and hope for the best. That’s all one can do right now.
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Post by bet on Sept 20, 2016 12:21:47 GMT
I am truly devastated for you Tiffany. I really felt positive about your situation. I am not a woman of faith either but my thoughts are with you. I can only imagine your thoughts and what your going through.
I wish you every bit of success with the new drug. I hope you have family and friends nearby for support... Best wishes Tiffany
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Post by purvis on Sept 20, 2016 14:34:02 GMT
Tiffany: There is a saying "When you get to the end of your rope God is there for you" I am not one who goes around telling others how and what to believe in but I do know that when all else seems dark there is help all you have to do is ask Him and leave the rest up to God. I don't go to church anymore but there is another saying "Standing in a garage doesn't make you a car any more than going to church makes you a Christian" . We all need something or someone to lean on so why not give faith a chance what have you got to loose. Your friend Purvis.
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