Faced with cancer diagnosis, woman chooses road trip over chemo

[DesertRat]

At 90 years old, Norma is having the adventure of a lifetime.

The Michigan woman was diagnosed with cancer just days after her husband died and rather than face a long fight against the disease, she decided to take full advantage of the life she has left.

“I’m 90 years old. I’m hitting the road," Norma said when her doctor explained the cancer diagnosis and her treatment options.

So hit the road Norma did. With her son and daughter-in-law along to help her out, Norma left home to travel the country in an RV, taking in new sights and experiences along the way.

Norma's story of living life to the fullest has touched the hearts of people nationwide, with hundreds of thousands following her updates online and posting messages of encouragement.

The words of Norma's doctor upon hearing her decision say it best: "Right on!

http://www.azfamily.com/story/31548153/faced-with-cancer-diagnosis-woman-chooses-road-trip-over-chemo
https://www.facebook.com/DrivingMissNorma/

[Journeyman]

1. All diagnoses have to weigh quality of life against potential quantity . . .

A good look at this is contained in Atul Gawande's best seller, Being Mortal.

[Baobab]

7. I've known a few people who have gotten cancer, chemotherapy and life is better

than dying of cancer.

They get better at curing cancer all the time.

[Curmudgeoness]

12. That is true, however,

this woman is 90 years old. She has lived a long life, and is not at the peak of health at that age. Chemo is hard enough on someone who starts it as a healthy and vigorous young person. I can see why she would make this decision at this point in her life.

And I am glad that she is having the time of her life.

[Delphinus]

10. Quite true.

We each have to decide what is best for our life.

[smirkymonkey]

2. Good for her!

I would do the same thing if I was in her position!

[DesertRat]

4. Same here!

[RebelOne]

15. Ditto. I would also do the same thing.

[Initech]

3. That woman is my new hero!

[zalinda]

5. But the 90 year old that is poor

will have no option, but to stay at home and die.

Z

[DesertRat]

6. that's true

And Norma is very fortunate to have a loving son and daughter-in-law to take her.

[Baobab]

8. Not necessarily

But its not easy to access care in that situation. They need help.

A friend or neighbor or somebody.

[Warpy]

9. A coworker did that at 60

The diagnosis had a poor outcome and she was given 6 months without treatment, probably a year with treatment, the first 6 months ruined by surgery and chemo. So she sold her house quickly and jumped on an airplane. She lived quite a lot longer than that 6 months and was only miserable for 2 weeks toward the end.

Were I to get the same diagnosis, I'd do the same. Go granny!

[AngryAmish]

11. When I get cancer, I will call in my chit and play Cypress Point.

Then, goodbye.

[mountain grammy]

13. Wonderful story. I admire this woman and her children..

Going out on her terms. The way it should always be!

[bemildred]

14. +1. nt

[AwakeAtLast]

16. May we all have the chance at a good death.

And may she continue to have the time of her life!

[DesertRat]

17. Amen!

[Journeyman]

18. Wonderful sentiment . . .

It is the best that we can all hope for.