hiking with my wife during her cancer battle
Today, my wife—who’s in the thick of fighting Stage IV breast cancer—told me she wanted to go for a walk. Honestly, I was surprised. She’s been so tired lately, and there’s always that dull pain that just won’t quit. But she insisted, so we packed up and headed to Lake Vesuvius Trail in Wayne National Forest.
We didn’t move fast—more like a gentle shuffle than a hike—but every step felt like a little victory. The air was crisp, and the lake shimmered through the trees. I kept worrying if she was pushing herself too hard, but she just smiled and said she needed to feel normal for a while.
I can’t lie, I was torn between feeling proud and being scared out of my mind. What if she overdid it? What if she regretted it later? But seeing her enjoy the moment made it all worth it.
Have any of you gone on outdoor adventures while dealing with serious illness? How do you balance wanting to live fully with needing to rest? And, does anyone else feel guilty for worrying too much, even when your loved one just wants to feel alive? I’d love to hear your stories, especially if you’ve been to Lake Vesuvius or have tips for making these outings easier.
#cancerjourney #hikingwithlovedones #LakeVesuvius #WayneNationalForest #caregiverlife #Travel
