Caravan Over Chemo: One Woman’s Cancer Diagnosis Leads to the Ultimate Road Trip

Credit: Driving Miss Norma

When her doctor told her that she had uterine cancer, 90-year-old Norma responded, “I’m hitting the road.” Rather than choosing surgery or undergoing chemotherapy, she decided to take an extended road trip six months ago, and she hasn’t stopped since.

Norma now has a Facebook page dedicated to her decision to forgo cancer treatment in favor of one long, indefinite trip around the United States. Driving Miss Norma has attracted more than 250,000 fans since its inception. Typical posts from the page feature photos of Norma enjoying her travels with her son Tim, his wife Ramie and their poodle. In one photo, Norma is seen relaxing on a Florida beach from her wheelchair. In another photo, she’s getting ready to go on her first hot air balloon ride, laughing as she’s lifted inside.

Norma’s story is all-too-common in the medical world. When cancer strikes older patients, it’s often difficult for them, their families and their doctors to decide on an appropriate action plan. If the person undergoes aggressive therapy, they often sacrifice quality of life, and the treatments aren’t guaranteed to work. If they opt out of treatment, they risk losing time with loved ones at the end of life. Many patients and their families feel pushed into aggressive treatment plans simply to feel as though they have done everything that they could, even if that means sacrificing a quality end-of-life experience.

Credit: Driving Miss Norma

Norma is fortunate to have a supportive family and an understanding doctor on her side, all of whom eagerly supported her decision to enjoy what was left of life rather than enduring painful surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. At 90 years old, she knew that these kinds of treatments would not only be hard on her body, they also would be unlikely to extend her life by more than a few years, at best.

Norma hopes to continue her travels until the day she dies. For her, life is about enjoying new experiences. She has decided that her happiness and quality of life is worth more than the few extra months that treatments might buy her.

Of course, a huge road trip around the country isn’t necessarily the best choice for every elderly patient facing a cancer diagnosis. The takeaway from Norma’s story is that cancer patients should feel comfortable expressing their wishes to their loved ones and their doctors, and that their families need to support them as best they can. Whether a patient wants to follow in Norma’s footsteps, traveling up until her final days, or simply sit at home with a cup of tea and a good book, it’s vital to have a loving support network to make the time they have left as fulfilling as it can be.