Thanks For Your Support!

My name is Chris. In June 2020 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroendocrine Cancer. Scans detected tumors in my small intestine, mesentery, and liver. In August of that year I had surgery. During surgery it was determined that the mesenteric tumor was inoperable, and that the cancer itself had spread to my lymph nodes. Its spread is what makes it ‘stage IV’.

Neuroendocrine cancer is not one of the more aggressive cancers. The five-year relative survival rates for carcinoid tumors of the digestive system, at stage IV, are as high as 67%. Prognosis depends on how quickly the tumors metastasize and whether they can be contained in size. For the latter, I will receive an injection every 28 days for the rest of my life, as well as quarterly scans and regular consultations with my oncologist and my oncological surgeon to keep a close eye on everything. My surgeon talks about a patient with tumors similar in size and spread to mine who has been alive for at least ten years. My oncologist, though, reminds me that prediction is impossible, as these types tumors can metastasize to anywhere - the lungs, the kidneys, even the heart. If the heart is affected, according to my oncologist, “it could be over in as little as two week’s time.” Or things could go a different way, and this could progress for years. Obviously, I’m hoping to be one of the lucky 67%.

Along with this type of cancer can come related illnesses including carcinoid heart disease and carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome comes with a set of symptoms, typically worsening over time, that would almost certainly make any road trip more of an express ride from rest stop to rest stop. Along with digestive issues come excessive fatigue, bouts of dizziness, and even exhaustion. While I am hopeful that the injections will stave off these symptoms for as long as possible, in the meantime I am planning the #StageIVTour now, while taking a road trip is still possible.

In addition to this being my own personal ‘bucket list road trip’ I hope to plot out a course for a nationwide road trip for other Tesla and EV owners interested in taking their own. Electric vehicles are the perfect vehicle for a road trip - they’re zero-emissions, no carbon monoxide, climate-controlled sleeping pods on wheels. Add Tesla’s ‘camp mode’ feature and that glass roof, and you’ve got amazing nights under the stars. I’m just hoping to find some of the most iconic spots for those nights.

Support of any kind for this trip is more appreciated than you can know.

• Electricity is billed by the kilowatt hour - consider making a monetary donation? See below.

• It costs a lot to equip the trip - check out my Amazon wish list?

• Bringing the journey back to social media and the website costs even more. Here’s a second list.

• Have equipment you don’t mind losing for a few months? Consider loaning me your dormant camping or AV stuff?

• Are you on my route? Consider hosting me for some part of my journey. Contact me!

• I’m also looking for tips on the areas I’ll be traveling in. Get in touch!

• Follow me on social media, and share! I’m on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok! Check out all the platforms here.

Please scroll through this webpage to see how you can help.

Thank you for any support you can provide.