My Story. From hiking, to cancer and back.

[@angelaterry6510]

A literal walking miracle. So glad you not only survived but you're thriving. ❤

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank You. I feel fortunate.

[@tracy6998]

You are an inspiration Jeff. I will be watching with interest as it’s my plan to do a Camino next year. Well done for your hiking so far and best of luck for your future hikes. 👍🏼😎 Tracy uk

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank you Tracy. That’s exciting. Let me be one of the first to wish you Buen Camino. Stay tuned, I’ll be announcing in the next few months my hike this spring!

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

I hope you’re doing well, Jeff 🙏🏻

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank You. Doing well!

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

@@jeffvonvai I was planning on starting my NoBo in January, but it looks like I’ll be having rectal surgery instead. I had a colonoscopy in November, and they found a cancerous polyp. After labs/imaging, and meeting with my team of doctors, they’re recommending a LAR surgery. It’s high enough up in my rectum that I won’t require a bag. My doctor said I could probably start my hike in March. Do you think he’s being overly optimistic? I’d appreciate your opinion. Thanks.

[@jeffvonvai]

Well, first of all, i am sorry you are having this issue. It sounds like it was caught very early so all the odds are in your favor. I have had 6 surgeries. One of them was LAR. They removed almost a foot of my colon. It isn’t bad. The best thing is no bag! Be thankful. I think March is doable. I would not have recommended starting in January anyway. The weather is gonna knock you out. The best hiker in the world started it in mid Feb and it was brutal even for him. End of March beginning of April i think are the best times. The key to recovering from abdominal surgeries is walking. No climbing, no pack, just walk. As soon as you wake up in the hospital from surgery, start walking. Laps up and down the hall. This will speed recovery exponentially. I wish you the best my friend.

[@Johnny-ip4mk]

@@jeffvonvai Thank you. I followed Bartman on his journey. It was brutal. I’m kind of a loner, so I was looking forward to the solitude. I wanted to take my time and really enjoy every moment of being on the Trail, so I didn’t want to start late. But I’ll take what I can get now. I’ll just be thankful if I’m even up for it physically. Thanks again for the advice. I wish you all the best. ❤️

[@jeffvonvai]

You will get plenty of solitude. Just let it all happen organically. Let go of expectations. I wish you the best as well. Excited for you!

[@optimisticgal]

I've already watched your Norte Camino, great sharing thanks! I'm staying and watching. I am inspired, many thanks , bless you, go Jeff!

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank You for the kind words. I’m glad you’re watching!

[@HobbySooner]

Rooting for you brother!

[@jeffvonvai]

Thanks man!

[@ezwriter101]

Terrific! So glad to stumble upon this.

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank you for watching!

[@19stoney64]

Incredible! Continue on enjoying life. I’m planning to hit AT next April and I don’t have any gear at this point, I’m learning about gear. I carry a Walmart pack loaded with clothing, 30 dollar hammock, stove, water, toiletries, extra socks, water shoes. That’s it. I have a story myself. I was paralyzed neck down 2005. Today I’m hitting 100 miles a month hiking. Thanks to surgeries I’m able to move but it was a hard fight to get here. Yes I still have problems but I can sit on couch or hike with those problems.

[@jeffvonvai]

Wow!! Incredible.

[@michymoo839]

Amazing. Hikes scheduled through 2028? Dude.

[@jeffvonvai]

Haha. Yeah! We will see if i make it. Kinda a race within a race 😂

[@michymoo839]

@@jeffvonvai You will. :)

[@jeffvonvai]

Thank You!