RVing with cancer • Update #1 

*PLEASE READ THIS COMMENT FOR MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION* *VA Healthcare* If you happen to be a veteran like me there are 8 different priority groups within the VA healthcare system and you’ll fall into one of these groups. Depending on the group you’re in, you may or may not have copay costs involved in some care you receive. Click here to learn more: www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/ I am in priority group 3 and therefore do not have any type of copays for my cancer treatment. However, the facility I get treated at will depend where I’m located. So for example: MD Anderson in Houston, TX is a private cancer hospital. But the VA has their own Michael E. DeBakey Hospital just a few miles away. Therefore, the VA will not issue me a voucher to get treated @ MD Anderson. They’ll want to keep my treatment within their own facility. So depending where you are located will depend on whether you can can get treated in the private sector OR in a local VA hospital. Now what I did since we are full time RVers and we own a RV winter spot down here in RGV, I simply contacted the VA and made our winter spot my “permanent residence” for the foreseeable future, and that way the McAllen, TX VA clinic became my default location for VA care. Since this area does not have a VA hospital, I qualify for vouchers to have my treatment and other healthcare needs fulfilled by the private sector. So if you’re a veteran and you’re facing expensive healthcare and would like to be cared for in the private sector, be sure to look into your options. There are ways to get this done. *Fantastic information Joanie & I studied up on to learn about different cancer treatments and more* This lengthy documentary will open your eyes to things about cancer you never knew *The Truth About Cancer, A Global Quest - All Episodes* rumble.com/v1mt2h6-the-truth-about-cancer-a-global-quest-all-episodes.html NOTE: If watching this docu-series with one browser proves to be difficult, try another browser. The Truth About Cancer website: thetruthaboutcancer.com *Another fantastic resource* for not only cancer treatment, liver problems but just a tremendous library of knowledge of how to take care of yourself, is to search Dr. Berg’s channel on RU-vid: www.youtube.com/@DrEricBergDC

Martin, we don't usually leave comments, but feel the need to let you know how much you have helped us maintain our rv over the years. Thank you for all your hard work to keep us informed. We know you are strong and smart and that you will come through this, too. You are an inspiration! We will keep you in our prayers. 💕🙏

Martin and Joanie we appreciate that you have taken the time to give us and update. We are here praying for both of you.

From a Vet who is a survivor of cancer to you, you HAVE my PRAYERS for a cure. GOD BLESS.

I really want to leave this comment here. I not only watched over a dozen of his videos but I also kept them saved in a playlist in my account so I can go back over them as needed. I just found out about his passing and I am really sad, and want to say that I am super thankful for all your efforts here, you have no idea on the impact you made in the RV community. God bless you Joanie. 🙏🏼🙏🏼 RIP Martin

I just watched the "new" water heater video and it was so amazingly helpful that I went to your channel. Now I see that the worst has happened and I am so terribly sorry. Heartbreaking. What a gift you two have been to many of us, including we who got into this hobby knowing next to nothing. People like you have made it doable. But I know you are good people in other ways too and just wanted to say how sorry I am.

Joanie, if your still keeping an eye out for comments on your videos, I just wanted to thank you and Martin for making this video and putting it out in the world. I believe I understand how excruciatingly hard that was for both you and Martin. However, I sincerely feel it will help countless others as they battle similar life altering medical conditions. Martin was one of kind, and I am forever grateful the two of you picked up a camera and started to share your lives with the RV community. Thank you again. ❤

Martin: You are dealing with this challenge in your usual efficient and well researched manner. I’m confident it will pay off for you. You and Joanie continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Martin, words can not express how much my wife and I have appreciated all the helpful videos you have shared with all of us over the years. In them we have come to know you as a close brother in spite of never having met in person. God has blessed and enriched you with so many talents, so much knowledge, and with a strong desire to share them with those of us that need extra guidance. I’m certain God will continue to bless and wrap his loving arms around you and Joanie throughout this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go with you. Stay strong and keep the faith!

You’re courageous and inspiring Sir. I wish you the very best 🙏🏻 🇺🇸

Martin, I thank God He has brought you together with a medical team you like and have confidence in. Both of you remain in the prayers of many.

You know Martin, it just utterly breaks my heart; that someone as giving and wonderful as you (and Joni); are going through this. You have done everything RIGHT your whole life and now this. I will be doing everything I possibly can to send you more light, strength, and love to battle through this. WE NEED YOU out here, Martin! More than you could POSSIBLY know! With much, much love! Please take care of yourself and of each other! Looking forward to more updates and videos!!

Martin, I am asking my entire family to offer up prayers for a speedy and full recovery for you. As long as I have been following you, I feel like I know you personally. You are in God's hands and he will comfort and protect you. Stay the course, my friend. Joe.

Thank you for serving our Country! Praying for healing and for you and your wife as you walk this valley!

You are the real deal. You live your faith and have the strength to share and help your fellow man in so many ways. May God bless you and Joanie on this current journey and bless your medical team for a healing outcome. Your strength is indeed inspiring. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Martin and Joanie for your willingness to be open about a very personal and challenging situation. This WILL be helpful and a blessing to others ..including you, because you are so incredibly thorough in everything you do. I cried (probably like Joanie behind the camera) hearing all the difficulties you both are facing. I am encouraged by your faith. It's what has kept me moving forward. Thank you, THANK YOU, Thank YOU! Thinking and praying for you both❤️

Continued prayers for you,Joanie and your entire medical team. We are so sorry you are going through this Martin. Ya’all are such wonderful people and this news saddens us deeply! Hang in there brother. It sounds like you have a top notch medical team working to get you through this. Stay strong and keep the faith.

Martin and Joanie our prayers are with you🙏🏻🇺🇸

You continue to help others even in this situation-thank you for all you do and share. You are an advocate for all of us in the RV world and all others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending you prayers and and strength. I remember being told I only had two years, (2011), it's not a nice feeling. It's very emotional what you're going through. I've been there. Godspeed...

My dear Martin, our hearts are with you in prayer every morning at 5 am. My sister in law has stage 4 Breast cancer that spread to her liver and lungs. With chemo and taxol most has either shrunk or disappeared. Her treatments are not done but things look good. We are hoping and praying for the same for you. We are your prayer partners

Joanie, my heart is broken. We have learned so much from you and Martin. We are still getting through your many helpful videos when we come upon this one. I was going to make a comment, when a couple of comments turned on the water works and I got a big lump in my throat. I decided to google Martin. I am so so sorry. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. I found a poem my dad wrote when I was looking through his things. This poem is not about death, but rather about life. Titled Graduation Day. Something to the effect we are always going through life graduating and moving on to greater opportunities. One day this tired body will need a rest while my spirit will graduate on to greater eternal opportunities. I believe when our eternal graduation day comes we are learning and we are guardián angels for our loved ones who still walk earths floor. We are more blessed because of you and Martin! Thank you and God bless ❤❤❤

First of all Thank You for your service! You are in the right place, please keep the updates coming, I’m sure there are so many people out there you are helping by sharing. I learned the difference in stage 3 & stage 4 cancer - thank you for opening up! Prayers for you & Joanie and the whole medical team. May God give you strength & peace!

Praying for you and your wife. Sounds like the doc's have a plan, hopefully you will soon be able to get some sleep, which will help immensely with the healing process. I had to smile when I saw the part of this video with you speaking to us in front of the hospital and there you were with a folder in hand. I said to myself 'you got this'. Love ya guys, stay strong we are all praying for you. Please let us know if a go fund me account is set or should be setup, the VA will cover a lot but there are so many little costs that add up quickly. 56.9k people follow your channel and want to help. David

Martin, Sound to me that you have an excellent plan. I have been praying for and will continue t do so. You and Joanie keep your heads up and just keep moving forward one step at a time.

Martin and Joannie-- what an awesome message! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Know that everyone here is with you in thoughts and prayer. Take it slow and easy and keep working on getting rest! You are a true hero with a special hero partner in Joannie!! Looking forward to more updates so we can walk with you. Joe

Hi Martin & Joanie. Good to see you. Praying for you & Joanie plus your Doctors. Fast healing. Thanks Don & Martha

Hang in there you two, thinking of your battle daily and praying, praying, and praying that you will overcome and stay strong. Not the chapter anybody wants to add to their life story. ❤️

will be praying a strong recovery. your videos are truly professional.

Dear Martin and Joni, thank you for the update. May God bless and heal you both in the next 3 months til we hear from you again. With God all things are possible In Jesus name Amen

Praying for you both. Tears, but thank you for the updates, we ALL love you.

Martin & Joanie, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Semper Fi, from a former Marine. Take care.

Thank you for your service Martin, I am praying for you.

From one Vet to a fellow Vet. Martin & Joanie prayers going your way. God Bless!!

Prayers for you guys, stay strong and positive. You will beat this, I know

You’re in our prayers, brother.

Hi Martin. Even though this wasn’t a RV DIY video, I think it was one of the best videos yet. I was not aware that you were a Vietnam veteran which is so incredibly admirable. Owing from a large family of veterans, I have a tremendous respect for those that have served and even died for freedom. You are so tremendously brave to put this out there and I sure hope to hell that there aren’t any troll or negative comments. Taking the time for you and your wife to carefully document your journey is amazing and thoughtful to your viewers. I’m very sorry that you have to go through this and I am praying that you will have success. I have so many relatives and friends that have gone through this and it’s exhausting and daunting so I hope you can soldier on and beat this damn thing. I have a failing heart which will require a transplant, a failing kidney, diabetes, and several other health issues. It’s daunting and your life goes from living it and enjoying it to just spending your days attending various medical treatments. I’m so blessed to have my wife of 35 years by my side taking care of me. I’m not sure what I’d do without her. I sense that Joanie is perhaps the same. Like you, I am fatigues, exhausted and generally don’t ever feel good, every single day. I’d love to have a day like I used to where I woke up, bright and early, jump out of bed, full of energy and ready to get at the day. Havent had one of those for the past 4 years. I’m not sure why we are dealt these cards but I do have a strong belief that it’s part of a bigger plan and I have faith that everything happens for a reason. All we can do is fight on and don’t give up, even though there are down days where you just want to give up, and have solitude that you worked hard, the right thing, and lived a respectful, honest, productive life, and tried to help your fellow man/woman. I’m blessed and I hope you feel the same. Take extra care and don’t be banging your head on things😂. Listen to your doctor and your body. I look forward to your next update. 👍 🇺🇸

joan is sorry to hear of his passing. i’ve followed for awhile and missed it for a while. he is an inspiration to me. god bless him and you!

Sending love and prayers to the both of you. 💝🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

God bless you and Joanie. I know how you feel as lm fighting bladder cancer and have been for 10yrs. Keep the faith and take each day as it comes. Got mine from agent orange in Vietnam and am now 100% with the VA. When you've been healthy and active all your life then you aren't it ain't easy. But with the prayers of family and friends we will keep the faith !

Thanks for the update. I say a prayer for you and Joanie ever night. You are an inspiration to us all. Having cancer myself believe me I understand. Love you both my vet brother. May God be with you and guide the Doctors as they treat you. Now I pray that God wraps his healing arms around you and takes this cancer from your body. In Jesus name I claim this Amen.

Martin I’ve been waiting on this update. Good or bad I was looking forward to seeing your update. I’ve been praying for you and Joni. I pray for better news is a coming and look forward to hearing about it. Thanks for taking the time to fill us in. You certainly don’t have to do that on something so personal. Thanks again.

Martin and Joanie, You have been a blessing sharing your tips and your most challenging journey with cancer. My wife and I are cancer survivors over 5 years. We have RV'd rom tent trailer, to trailer, to 5th wheel, to park.model, to single wide, to class A. Your channel had given top class insights. May God surround you with his love and healing. - Jim and Carol Butler

Martin, you and Joanny are both in our thoughts. Hang in there and stay strong! ❤️

Martian and Joanie, Praying for the both of you🙏🙏. Thanks for updating us in your community I know for myself I was this past week you have been in my thoughts on how you are doing. Agin prayers for you both. My god bless you both and heal you!

Sending prayers and best wishes Martín and Joanie for this next journey. 🙏🏻❤️

Hi Martin, my wife and I just watched your update video together. I'm not one of those that writes or leaves comments but, I "felt" a nudge to leave you a word of encouragement. I told my wife how much I've enjoyed and learned from your videos on how to care for our 22 year old Class A Monaco LaPalma and how to maintain it. You should know you've reached and "ministered" to many people across the spectrum. Your life mattered and has made a difference! For whatever time you have (and only GOD knows that) continue to use your platform to be a blessing. You will have "those days". When you do - lean on the "Great Physician" to help you get through them. He has promised to never leave or forsake you.

We are not worried about" fix it" videos; we are concerned about you. I personally have grown very fond of you as a gay 68 yr old woman who drives a winnebago adventure , I trust you insights and your style of teaching ,you're a good guy with a good heart . Yes, prayers included. Please do keep us posted

Prayers for you both. God is in control.

as a fellow vet about to start my rv journey, all i can say is.. take care of your self 1st, youre vids are awsome but id rather see a fellow vet healthy then pushing for diy video's. :)

As an advanced stage cancer survivor, I will be watching closely, and praying for you both. I'll be praying for your caregivers. May you be blessed. 🙏🏼💪✌️💛🇺🇸

Martin~ so glad "he's" assembled an A Team and that you bumped your noggin sooner than later. Appreciate you & Joanie sharing this leg of your journey, as you're not the only one so challenged and you inspire others! ODAT---One Day at a Time!!🙏

Hey,thxs for the update,been thinking about you guys!,Wishing FOR the BEST!,Im still MARTINIZING my 2000 Fleetwood Southwind,BUT getting closer and Happier!,starting to see daylight😜Keep marching on and will send pictures when i Name it MARTIN in appreciation of the RV STREET VIDEO’S ,,I could NOT of had more help unless you guys would have been here in person,Thxs,God Bless U Two!

Man plans his way but God directs our steps - God has directed your steps to the right people to be your treatment team, He is faithful. Praying for you both as I write this.

Hang in there. You have an excellent attitude, good support from Joanie and good care. My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, large mass, stage 3 with metastasis into liver and lungs just a year ago. It’s a hard road but hang in there. Btw metastasis means it’s spread, aggressive. We are getting treatment in our adopted home of Ecuador. I say we, because as Joanie can tell you, it takes everyone in the family through this journey. Hugs and hoping for the best outcome.

Your health comes first Martin. Thoughts and prayers for you/family. You’re already a RU-vid hall of famer from all of us in the RV realm, if such a thing.

Praying for you and family. We serve a Big God he has this. Take care

Martin and Joanie, My prayers go out to you guys to have the strength to Win this fight!

Thank you for sharing Martin. You have helped me a ton, and thousands of others. We've been praying for you and Joanie, and will continue to do so. I look forward to your next update and to the great news you are going to share. God bless.

GOD has you in his hands and comforting arms. A Vet friend of mine walked through fire one year ago and lived. God still needs him and he still needs you. God bless.

Wow Martin. I’ve watched a number of your videos over the last half year or so. I cannot say that I know you; however, with what you’ve shared in this video I feel that I can relate like I’ve not before. My wife is a cancer patient and survivor. We’ve been going down this road since August 2021. She had endometrial cancer which is rare at her age. It was an aggressive multi malignant type. She went through surgery and had a full hysterectomy as well as eight lymph nodes removed. After which she underwent chemotherapy and radiation. They thought she was in the clear about a year ago. However in a routine scan last summer that lead to other test we found it had metastasized to other lymph nodes and to her brain. We were devastated. She underwent 10 treatments of full brain radiation as well as the steroids. The steroids were wicked. Not only couldn’t she sleep well but she had crazy dreams she thought were real. After brain radiation she started immunotherapy. She has since been on Keytruda and has responded very well…beyond her oncologist’s expectations. An advantage of immunotherapy over chemotherapy is that it crosses the brain-blood barrier and can also treat the areas in the brain. Chemo does not. It is also less toxic compared to chemo but certainly not without it’s own side effects. As of the end of 2022 she has be deemed in remission. She still has to have immunotherapy infusions every three weeks and will likely have to for the rest of her life. But she’s here when she probably shouldn’t be. I say this to say that it’s not an easy road. There will be lots of tough days and weeks ahead. The best advice I can offer…fight with a purpose and an end goal in mind. Stay positive. A positive attitude is your best ally. Lean on God. While we’ve had excellent medical staff, we can only say it’s a miracle of the Lord that she here today. She’s exceeded the doctors expectations because of Him. He is the ultimate healer. Pray. It also doesn’t hurt to petition others to pray for you. We have had countless prayer warriors in our journey. The power of prayer should not be underestimated. My prayer today for you and Joni: May the Lord’s presence wash over you and may he fill your hearts with peace and comfort. May he give you rest. I pray that he bless the hands of your medical team and guide them in their treatment. Amen and best wishes in your battle.

We have u in our prayers and thoughts.

God Bless you both! Continuing to send healing thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻❤

Martin, as a 7 year Breast Cancer survivor, let me just tell you that even though I had 4 months of heavy duty chemotherapy, I was NEVER as tired as when I had to do radiation. I had 37 treatments, and there were days I could barely lift my head up off the pillow. But your body has to spend a ton of energy healing itself after those radiation sessions, so don’t fight it- just get some rest!! Thank you for all the wonderful videos about RVs, and best of luck with your continued treatment. You’re in my thoughts.

Hang in there Martin and Joanie. Keep the faith and remember that God is still in control. You are in our prayers. Always enjoy your videos. Yes, even these kind.

Martin and Joanie, we are standing in the gap for you before our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. As many others have mentioned, you are an inspiration and delight to know from afar. We are thankful that you have been able to get the medical help needed to fight this battle. As the apostle Paul declared, Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Stay encouraged and strong in HIM!

You're in my prayers 🙏 I'm glad to hear that you're trusting in the Lord! He is good!

Martin I am visualizing you healed and healthy in my prayers. Appreciate your videos all are detailed and helpful. Blessings to you and Joanie.

Good luck with your fight against cancer Martin ! I always look forward to your videos. Your rv repair videos have helped me understand the various systems on my rv. Thank you and God bless you.

Just found out about ur diagnosis. I’m overwhelmed, not just about that but with the class, dignity, courage, love & honesty of u good people, not 2 mention, ur spirituality. U say that we r ur family; we’ll I’ve come 2 see u guys as my family too. Of course, my wife & I r praying 4 u guys, with all r might. The “Martinizing” & “Joanieizing” aside, we’ve come 2 enjoy the love u share 4 each other, just as much. U have taught us & many others, not only about maintenance but how 2 live life as a loving couple. God bless u! Thank u 4 being my teacher! Now, pull up those cut off socks 2 ur elbows; u’ve got work to do! We’re in ur corner! Brian & Chris Casteleyn Hudson, WI

Hang in there big guy. Cancer sucks but you’ve got the right attitude to fight it and beat it. Prayers going up for you both right now!

Thank you for the update! Our lord savior is with you and all of us are sending our prayers for your continued bravery and strength to get you through this rough journey that sometimes happens. God bless my friend! ❤

Martin You are a Legend! You help me Everyday fixing my RV So saddened to learn you passed. You live on in your videos and Joanie & Family So Sorry for your loss! RV Street is a Great Educational video Source. And a memorial to Martin!

Prayers to you Martin & Joanie. Martin thank you for your service to this great nation. And thanks to both of you for all you have contributed to the RV community. Sending up healing prayers for you Martin, strength and guidance for both of you. ❤️🙏

I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. I have enjoyed your videos for some time now and have learned a great deal from you in learning how to maintain and repair my Winnebago motorhome. Just to let you know, my wife has had brain cancer for 12 years now. It has been a very long journey. I pray that you will overcome this and get well soon. Take care, and if you feel up to doing more videos, do so, to keep your mind off of what you are going though.

We are praying for you 🙏🙏🙏🙏

I’ve not seen any updates on Martin. Just seen a post that he is “gone”. I really hope that is not so. I really enjoyed an appreciate his advice. Pray all is well. Love you both.

Strength and prayers for you and Joanie. I also want you to know that you helped me with my RV more than you know. I sincerely appreciate what you have done and are doing for the RV community. Keep up the good fight.

Martin I was so happy to see you on u-tube today. I’ve been thinking about you alot. My heart goes out to you and your wife. Good bless you my sweet brother in our Lord Jesus 🙏

Praying for God to be with you and your team of Drs. With God all things are possible! Faith will comfort and carry you through this journey! Be blessed be healed be healthy for God loves you!that

Sending prayers up for you my friend and hugs for you both. Thank-you for sharing and for all you have done for us RVers.

Martin, you and Joanie have been such an inspiration to my husband and I. We can't thank you enough for the countless ways you have helped us as well as many other RV'ers. We will continue to pray for you both as you walk this road together. May God continue to bless and keep you. Love, Natalie & Terry R.

God bless you two

You're in our prayers 🙏

Martin and Joanie you are in our prayers...

Hey Martin you are a very awesome person for sharing your story and I know in my heart that you are a fighter and you have the best trainer in your corner, Joanie. You also have the big guy on your side I will be praying for you to have a speedy recovery and continue to fight. God Bless

Martin, thank you so much for sharing your struggle. I have benefitted enormously from your advice over the past two years. As you may remember from a previous post, i am a chiropractor. When you explained how the head trauma ultimately lead to a discovery of metastisis to your neck and skull, I thought that the accident was actually fortuitous . It neccessitated more research into your pain, allowing for the discovery of the cancer. But the trauma may by itself be a cause of pain and its effects treatable. There are very gentle techniques you could explore including activator, craniosacral therapy, neck traction and mild chiropractic manipulation of your neck and cranium. The VA now covers chiropractic care too. As you know, the state of cancer treatment improves daily. You are getting state of the art care. All my best to you for a speedy recovery.

Martin, you and Joanie have been wealth of information for us, the RV community. Thanks for providing a library of "how to" videos. I'm looking forward to each new instructional as well as when you and Joanie upload the video of you being cancer free. Prayers for strength and peace for you both, our friends and family in Christ 🙏.

All we want is a speedy recovery and a happy life for you.

Keep the faith God is good praying for you

Praying for you brother!

God bless you! Thank you for your service. Vietnam vet and cancer survivor also.

Martin & Joanie, My husband and I thank God for both of you. Your videos and knowledge has been so helpful to us as we are new to this. I am a cancer survivor. We pray your continued strength and peace through this process to your healing. We love you both.

I am very happy to hear from you, the best RV'S videos, we will pray for you and again I am very happy to hear from you.

Martin, God bless you and Joanie to keep you both strong on your journey....prayers coming and staying your way...

Martin, I am very new to your channel as my fiancé and I just purchased a Motorhome ourselves , to begin our adventure. First, I would like to say thank you for your service and protecting our freedoms we have today.. While watching your videos and getting caught up with all the Great information you have given, I ran across the last two. I myself have had cancer not once but twice and my wife left me 10 years ago because she just could not deal with the fact that I might no longer be here. I now still have a form of cancer that will never be cured but I know through my faith alone is the reason I’m still here. Its wonderful you have a Great wife Joanie who I can tell loves you very much. Between your faith in the Lord and the love of your wife you can definitely beat this. I will pray for both you and Joanie as you go through this together. Keep your faith strong Martin and remember you are never alone in this fight. Through the power of Gods love all is possible. 🙏

Watched you for a very long time, used your videos to save a lot of money on repairs and maintenance, but never commented. Now, I must say my heart goes out to you both along with many prayers and a special mention in our prayer group as well. Your great people and have many followers so you will be well loved and thought of while you go through all of this. Gods speed and heal well, faith, hope and love. Wishing you both to be happy, safe and comfortable.

Praying!!

Martin, I stumbled upon your videos while researching a trip I'm planning from Texas to Maine. When exploring videos in your channel, I've discovered that we have more in common than being Texas residents, Thousand Trails members and travelers to Maine. I too was diagnosed with Cancer in 2020 and underwent treatment in 2021. This is something that I wish neither of us had in common. I had a similar medical team as you with Texas Oncology, Baylor, Medical Center and General Provider all together although mine has been in DFW area. It worked well for me and hope it works equally well for you. Your drive, perserverance and support from loved ones will get you through this! I will pray for your speedy recovery!

Martin & Joanie, You are facing an uphill road - but - any mountain can be scaled with consistent small steps. You are both blessed - not for and by each other but also by all of us. God has blessed you both - and will continue.