LIFE AT THE CLINIC

To give you a feel for what it was like staying at the clinic, there are around 25 beds, plus guest rooms for friends or family to stay in (or they can be accommodated at one of the nearby guesthouses). Although there were a few German patients when I was there, most of them came from Australia and the US, with a few from the UK plus others from Vietnam, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa and eastern Europe. Everyone I met had secondary cancer, but within that there were people there at all levels of health.


The layout was comfortable and homely, with several lounges and garden areas, and a TV room, communal computer and library. There was a cafeteria for meals with a wide choice of food, always including salads and lots of fresh fruit, and tables for 4 or 5 people, so mealtimes were sociable and friendly. There was a gym (which I used a few times) and a billiards table (which I didn't, but I rather fancy for a future visit!)

Front entrance of the clinic

View from my room over the garden

The village of Bad Salzhausen exists because of its mineral waters - thermal baths and medicinal springs - which are set in beautiful parks, surrounded by forest and agricultural countryside. It's quiet and peaceful, having a population of just 500, but in the summer weekly concerts are held with lots of (mainly elderly) visitors.

Monthly market on the main street

Brass band, complete with lederhosen

Fabulous cake in a village cafe

The pretty nearby town of Nidda, a pleasant 20-minute walk away, made a nice change of scene, and I went there several times to hang out at one of the Italian cafes, browse in the shops, or go for dinner with other patients. 

Nidda town square

Succumbing to gelato, with fellow patient Linda

Rainbow over the cornfields on the way to Nidda

Life in the clinic was pretty sociable. Most people were accompanied by a partner, friend or relative for at least some of the time, and the atmosphere was supportive, positive and open-minded. Although I'd been a bit wary about hearing other people's stories, or talking about illness all the time, in case it became overwhelming or depressing, in fact I found it extremely reassuring and supportive to be amongst people who had all been through similar experiences and reactions to mine. It was challenging at times, and sometimes humbling, but listening to other people, and articulating things myself, helped me to clarify things and to process some of the implications of my situation. In particular, I realised just how lucky I've been in tolerating chemo so well, and to be in a good overall state of health at the moment. It spurred me to start exercising again, not so much because I feel I "should" as because I feel lucky to have the energy and strength, and I want to maintain that as much as I can. The experience of being at the clinic was quite intense in many ways, but I returned home feeling significantly more positive and emotionally grounded.