Friday, September 5, 2008

mayo

Let me tell you, the Mayo Clinic is a beautiful place. Its architecture inspires a sense of calmness and peace. We sat in a sunny waiting area next to a long wall of curved glass that mimics the rolling hills and prairies of southern Minnesota. Very restful. And very big; I had to walk from building to building a couple of times to get things done, like having my blood drawn. They handle so many patients, but they were pleasant and efficient about ushering me through the system. Everything ran like clockwork, and I was called into my appointments on time.

The meeting with the oncologists went fine. They said they would be recommend the same treatments I've being doing with my University of Minnesota oncologist so far — the same chemo protocols, no surgery at this time. Where Mayo might diverge down the road is in the types of clinical trials they would offer if these forms of chemo don't work. So I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing for now, and when we come to a crossroads, I'll call Mayo and make decisions from there.

The doctors seemed encouraging, though. They said I'm handling chemo really well, bouncing back after each cycle, and as one of them put it, "I think we can push you pretty far." Which is a good thing in context; hopefully, it means we can buy a lot more time.

19 comments:

Marketing Mama said...

I've always heard great things about Mayo - glad to hear the experience went well. It must be comforting to know they validated your current treatment plan. Thanks for sharing the good news!

LutherLiz said...

I'm glad you had a good experience down at Mayo. It is nice to know that your doctors agree and that you are reacting well to the chemo. Go Emilie!

Anonymous said...

Overall it sounds like a very good day at Mayo (all things considered). I'm glad to hear that they believe you are on the right path, that's always reassuring. This is good news!

Anonymous said...

That is so reassuring. I can't wait to hug you in person again. I'm going back to my younger, wilder days & I'm DRIVING to St. Paul!!!!!
Do you want something totally Southern? Interstate Barbeque sauce?
LizzieBoo

Victoria said...

Your last two posts have been so encouraging - I'm glad Mayo didn't break the good days feeling - and the place sounds and looks impressive. Good to have your current treatments affirmed and hope for much more good time.

Barbara Marincel said...

Good news! YAY!!!! It's reassuring too, isn't it, that the docs at Mayo think your docs at the U. are on the right track?

I'm so glad you got encouraging news--I had my fingers crossed for you all day yesterday. :)

Monkeymama said...

It is good to hear that the doctors agree for now and that your body is handling things well. Keep up the good work! :)

Alex said...

Glad to hear such a well respected clinic agrees with your current treatment. And that they think you're strong and responding well.

Hopefully you don't need to go back and look into the trials they might offer, but good to know they are there if you hit a wall in your current treatment plan.

Anonymous said...

Oh Em, how wonderful! Let me tell you, I totally can relate to the experience of a pleasant, aesthetic atmosphere. It makes a tremendous difference in your experience. The Breast Center, in Portland, also has a nice ambiance. I can't believe in the old days, when cancer patients had to go to these depressing, dark clinics...no more! Even Celilo Cancer Center, in the hick-town of The Dalles, Oregon, is very beautiful and modern inside (I've only seen pictures).

I am so glad of the comment the doctor made, "we can push you far." He gave hope, without making himself look like some kind of superhero.

- Susanne

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you have that validation from the Mayo. I love going there for care and always feel like I'm getting the very best, and I'm really happy to hear that they are in agreement with where you've been so far.

Tracy said...

So glad you had a good experience at Mayo:)

Queenie. . . said...

I'm glad it was a good visit. It always feels good to have a plan in place.

As to "other" matters, never feel like you owe anyone but those you love an explanation. I'm sure everyone who reads you would love to make you a casserole or babysit your kids, but geography (and the fact you don't know us!) make that impossible. Money is just another form of casseroles, and anyone who doesn't get that is a fool.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear about your day at Mayo, it seemed to be an encouraging day for you and your family.

I agree with Queenie on the "other" issue. Your blog has been inspirational and interesting to read and obviously you are attracting a troll. I, for one, have never felt like you are begging for money at all. I guess some people don't realize that nice people want to help out other nice people sometimes, regardless of income levels, etc.

Hopefully you can forget about the troll, your energy is greatly needed in other areas!

Anna's Mommy said...

How reassuring to know Mayo is in agreement with the U regarding your treatment. I'm glad the trip was able to give you some peace of mind. Hugs and continuing strength to you.

Wordgirl said...

I've been thinking often of you and your family Emily, though I'm new to your blog.

You're a beautiful writer and I thank you for your courage to write about your process -- both infertility (which is how I found you) parenting, and now parenting with illness.

warmly,

Pam

Anonymous said...

I love reading your blog, and I am impressed with YOU, not "your struggle." You're a beautiful person with the gift of expression. Thank you for sharing! :)

Kir said...

so glad your experience was a good one and that optimism is abundant. My fingers will stay crossed for more good reports.

thinking of you.

natalie said...

Hi! I'm a new fan. My mom happened to find your blog thru mine a while back and is now just telling me about your blog.

You know what I think about your last blog entry on that nasty comment someone left you about how they thought you were asking for money... I say Bologna to that person.

I just had a person leave a nasty comment on my blog saying they thought I should go back to school because my writing was difficult to read. I felt really low after reading it but received a beautiful email from a blogger who I've come to adore and she wrote me:

ugh, nasty comments. such a waste of energy. so so sorry, friend. mean people suck. also, it seems very undeserved. I don't find you difficult to read at all. quite the contrary, actually. I find your style completely lovely and refreshing. and my feeling about this blog world is that if you don't like someone's blog and/or style, well then, don't read. please do your best to ignore that comment (it's hard, I know). people love to hate, they love to criticize, they just looove to be right. and this is the perfect format for such ugliness. people can drop their bombs and leave. it's the ultimate in cowardice.
chin up, my friend. you're beautiful. sending you lovelovelove.
xo,
andrea www.hulaseventy.blogspot.com.

kate hopper said...

I'm so glad that your body is handling the chemo well. And I'm glad that the Mayo doctors agree about your care. That's very reassuring.