French fries with mayonnaise: Meet @jaxfl

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@jaxfl: When I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, it was determined that I needed immediate surgery (radical cystectomy). Luckily Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida was able to schedule me for surgery the next week. So far I have found Mayo Clinic to be the very best out there. It was during treatment that I learned about the online community, Mayo Clinic Connect.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@jaxfl: I spent a significant amount of time researching bladder cancer and learned a lot through my journey. I use this knowledge and experience to help other patients.

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@jaxfl: I find it a well moderated community with polite members. Sadly, the contemporary internet is not always as pleasant.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@jaxfl: I post in the Bladder Cancer support group and also follow the Ostomy & J-Pouch support group.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment you've experienced on Mayo Clinic Connect. 

@jaxfl: I find the shared experiences about Signatera very interesting. Signatera is a relatively new blood test that can identify molecular residual disease (MRD), or recurrent cancer, by detecting the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). It turns out it is not binary but varies across patients. 

The moderating team is wonderfully patient and kind whilst being firm. This exemplifies Mayo Clinic Connect—caring within reasonable rules.

TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@jaxfl: The number of members and the activity rivals other patient online communities.

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@jaxfl: I stay energized by staying busy, finding companionship on Mayo Clinic Connect, and marveling at modern medicine. I’m also grateful to the outstanding care at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, especially Dr Kase and his team. They are remarkable people who partner with the patient.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@jaxfl: I enjoy spending time with my family (wife and sons), tinkering on vintage computers, and taking trips to Las Vegas, NV and Atlantic City, NJ.

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@jaxfl: I take solace in the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, ancient Roman emperor and stoic philosopher. To paraphrase, he said: "Focus solely on what you control—your thoughts, actions, and responses—while accepting external events without emotional distress.”

TERESA: What food can you not resist?

@jaxfl: French fries with mayonnaise. I am from the Netherlands and this is our national naughty pleasure.

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation? 

@jaxfl: Fleming Island, in northeast Florida, is an oasis with St Johns River, Doctors Lake and many stores and restaurants within 5 to 10 minutes.

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