Good morning @itlooksunny! First thing I want you to do is breathe in…hold and then a nice long exhale as you feel the tension leave your body. Then we’re going to have a nice long chat. 🤗
There’s a lot of information flying at you and your husband right now…and wow, it’s a lot to process. But I promise, you’re going to get through this one day at a time, step by step.
You mentioned there are appointments coming up for Dale. They should be listed in his portal but more may be added or rearranged as they are popped into place. By the time the first appointment date is near they should be locked in final order.
You and Dale will both be present. For some tests you’ll be in the waiting room so bring your phone, tablet/charger, book, snacks, water…
Mayo is very thorough with their educational programs. They want both you and your husband well informed and comfortable with what is taking place. The appointments will be for Tests/procedures , Consultations with BMT doctor, BMT Nurse Coordinator, and possibly other members of the BMT team (social work, psychiatry, etc.)

As caregiver you are expected to be with Dale at all appointments as a 2nd set of ears. If he has sedation for some tests like a bone marrow biopsy you are required to be waiting for him. You’re Team Dale.

The classes are with real people, such as the nutrition class. Joy or one of the other dietitians will lead the small class to go over diet, food, food handling to avoid infection and the like. These are easy classes! No tests at the end. ☺️
You’ll also be taken on a tour of Station 9-4 The transplant floor. That way you’ll get familiar with where Dale will be for a few days until an outpatient again.

As caregiver yes, you’re expected to be available 24/7. But that doesn’t mean you can’t leave or take time out. The first 2 weeks after transplant are generally the most challenging for the patient with some weakness, fatigue and nausea being the chief complaints. So you’ll need to be available for support, for taking him back and forth to appointments at Mayo, sometimes one or more times daily for infusions or follow up appts. Early on he may need some minor assistance walking or being pushed in a wheel chair for a few days. (They’re available at the clinic for free) You’ll need to prep food and maybe help him while getting dressed if he’s weak. Things like that. But if he’s feeling well and comfortable you can certainly duck out for a food run, take walks, exercise and such. It’s not like having an infant where you can’t leave.

You will also be given a card with phone numbers to call 24/7 for Station 94. The team is always on standby to help you or Dale with any questions and concerns you might have! The team is like a security blanket. ☺️

Dave is lucky with requiring only one dose of chemo. This will be less harsh with fewer side effects. And I promise YOU are going to be fine and together you two will be amazed at what you can accomplished together. ☺️