@justjoan11 Hi Joan, It’s too bad we hadn’t talked earlier or I’d have popped into visit you and your husband at Mayo when I was in Rochester last week! I’ve done that in the past when I know there’s someone from Connect at the clinic. ☺️

You and Phil have some big decisions ahead. My husband and I had similar discussions when I was facing my transplant…what to do about the long-term stay in Rochester. We thought of the same options,,,buy, rent, airbnb, etc… our hometown is 4 hours from Rochester. DSM is 3?
We would be there for almost 4 months and had decided to lease a 2 bedroom/2bath suite at the Marriott Residence Inn which is two blocks from the clinic. It’s easily accessible via the subway system, which proved handy with the frequent daily (sometimes more than one) visits to the clinic. For my husband, it was walkable to most everywhere, had a full kitchen and my husband set up a serviceable office for himself too!

After the 100 day period when Phil is able to move back home to DSM, initially there will be a follow-up in Rochester about every two weeks. That then progresses to 3 weeks and then monthly for a while. Gradually the leash is lengthened with fewer trips to Mayo. Between visits to Mayo, your husband will have labs done frequently at his local oncology clinic with those results sent to Mayo. So he’s always closely monitored.

Where I’m going with this…we opted not to buy a condo, though it was tempting. The need for housing drops off after 5 months. The stay at the Marriott worked out so well in the end. Being so close to the clinic, we could use a wheel chair free of charge from Mayo when needed (early after transplant). Then daily I was able to walk back and forth to appts without having to park the car, worry about inclement weather, and there were a couple of emergencies that had my husband wheeling me back to Station 94 in the middle of the night! That was super convenient then!

So whatever you choose, consider parking, especially now with all the construction. I’m here any time as a sounding board for you!
You are both in the best of hands at Mayo Rochester! And this care continues for life! I’m 6+ years out and if I have issues, I’m still encouraged to contact my team for guidance!
Let me know if you need anything!
I bet you’re missing your golden most of all, right? We always had Golden’s are they’re just the bestest doggos ever. 🥰