I have never posted before! However, I feel compelled to comment on this topic. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2025 and eight weeks later was diagnosed with rectal cancer. I was a 67 year old female at diagnosis.

I chose to have my three surgeries in four months at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. I have flown eight times in eight months. The surgeons at Mayo do a lot of surgery, thus, they are very good at it. Additionally, the Mayo checks for negative margins in real time while you are in surgery. This is critical for optimal results. I would also like to point out that Mayo nurses are in a class by themselves...and they take care of you.

Should your treatment require radiation in the future, you will be in line. I had a Mayo oncologist tell me, "You can have chemo anywhere, but radiation needs to be at the Mayo." I had five days of rectal radiation prior to ileostomy surgery. I also had fifteen days of breast radiation after total right mastectomy.

One additional consideration, the Mayo business office goes to bat for you when confronted with insurance issues.

I reside in a location with three comprehensive cancer centers; but I still chose surgery and radiation at the Mayo; and am very happy I did.

Sending Mayo magic your way.