Why not me? Meet @vinnie694

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@vinnie694: I was fortunate enough to be a patient of Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville since 2017. At that time I was referred to Mayo Clinic by my urologist for the beginning of prostate cancer. Then Dec 2022, after my gastroenterologist discovered the tumors on my liver, I was referred to Mayo Clinic for further evaluation. 

After the neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis, we were so emotional I cannot really recall who referred me to Mayo Clinic Connect, but I know it was a member of the medical team.

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

@vinnie694: I am definitely motivated by hearing other people’s stories and methods of treatment. As well I like helping others with info when I can.

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

@vinnie694: I have never felt comfortable talking and sharing on social media, but with the Mayo Clinic Connect community it is different. I guess talking and hearing about real-life concerns from real people is what makes me comfortable sharing. We talk about what really matters in life and how people cope with the cards they were dealt. It is heartfelt and genuine. I’ve closed my other social media accounts because a lot of people just like to complain.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@vinnie694: Within Mayo Clinic Connect I take part in the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) support group. I also belong to a men’s fellowship group of 8 men. We meet weekly and they are a great help spiritually as well as mentally. I volunteer work for the church, and am currently Vice President of our men’s club. All these connections help immensely.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@vinnie694: Every morning I am on Mayo Clinic Connect. It’s how I start my day. There have been many meaningful moments, especially since neuroendocrine cancer is so rare. In the beginning I found a lot of the posts helpful with emotions, understanding symptoms, and learning peoples journey and treatments. 

I’ve always talked with my medical team at Mayo Clinic about something I learned on this site, and they would explain to me why or why not that treatment wasn’t for me. Then as time passed, i would read about someone new to the site and see how they received a lot of helpful responses.

Recently a member of our group messaged me, wishing me a hopeful outcome to my current PRRT treatments. She explained that she had the same diagnosis. I subsequently found out she lives in the same town as my son and only 30 minutes from our home. As rare as this cancer is, it was great talking with someone one-on-one whose experiences are similar.

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

@vinnie694: Being able to connect with people around the world.

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

@vinnie694: Well the first source of energy comes from my wife of 50 years (this July), We’ve been blessed with 4 children, 2 great son-in-law’s and a great daughter in law, along with 13 grandchildren. My kids and grandchildren live minutes away. This helps with balancing life! 

I also have 2 brothers and 2 sisters, and many cousins and their families. There is always a happy event to celebrate. 

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@vinnie694: I love reading. Since the diagnosis I’ve become closer to my faith and I have completed classes on learning the whole Bible. I continue my studies to this day. The best location to read is on the beach. Living in Saint Augustine I can drive my truck on the beach, it’s very convenient.

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

@vinnie694: Before my diagnosis I really didn’t have a favorite quote. After a short period of time of thinking, “Why me?“ I really had to put my situation in perspective with reality. There are many people who are in far worse situations than me and younger. I now look at it as “Why not me?”

 TERESA: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@vinnie694: My friends are definitely an extension of my family. We still keep in touch with friends on Long Island where we grew up, as well as friends from Milledgeville Georgia, where my first transfer was, then Lake Charles Louisiana, and my last transfer was to Saint Augustine Florida. Our life has definitely been blessed with many friends we have met along the way.

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

@vinnie694: Living in northern Saint Augustine is great. It's about a 20-minute ride to downtown Jacksonville, and a 20-minute ride to historic Saint Augustine. There are plenty of restaurants, theaters, events and beaches. And I don’t have to scrape ice in the winter!. Guess I’ll add the Jacksonville Jaguars, even though they didn’t have a great season this year.

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