Teresa,
I have never done anything as hard as this. Every single decision I make could literally be life altering.
I have made the process something I can handle, a list of requirements. Today the last item got checked off the list.
It hit hard, and all at once. I can't even voice it. I fell apart, pulled myself back together and repeated that process several times over. I am getting radiation and chemo for cancer. Period. Not - I will be, or am deciding on, or exploring this option. I. Have. Cancer.
The simulation - designed to push a person like me over the edge so the only place to go is up. I'm sure of it. Had Colleen not gotten some information to me it would have been very bad.
The virtual hand holding got me through the CT. The girls there were very nice and did their best. Rachel went above and beyond!
I had no idea it would turn into a three apointment day. By the end of the first one I was reeling. Angie, from the cancer center, was there in the waiting room speaking with another patient. She came over right away, quickly helped sort some things out, and spent time explaining things and waiting until she was sure the mental fog was lifting and my feet were back under me again.
My husband was already in agreement with me, that Mayo is where I need to be. I've shared some posts with him, told him about others, and mentioned contacting or speaking with still others. But he truly saw the whole picture today.
We agree, if anyone can get me through this, it's the Mayo "family".
Thank you,
Vicky

Vicky, I simply can't imagine what you powered through today. I knew it was going to be rough. I thought about you all day. I'm so proud that you are taking charge of the things you can control, telling people what they need to know to help you cope and letting your cancer team show they care. I realize that's not easy.

Thank you Rachel and Angie. And give that dear husband of yours a special hug tonight from all of us who couldn't be by your side physically. He's a rock. I hope you both get a good night's sleep tonight.

PS: I'm glad you had the Connect posts to show the team and that they helped.

Colleen,
Believe me, it was truly a group effort. The support from everyone gave me the strength to gut through it.
I will certainly pass that on. He fully has my back and couldn't be more supportive.
My rock, the team and my virtual pillars of support. I've got this!
Thank you!
Vicky

@vsinn2000 Vicky,

Please know that we are all incredibly proud of you and happy that you can "power through" this experience. I am glad that you have the "Mayo family" in your corner. We are all pulling for you.

Blessings and rest well,

Teresa