Are you getting cancer treatments during COVID-19?

Apparently Jacksonville is like a child--it doesn't listen to what Mother Mayo says (I know from where I speak...had three children). Perhaps their decisionmaking is related to your governor's decision-making on this pandemic. In MN, we've been locked down for many days... unlike our neighbors Iowa and the Dakotas, which our governor suggested they move away from us.

The place is absolutely wonderful, as is the staff. I'm actually at home now..till next Sunday. My wife's cousin (from Rochester) has her doctorate in nursing and teaches nursing at Augsburg College in St. Paul, and is giving me a break. She's serving as my wife's caregiver ... and I'm sure she's better at the medical aspects of it than me. This is literally my first break since the first week in Sept. (8 months) and after 24/7 together, I'm sure she's the one who feels SHE'S the one getting the break! (and on day 4, still no real side effects, other nadir from days -5 through -3 chemo)

@merpreb I asked today and was told that I am getting photon radiation. I am half way through my treatments now. Last week the radiation techs started wearing masks. Today, the ladies at the front desk were also wearing masks.

We do have tivo and I record the shows that I really want to see.

Thank you so much for these videos!! I am a nurse, but the general public may not know the general rules/train of thought, about clean v. not clean!

@marvinjsturing- Good morning Marvin. My second SBRT was with Photon Radiation too. I was very tired. It takes a full 6 months before you will jump back int he rink again, but it's well worth it!

yes,when this virus is over at my request

In case anyone has an upcoming visit to Mayo Rochester, I thought I would share my experience today with on site visit, phone appointment and video visit today.

I had to go in for blood work and ECK on site. I asked to have scheduled at Baldwin building in Rochester because I thought they would not be as busy. I arrived at 6:45 AM. As I enter building, there was tables where I had my temperature taken. It was OK, so proceeded to next table. They verified I did have an appointment and then asked series of question if I had any symptoms of virus or had been in contact with anyone who had been test positive. I passed test, and proceeded to check in desk. I was only patient there. At 6:45 AM you might think that is normal, but this desk is usually very busy at that time because the hours are set up for locals who need to do labs prior to going to work. I have to go back in tomorrow for more labs and an infusion so will see what like be in another section of Mayo.

I was in and out clinic withing 30 minutes.

All employees were wearing masks.

I went home and few hours later had phone call with oncologist. Everything went find, he order some addition appointment and 15 minutes later they showed up in Mayo's portal.

In afternoon I had a video appointment scheduled with another doctor. Yesterday I received instructions via portal, along with a number I could call to verify / test video connection. I called number, was on hold for 30 minutes and gave up.

I have attached the file from Mayo on video appointments.

Mayo uses Zoom software to do video appointments and I had used ZOOM before, so I made sure it was all set to go on my laptop.

At designated time, you logon to Mayo Portal, go to appointment schedule, select detail and there is button to start appointment. A coordinator comes on, verifies everything is working correctly and then you wait for dr to connect. Unfortunately, my dr had technical problems, so he ended up calling me directly.

So, at end of day I accomplished everything that I would of accomplished if I had spent the entire day at clinic.

Laurie

@roch Thank you for an "in the trenches" report! Nice to hear precautions were being taken.
Ginger

Thanks for the details Laurie! Mayo here in Florida called me yesterday regarding my appts tomorrow. Same 3 questions as usual. I asked if they are wearing masks and was told yes! FINALLY!!! Have labs, come home and have phone appt with PA and then go back for infusion. Hopefully all goes smoothly as I will be wearing my mask!

@seaspray, if you don't mind, could you please post a similar report about your experience at Mayo FL as @roch Laurie did for Mayo MN? I'm sure fellow cancer patients would really appreciate it.

Thanks so much, Laurie!