@tiffdavidson Hi, I’m just catching up on what other mentors and community members have been saying about your question whether you should be with your mom at her appointments.

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear about her medical concerns and not knowing what’s going on. This has to be so stressful for all of you and frightening for her. Especially if she’s depressed. Let me assure you, she can’t possibly be in better hands than with the outstanding doctors and staff at the Mayo Clinic. It’s truly a place of hope!

I’m a recent patient of Mayo-Rochester and at this time 2 family members are allowed to accompany the patient to consultations and escort to and from the procedures and tests.
Most tests don’t allow for anyone to be in the room other than the patient because it’s not practical. But from my extensive experience there, each technician, nurse, nurse practitioner are caring and empathetic. They will do their utmost to care for your mom, help her relax and put her at ease while she undergoes her evaluations.

My personal opinion would be to not go at this time but wait for a diagnosis. Your mom will be on a busy schedule at Mayo. My own daughter lived only 1.5 hours from Rochester and we still asked her not to come until testing was over. Frankly, by the end of the day I was exhausted and the last thing I wanted to do was try to be sociable or engaged. My daughter was torn too as she felt she needed to be there. I assured her I could feel her love and support and that I’d need her more down the road when my treatments started. My husband was my caregiver and it was enough that he was there as my extra eyes, brainpower and moral support for the duration of the evaluation period.

Have you asked your mom and step dad if they’d like you to be there?