← Return to Caregiver to cousin testing for liver transplant: Can I get support?

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@emilyw

Colleen, Thank you for responding to my post. Online support is. Good place to start. Is there a live person or support group at Mayo in Scottsdale while my cousin goes through “Mayo Week”? I would like to establish a connection now, so that when the time comes for a transplant and an extended stay in Scottsdale, I have a hand to hold. My husband lost his mother and sister to cancer 40 years ago and my cousin’s liver cancer brings it all back for him.

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Replies to "Colleen, Thank you for responding to my post. Online support is. Good place to start. Is..."

@emilyw, my husband was my caregiver and during the process of being evaluated for transplant (at Mayo Rochester, and at the Univ of KY) we met with a social worker in addition to the medical team. You and your cousin , will be meeting with a social worker who is going to be your connection to finding support that you will want. Sometimes the caregiver can feel slighted because so much attention is focused on the patient. And, according to my husband, the caregiver can feel overwhelmed and inadequate, so ask for help when needed.
Have you and your cousin decided where to stay while at Mayo? One place you might consider is the transplant patient lodging where you will be in contact with other patients and caregivers. Here is information about
The Convenience of Transplant Hospitality Houses
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/the-convenience-of-transplant-hospitality-houses/

With lots of time that you will spend waiting - here is some additional information about caregivers.
What to Expect as a Transplant Caregiver
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/what-to-expect-as-a-transplant-caregiver/

Advice for the Caregiver
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/transplant/newsfeed-post/advice-for-the-caregiver/

You are doing a good thing to think ahead and to begin investigating the support that you will need.
Do you have any questions that you want to ask about the evaluation process?

Emily, there is a liver transplant support group for caregivers hosted by a Mayo Clinic social worker in Arizona. Currently, due to COVID, they meet on Zoom. I will get the details and post them here tomorrow. This is likely the same social worker you will meet in person when you arrive at Mayo Clinic. I agree with @rosemarya. It is good that you are planning ahead. Just know that you are not alone. We're here on Mayo Clinic Connect to support you as questions come up, and most importantly, you will be well taken care of at Mayo Clinic AZ.