@jackir Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. While you may still be reeling from getting this new diagnosis, I would offer the following thoughts.

Recently, so many of us have had a difficult time getting appointments, no matter where we live, or the condition we are seeking treatment for. It seems to be a fact of life right now.

Keep your appointment with the team in Phoenix. Number one, there is not much travel involved [a good thing emotionally and financially]. You may indeed find a great experience right close to you! Give them the chance to take care of you. If you or they feel the need arises that Rochester is a better fit for you, you will at the least have given the Phoenix campus a fair opportunity to see you.

How does that sound?
Ginger

Jackir welcome. Rochester is certainly a wonderful campus. We went there for a second opinion when my husband was fighting lung cancer. Our physician oncologist was in Rapid City (Spearfish was our home). They concurred with the excellent treatment he received at Rapid and ruled out eligibility for trials based on their own assessment of his disease.
I very much agree with Ginger. You may find that the fit is perfect with the Phoenix facility. Today consultation is easy with electronic record sharing so you can always seek a second opinion if you are unhappy with the trajectory.
I wish you good outcomes.

Patty

I am not knowledgeable about Waldenstrom’s but I live in Dayton MN and have SMM Smoldering Myeloma. Diagnosed a couple weeks ago. I am being seen at Virginia Piper Cancer Center at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis. I am getting a second opinion at Mayo in Rochester as to the watch and wait or possibly get into a trial study. The Mayo has a lot of trial studies. I suggest at least looking at the trials and speaking to them. Never hurts.