Hello, Rosebud,

I can well understand the worry you may be experiencing as you anticipate your visit to Mayo. I know that having my spouse along for the trip was a huge support for me each time. I don't happen to see when you will be going there. I wonder whether there might be someone on this list who would be heading there for their own follow-up appointments anyway who could come a little earlier or stay a little longer to provide you with some or all of the support you anticipate that you will need.

I don't know if anyone on any of these lists has mentioned the term, "Minnesota Nice." We encountered so much of that while there that it quickly became much less intimidating (for us) to manage any anxiety around the scope of the place. I, personally, would feel safe traveling with another woman in such an environment and can well understand the challenges of facing that without such a companion.

I do hope you will find what you are seeking. I travel quite a distance for my care there and will not be returning before October if all goes well. Again, if your timeline is shared, I haven't seen it. You might receive more responses with that level of specificity in your request if you haven't done so already.

I send my best wishes for a safe, comfortable experience and my trust that you will receive excellent healthcare and kind treatment...

Gynosaur