Sue has some good tips for you above. My husband had stage 3 esophageal cancer and went through the chemo and proton radiation with an esophagjectomy (sp) in March of last year. I took notes every time a Dr came in so I could convey the appropriate information to family and friends. It was also helpful to write down questions as they come up so you don't forget.

The only thing I wanted to mention that the patient navigator at Mayo helped us find places to stay and I preferred Centerstone Plaza on Soldiers Field. Their rooms are not new, but clean and the staff is so helpful. As a spouse the best thing for me was they have a bus service that runs continuously from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and they have a restaurant on site that is very good. it is a short trip to any of the Mayo campuses and they will drop you right at the door of any building you request. The bus drivers are top notch and so caring. Since I was there on my own, it really made me feel safe. I would also ask if the Mayo Patient Navigator offers any discounted rates for your stay. There is also the Hope Lodge specifically for cancer patients as well as other places to stay. Also, if your brother is having surgery at St Mary's, there is a cafeteria there so you can take a break, they have a library, and their are good restaurants right across the street available for lunch as well.

Good luck to you as you begin this journey. You will be so thankful for the staff at Mayo (everywhere). they are definitely top notch and very caring. Rochester is a nice city too.