My husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in October 2022 and had an autologous transplant in February 2023. He was in the hospital 9 days in October, 5 days in December, and 8 days in February. (We were able to take advantage of the advanced care at home program and go home the day of the transplant, but had to go back to the hospital when he got a fever.) I stayed with him the whole time, because that’s where I wanted to be.

There was a folding couch at both hospitals that slept pretty well. I took a very thick blanket to use as padding and my small travel pillows. I was not a lite packer. There was a medium sized cabinet with three shelves for our use in both hospitals, and room to store bags under a counter at Mayo.

At both hospitals there was the option to buy a companion tray for meals. At Mayo Jacksonville it was $10. I also had non-perishable groceries there.

When admitted for the transplant, I was not allowed to use his bathroom. I set up a schedule for family members to stay with him while I left to shower. That was for my peace of mind. I know the hospital staff can take care of him when I’m not there, but there were times when he could barely tell me what he needed. It was helpful to him for me to call for help on his behalf.

If you don’t live in the town of the hospital, check out the hospitality houses on site. We stayed at the Gabriel House of Care in Jax during his transplant prep and were very pleased.

Message me if you’d like to connect via phone.