Esophageal Cancer: How do I get started with Mayo?

Hi @dtaylor75 Let me help you get started with your appointment request for your wife. I’m so sorry she’s been diagnosed with cancer. I know from experience what a shock it is.

Here is a link which will take you to Mayo’s home page. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
On that page, you’ll see options for the campus you’d prefer, either Rochester, Phoenix or Jacksonville. Then make the call!

The coordinator who answers the phone will listen to your questions and help determine the direction for your wife. They’ll take it from there and have someone return your call within 3 business days.

While it isn’t necessary, it can be helpful to have a referral from your wife’s oncologist.

When was your wife diagnosed with esophageal cancer?

Last Wednesday. Been running around everywhere trying to get all the scans and tests done.

This is a very stressful time for both of you. I’d encourage you to call Mayo, Monday morning to get the appointment request process started.
I see you’re preferring Rochester, so when you have an appointment we can help you with your considerations for lodging and anything you might need.

In Connect there’s an esopheal cancer discussion group which you may find helpful. Bear in mind, everyone’s case is their own and no two cases are the same. But it’s an opportunity to look at other people’s experiences though they may be different than your wife’s journey.

Will you let me know when you get the appointment?

Hi @dtaylor75, I'd like to add my welcome and see how you and your wife are doing. When you request an appointment at Mayo Clinic, you do not need to specify a particular specialist. At the Esophageal Clinic your care team works together to provide the best care for your wife. You can read more here:
- Esophageal Cancer Care at Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20356094

Let me know if you have any questions as you navigate this new diagnosis. I'd also like to invite fellow esophageal cancer members to join this discussion like @maryhelen @sepdvm @patriciagsr @survivorsuz @puprluvr @lori57216

How are you and your wife doing, @dtaylor75?

Thank you Colleen. Still trying to navigate what to do and such. We do have a zoom appointment with a nurse practitioner at Mayo next week, I am hoping that means we’re going to discuss a plan for this and set up some follow up appointments and start treatments and not some kind of interview to see if we can be treated/admitted to Mayo. Not sure what to anticipate there.

That sounds like you're on the right path to getting care at Mayo Clinic. I would start gathering the questions you would like to ask about treatment options and next steps.

So sorry to hear of this diagnosis. I was tagged in this discussion though I do not have esophageal cancer, but head and neck cancer and I sought treatment at Mayo Rochester 10 1/2 years ago due to the rarity of my cancer location. We have been so happy with my treatment there since. I know things are now different in applying for an appointment than they were back then but I suspect your video visit will be to learn more about your wife's case to proceed in the correct direction. I believe that a referral from your doctor is valuable also to get a quick appointment. The different specialties work so well together at Mayo, and it is all arranged for you according to what you need. Dr. Katharine Price is my head and neck oncologist and our hero. She has been amazing from the first time we met her in the hospital after surgery. I know that the oncology team that you end up with will be the best. I also know the panic that you feel knowing there is a cancer growing in her body but it is so important to pursue your best options even if some delay is involved. It sounds like you are doing just that. I hope she can be seen at Mayo soon and you can start your treatment with such a wonderful organization. Best wishes to you.

I don’t know. I sure hope this video appointment isn’t some type of interview or screening process to see if they will treat her. That’s what I’m scared of at the moment.

This is likely a medical appointment @dtaylor75. Appointment screening and scheduling are done by phone. You can call Mayo Clinic to confirm and put your mind at ease.

How are you doing @dtaylor75? How did the video appointment go?