First appointment at Shands

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(Bridgette here)

It was a very long day for all of us. We were at Shands Medical Center from 10 until 5. In one day, mom saw the medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and medical dentist. She has appointments set for her next MRI, a tooth extraction and an appointment with the Proton Radiation Center and a follow up meeting with the medical oncologist and radiation oncologist.


In sum, Mom had a good experience at Shands. The doctors were organized, had read her case beforehand, spoke with other involved doctors during her visit and at the end of her appointment with the radiation oncologist, he gave mom his cell number and email address. This is standard procedure for him. Mom didn't feel this same level of availability with the doctors at Penn. In addition, the hospital was bright and sunny and the people, whether they were patients or staff, were friendly and helpful. Mom looked relieved and taken care of.


I’ll write out the details in the morning but it was a very tiring but worthy day in that we have a plan. Mom will remain in Florida for her chemo whether she stays with the Penn plan (CAV) or changes to another one typically used by Gainesville (Cisplatin). I will also write out the reasons and details.


Just so you have it, next week on the 23rd, mom will have her first MRI after she started chemo. We have our fingers crossed that perhaps she won’t have to do another round. On that same day she’ll meet with her medical oncologist at Shands. On the 22nd she’ll go to the Proton RadiationCenter in Jacksonville.

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