New Jersey: Initial Consult

As I prepared to go down to NJ for the initial consult with ProCure, I kept thinking about how much is riding on this treatment, this center, my insurance, these doctors, and my unwavering support network. I called my sister-in-law (SIL) and asked if she would accompany me to NJ for a night. She didn’t hesitate in saying YES, and I got to work putting together our itinerary. Flying is not in the cards for me right now, so I figured a sisterly train trip was in order (I love traveling by train, btw). It was easy: bus to Boston, train to NJ, Uber to hotel, etc., etc. I had done more complicated international travel back and forth to Denmark just a year ago. 

Oh but it couldn’t be that simple, right?

I dropped my son off with Grandma on Tuesday afternoon, and my father-in-law (FIL)/Grandpa took my SIL and me to the bus. Tuesday was hot and humid, so the AC on the bus was lovely. 

We were all set once we navigated from the south station bus terminal to the train station, or so we thought. We headed to the train board to see what track we would be leaving from, and we were notified the train was delayed but didn’t give us a time/location for going. Alright, so we decided to wait a bit, grab some lunch, bathroom, you know, practice being patient. A hard-to-hear announcement came on at one point, saying something along the lines that there was a delay for all south bound trains and to check in with the station. 

At the ticket counter, we were told that powerlines had fallen on the track in RI and that the earliest the train was expected to leave was 8 p.m. That would put us getting into NJ around 2/3 a.m. Not ideal. So my SIL thought fast…borrow a car (thank you to the couple of people we reached out to who offered a ride/car) or rent a car? We went with the rental. Ultimately, we only needed a one-way ride because a return trip was already booked the next day. 

We called my FIL and asked him to figure out the logistics of getting a car from Boston Logan Airport and where the closest drop-off to ProCure would be. Then, my SIL and I hopped on a bus to the airport; halfway there, the bus stopped and told us to get off and transfer to another bus to continue our journey. 

Once we arrived at Logan, we waited for ANOTHER bus to the rental car transit area. At the rental car transit area, we made our way to the Budget counter. We were greeted sweetly by a woman who asked if we were in their “Fastbreak” club…” No “… “Oh, this counter is only for Fastbreak customers.” I think she immediately saw the disappointment in my eyes, but in case she didn’t I quickly and kindly said “oh, we didn’t know. Well, let me tell you, we have had a day, and I need to get to NJ as soon as possible because I am going to start a special cancer treatment there. Can you just please help us?” And before I could finish my plead, she was already nodding her head and saying she would help us. 

We scored a Nissan Rouge and set off on a bus/train trip gone road trip. 

My SIL owned the NJ turnpike, and we arrived in Somerset, NJ, at the stroke of midnight. It was a lot, but we made the best of it and got the job done! She’s the best!

The appointment

We arrived at ProCure early and sat patiently in the large and open waiting area, where there were many healthy-looking fiddle-leaf fig trees. If you know me, I love a good indoor plant. There were a few other patients and staff, too, but we were so spread out that no one was close to one another. That didn’t stop one previous patient turned “educator” from sharing his stories with whom he was talking directly, but also with the ENTIRE center. I learned about prostate and anal cancer radiation treatments that day. HAHA! 

My SIL joined me back in the appointment when it was my time. First, we met with a person from financials. She reviewed their billing policy and how it will all work with insurance. Then, it was time for my SIL to return the rental car, so I remained at the appointment while she departed. I met next with the radiologist, Dr. Chon, and a nurse. 

We reviewed my medical history and discussed my current side effects/symptoms, what to expect on treatment days, post-treatment side effects, and how he was eager to get this started ASAP. Dr. Chon is one of the kindest humans I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I hope that genuine heart of gold translates to really great radiation work! 

Next up, we did the “simulation.” This entailed getting into a robe, socks, and a gown, and then I headed to a room with a CT machine. I had two radiation technologists working with me, and they really liked my choice of Elton John Radio to listen to while we simulated. 🙂 They first had me lay down in the same position I would be in for radiation and then customized a headrest and a full face mask (just like whole brain radiation). Once that was curing on my head, they set up my body for alignment. Nearly naked from the waist up, they adjusted my body based on where the overhead lasers were on my body. When I was where I needed to be, they did a couple of CT pictures to ensure the outside body matched up with the inside body in terms of alignment. Once that all looked good, they gave me three new radiation tattoos — one on each hip and one right below my belly button. 

Then that was it! I changed my clothes, headed to the lobby, and joined my SIL for the journey home. We Ubered to the train station (which I am REALLY grateful we didn’t end up there at 2/3 AM the night before, eek!) and smoothly sailed all the way home.