I sent my husbands files to Dr. Steinberg to confirm MM diagnosis.  He has bilateral MM and is scheduled for surgery on June 25 and July 2.  I can't thank everyone enough on this site for the information, support, and guidance that lead us to Dr. Steinberg.  Without this site, we would have been lost.  

Anyone have any info on what my husbands recovery will be like since he is having both sides done?

Also, since we are traveling from NY and we will be in CA for almost a month, we are looking to rent a home or condo.  Would anyone know of any place to look? I have checked out alot of sites and rental places, but no luck.  I am waiting for a call from Natalie (the social worker at Stanford).  My husband and I will be traveling to CA first and then my parents will come with our 2 children (12 and 5) to stay for the 2 surgeries.  

Thanks so much for all your help
Lisa

Hi Lisa,

No thanks necessary.  We are a support group and we are here for you and your husband and family through this journey. So please ask any questions,

My brother, Kevin (Cubbie) had surgery on both sides at Stanford by Dr. Steinberg in May 2005.  The recovery can be different for each individual however, generally, the individual is out of the hospital by the third or fourth day.  Although my brother was in pretty dire straits by the time he got to Stanford because he had gone 4 years misdiagnosed, had two strokes and a dissected right upper internal carotid artery, he was out of the hospital in three days,  He thought he was "hot" stuff. LOL!  It was a little longer the second surgery but again, it depends on the individual because it can be different for each patient.  There are so many factors that can and may enter the picture.  I must say, that today, my brother is doing very well and it is by the grace of God, the hands of a skilled and knowledgeable surgeon, the entire Stanford MM team and DJ and this site that he is doing so well. Even Dr. Steinberg said he was amazed at my brother's recovery. So stay positive and keep the faith. The Stanford MM team is awesome!

I took my brother to dinner and shopping (not that he wanted to go shopping) the day after he was released from the hospital after his first surgery.  After his second surgery, we just vegged because I wanted him to be fully rested for the trip home.  We live in Ohio.

As for the accommodations, it would be best to wait to hear from Natalie as Stanford has discounts in place with many of the local motels/hotels in the area.  Some have kitchens which make it nice in that you don't have to eat out a lot.  Also, there are deals for Stanford accommodations on this website under patient resources.  Check it out too.

I went to the local Palo Alto Safeway grocery store and signed up for their discount card and bought groceries. That way I could fix meals at the hotel. I sometimes ate at the hospital and it wasn't bad.  They have a nice salad bar but it could get pricey if you ate there often. Remember, its California and the prices are higher than I was used to by about a dollar per item on average.

Additionally, I rented a car because it was cheaper than paying a taxi to go to and from the hotel and hospital.  In 2005, it was $15 each way or a minimum of $30 a day.  I'm certain with gas prices today, it is most likely more.

Lisa, I hope this is helpful to you and perhaps others will share their experiences while at Stanford too.

Please know that you and your husband and family are in my thoughts and prayers and I will be thinking of you on June 25 and July 2.

Please keep us posted on your husband's progress.  Stanford has computers at the hospital and in the cafeteria you can use to e-mail or surf the net.

Hugs,

Lore  

Hi Lisa,
I had my surgeries on Oct 31 and Nov 7 last year in Stanford. Recovery from the first surgery, on the right side, was amazingly quick and without any difficulties. Within days I was up and about and enjoying myself. The second, a week later and on the left side, was initially the same, but then after a few days, I had some moments of minor speech problems and some numbness and tingling in my right hand. It completely resolved itself in a few days, but it was no picinic at the time. I didn't hesitate to take a Vicodin tablet when I felt even the slightest headache, but didn't need it often. Every person responds differently to their surgeries so it's difficult to say what your husband might experience. From those who I've spoken with, I think that my expereince was pretty typical.
It's important that he be patient with himself, he'll be back to doing his previous activites sooner that he might believe possible. He'll need to rest when he's tired and not push himself too hard durng those initial months of recovery. And if he has any concerns, he shouldn't hesitate to call Stanford. They're the ones who can tell him whether what he's experiencing is normal or not.
During my six-month checkup, I stayed at the Stanford Guest House right on campus. They have a shutttle to the Hospital and will provide a microwave and refrigerator for your room or you can use those in the communal breakfast area. The guest house is bright, clean and safe  as it's located on the same grounds as the linear accelerator, so there's a security gate to pass through. You can find more information on the Stanford University website.
Please know that you're not alone. There are a lot of us out here who have beaten this disease and are living rich and productive lives with a greater appreciation for each and every day. You're husband will be getting the best care available anywhere.
You'll be in my prayers,
Kim