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