On Monday, Dad took me up to St. Vincent’s in the Riverside area of Jacksonville. Mom was treated at the Mary Virginia Terry Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s.

The first thing I noticed when we entered the office in the cancer center was how full it was. I don’t think there was an empty seat in what I think is the largest reception area I have seen.

It was a moving visit for both of us. The staff recognized Dad immediately. The receptionist came out from around the counter to give him a hug as soon as she saw him. Dad took me up there to show me the room where Mom received her chemo treatments over the last few years. After we talked to the receptionist for a few minutes, Dad led me back to the room where chemo is administered.

The room was shaped like a number seven that has been laid down flat. With the exception of the nurse’s station, all of the walls are lined with chairs that recline and have small racks for IVs on the side. Dad was telling me that her treatments would last anywhere from one and a half hours to three hours. He would sit with her most of the time. Sometimes he would take a walk down to the first level and pick up a sandwich for the two of them to share. Her appointments were often scheduled for late in the morning so her treatment would often last through lunch.

He later asked me what I thought about the visit. I noticed that a lot of the patients receiving treatment where there by themselves. He noticed this as well. I was thankful that Mom and Dad had each other during these trips.

Tags: cancer, breastcancer