If you have a chance to work with Dr. Rhonda Jacob in Dental Oncology, try to get in to see her, she has forgotten more than most know and is a great person pull of positive energy besides.

I too stayed at the very cheap apartments fully furnished with everything that you could need, which was the deal of the century. There is a daily shuttle bus from the apartments to the clinic and back (the parking fee there could send someone's child through college!)

You have got to take some free time to go see the butterfly museum not far from the hospital. I won't spoil the experience for you, but it is like nothing you've every seen.... not just a bunch of bugs on pins..... And the Bar-B-Que at a couple of places nearby is to die for. There is one where it is all family seating (meet lots of interesting strangers) on long benches, and everyone in town knows why you are there and people in town are genuinely friendly, gregarious, and empathetic. As my treatment progressed I was less about going out and eating and seeing the town, and more about sleeping, but my wife rented every movie a Blockbuster and watch three a day while taking care of me there.

If you feel like being a bit of a missionary, Meagan at OCF could send you some postcards to leave at the various nurses stations around head and neck that help patients find this forum. Patients before you have left them, but they are likely all gone by now. If you are interested call Megan at 949-723-4400 and she will send you a batch to leave behind.

Several of the MDACC docs are on the OCF science advisory board, and are huge supporters of OCF. I don't think you could be with a finer group of people, you are in good hands for sure.