Starting Chemotherapy in Bordeaux

Our visit to Saint-André Hospital in Bordeaux was nothing short of remarkable, from the moment we arrived to the time we left with Jon's medications in hand. The care we received surpassed our expectations, turning what could have been an overwhelming experience into one filled with support and compassion.

From the start, the nursing staff welcomed us with kindness. Their attention to Jon, making sure he was comfortable, and their quick response to any needs made us feel at ease. Even when the day felt heavy, there was lightness in their presence. One orderly, in particular, kept us smiling with his quick wit and humor. He made what could have been just another stressful hospital day a little brighter, reminding us that even in difficult moments, there's space for laughter.

We also had several visits from Jon's oncologist, a doctor who truly took the time to ensure we understood Jon's situation and the road ahead. Our first meeting of the day lasted a full 45 minutes, during which he patiently explained Jon’s diagnosis and walked us through the treatment options again. It wasn’t just a quick conversation—it was detailed, thoughtful, and gave us both the confidence that we were in good hands. Every question we had, no matter how small, was met with a clear and caring answer.

Then there was the social worker, a true gem of Saint-André. She met with us in the treatment room and helped us navigate the labyrinth of paperwork to get Jon, and possibly me, onto the French healthcare system. The financial burden of treatments and medications is something we had been anxious about, but she handled everything with ease. She stamped Jon’s prescriptions, ensuring we wouldn’t have to pay for what amounted to about $500 worth of medications—an incredible relief. Beyond just the paperwork, she made sure I didn’t get lost, walking me down to the pharmacy herself to avoid any confusion in this unfamiliar place.

The pharmacy experience was another example of the care and attention we received. The pharmacist didn’t just hand me a bag of medications and send me on my way. She took a full 25 minutes to retrieve everything we needed, explaining each medication’s purpose, noting which ones had substitutions, and reminding me to return next week for refills. It was clear she wanted to make sure we understood everything, and that I felt confident about Jon’s care going forward. It was a small act of kindness but one that meant the world.

Walking out of the hospital, medications in hand, we felt a mix of emotions. We were starting this next chapter in Jon’s treatment, but we weren’t doing it alone. The team at Saint-André made sure of that. They offered not just medical care, but humanity, patience, and warmth at a time when we needed it most. And for that, we are deeply grateful.