(TGA) - We are coming to Dana Farber in next few weeks for a transplant. Will have to stay 3 months or more. Should we plan to drive or fly to Boston from Kentucky? By driving, it would allow us to bring more items than flying and having to deal with luggage and sick husband. Can park car at hospital for free I believe, but unsure what we should plan to do.
Also, best route to take -- mapquest was confusing.
Thanks so much for your help -- we greatly appreciate any advice.
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Where are you staying while your husband has treatment. If you let us know that, we'll be able to let you know if the car will be a help or a hinderance.
Do you have a case-worker at DanaFarber that might be able to advise you? If you don't get free parking, it can get expensive. Even places at the end of subway lines are $5-$7 a day and downtown will be significantly more on weekedays.
I wish you the best .....
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I am 100% sure you will not be able to park for free at Dana Farber. Parking here is expensive, in the range of $25-42 a day. If you are staying in the city, you won't need or want a car. The closest hotel to Dana Farber is the Best Western Children's Inn, but if you are staying for 3 months, you may want to stay someplace more "versatile" and take the subway to Dana Farber. For example, Copley Square is a lively area and is a quick ride to DF. You may be able to rent or sublet an apartment for that length of time. The hospital can help with that.
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Thanks for your reply. We do have a case worker at Dana Farber and she is to call next week to discuss our lodging, etc. I am just anxious to know how to plan to travel and venture into this unknown world. I want to make our stay as pleasant as possible and make our lives as easy and simple as possible.
Thanks so much for your help and will post again when we know about our lodging.
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Zelly52,
This past year the Dana Farber Institute created a "concierge service" desk, just like a hotel set up in their lobby. There's people there now manning the phones and assisting people like yourself by providing answers for patients and families with these very type of questions. Here's their number:
617 632-3750
Also, here's a message for you guys from the 6th President of the United States John Quincy Adams, who's birthplace was in Quincy, MA., so since you're going to be in Boston for 3 months, a short day trip to Quincy for you is in order while you're here maybe:
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
Best of luck with everything!
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"Parking
Information/rates
Patients and visitors have the option of using the valet parking service or parking on their own in the paid parking lot. Valet parking for patients and visitors is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the third floor entrance of the hospital. Although the cost of the valet service is free, parking rates still apply. Parking rates are by the hour, with the first 20 minutes free. Maximum rate is $7/day. "
This is from their web site.
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dana-farber.org/abo/…getting-there.html
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The directions above are for Faulkner Hospital, not Dana Farber Hospital.
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I've made the drive from KY to Boston - it's about a 15 hour drive depending on where you are in KY - it you break it up into 2 days and plan your time so you avoid rush hours or travel on the weekend it's manageable. - I think a lot would depend on your husband's comfort level in terms of driving vs flying. I'm not sure where you are going to be staying but the car could be convenient given the length of your stay assuming you can park for free or a discounted rate. Dana Farber is located near a cluster of hospitals including Beth Israel and Childrens Hospital - the area around the hospitals tends to get congested so driving isn't the easiest. If possible I would buy or borrow a GPS unit - you should be able to get a decent one for about $100 on sale.
Good luck and best wishes.
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I know that public transportation is usually the best option to get around Boston, but I would be very careful to suggest it to somebody with weakened immune system, especially during the flu season. IMHO.
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Even if you are staying in town, if you are going to be here for 3 months or more it might be nice to have the car to get out of town. If you can park for only $7 a day that is a great bargain as downtown weekday parking typically runs in the $30 or so dollar range.
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