Good news.. yes, you heard that right, good news!
[Original post from Thursday, October 15th, 2015]
I am happy to finally report some GOOD news. Yes you heard that right. After 7 weeks of being sick as a dog from I.C.E. chemo, insurance finally came through and on the first appeal! There are reservations and contingencies, but their biggest fear is that they will pay the $13k a month for my drug alone, and then I will be passive at seeking trials as they open in the U.S. sticking them will unnecessary payments.
So they offered to cover 90% of my treatment for 90 days. After 60 days, the hospital will have to send updates showing probably cause. Basically they have to show that the expense of the medicine is worth it because it's having a significant impact. The second part is showing trials still aren't live with the drug in the U.S. If both of those clear between the 60-90 day mark, they will automatically sign to cover 90% for the full year of treatment. Hallelujah!!
To make the deal even better, because the drug is off trial in the U.S., my doctor has tentatively agreed that if I do well the first two rounds (6 weeks), he will let me self administer the shots so I don't have to keep flying to NYC every 3 weeks.
If that's not good enough, I just hit week 7 of chemo, which at this point last time I was bald and shiny as a bowling ball. I am happy to report (at least as of now) I still have most of my hair!! I am officially done with chemo FOREVER. We're flushing it from my system for the next 30 days to start my new mononuclear antibody immunotherapy treatment.
So now my chemo will cost $1250 every 3 weeks rather than $13k, and I might not have to pay to fly to NYC every 3 weeks! So thankful. My flight in November is covered thanks to my sister-in-laws connections, as well as all my initial testing costs are covered thanks to Encounter leadership. If anyone has extra points they don't need, or connections, and wants to help get me back there for my second dose the first week of December- we would really appreciate it! Im working part-time to help cover bills, but the co-pays, medicines, and tests still add up so fast (on top of life). We're so grateful for the insurance coverage, but that's still $1250 for medicine alone every 3 weeks, can't handle airfare on top of that. Yikes.
My new job is AMAZING!! We are currently preparing for our walks in Palo Alto and San Jose the next two weeks. Seeing everyone come together to fight blood cancer is truly touching. The staff is so warm and supportive. They decorated my desk and left me a bag of goodies as a welcome back today. Feeling extra blessed!
So they offered to cover 90% of my treatment for 90 days. After 60 days, the hospital will have to send updates showing probably cause. Basically they have to show that the expense of the medicine is worth it because it's having a significant impact. The second part is showing trials still aren't live with the drug in the U.S. If both of those clear between the 60-90 day mark, they will automatically sign to cover 90% for the full year of treatment. Hallelujah!!
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| I still have hair!! Some bald spots, but can't complain! |
If that's not good enough, I just hit week 7 of chemo, which at this point last time I was bald and shiny as a bowling ball. I am happy to report (at least as of now) I still have most of my hair!! I am officially done with chemo FOREVER. We're flushing it from my system for the next 30 days to start my new mononuclear antibody immunotherapy treatment.
So now my chemo will cost $1250 every 3 weeks rather than $13k, and I might not have to pay to fly to NYC every 3 weeks! So thankful. My flight in November is covered thanks to my sister-in-laws connections, as well as all my initial testing costs are covered thanks to Encounter leadership. If anyone has extra points they don't need, or connections, and wants to help get me back there for my second dose the first week of December- we would really appreciate it! Im working part-time to help cover bills, but the co-pays, medicines, and tests still add up so fast (on top of life). We're so grateful for the insurance coverage, but that's still $1250 for medicine alone every 3 weeks, can't handle airfare on top of that. Yikes.
My new job is AMAZING!! We are currently preparing for our walks in Palo Alto and San Jose the next two weeks. Seeing everyone come together to fight blood cancer is truly touching. The staff is so warm and supportive. They decorated my desk and left me a bag of goodies as a welcome back today. Feeling extra blessed!
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| My desk is ofcourse all yellow!! So excited to use all my "sunshine party" stuff from my surprise party at my desk! |
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