Saturday, January 05, 2008

Chemo #2

Actually, I don't know how many chemo treatments Adrienne has had in the last 11 years but yesterday she got the second dose of the gemcitabine/oxaliplatin treatment. Early in the day, I was asked to meet with someone in patient financial services. It turns out that the insurance denied the oxaliplatin as nonstandard for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After lots of phone calls and a quick appeal, it appears that this has been resolved. In the meantime, I signed an IOU saying we would pay if the insurance wouldn't to the tune of $16,000 per treatment. We'll be a bit nervous until we get something in writing from the insurance company but I feel relatively confident that this will be paid. Adrienne's doctor said he almost had the insurance company doctor in tears about her options, plus he provided studies describing the effectiveness of this drug in lymphoma, which they requested. We've had to appeal a few things in the past but nothing this large.

Adrienne has not been feeling well at all since the infusion. We drove from City of Hope back to Nevada last night and she slept most of the time. She was having fevers from the gemcitabine last night but that seems better this morning and she ate a bit of breakfast. Prior to the treatment, she said she was feeling better than she had in months so we hope that this is a good omen that the treatment is working.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm constantly amazed at the fighting spirit of Adrienne, it really is something...I'm glad she is feeling better even though the treatment is harsh.

laulausmamma said...

Hang in there Adrienne...go with the positive thoughts that you have been feeling much better in between the 2 treatments than you have in a while...the bug juice is working it's magic on the beast!! Hope you felt up to the mani/pedi with mom today. As always...you (and mom) amaze me. Can't wait to give you a big hug in person!!

Susan

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you. I would also agree that your feeling better, Adrienne, is a sign that the chemo is working. I hope you feel even better in the coming days, and have energy and appetite. Love ya!

I am still raving about the Christmas dinner you made, Alison!

Karen

Duane said...

Hi Adrienne,

Thinking of you, friend.

Feel better soon!!! :)