Progress?!

Heath Shulers' office called again today. ,She needs a bit more info before she can put pressure on the insurance co. to cover Cladribine (Leustatin). One thing she needs is the manufacturer. Peace-o-cake, right? Wrong!! I keyed in "Cladribine Manufacturer", "Pharmaceutical maker of Cladribine", "Maker of Cladribine", even "I need to know what pharmaceutical company manufactures Cladribine", among other queries. But, each led me in the same circle of side effects, chemical structure, side effects. My scream of frustration could be heard by canine ears only.
I finally, after hours, tried a web address below the site link. Voila! There was all I needed at the Selleckchem site. This after I called my doc's assistant, gave her the name, number and info needed at Rep. Shuler's office.
Well, we at least got a connection established betw. our Rep.'s office and my Oncologist's. :-)
And, "progress" didn't beat me. This computer just doesn't realize how determined I can be. Go ahead! Mess with me! >:-/

Image Results

Got the report back on my images. Doc says the disease seems stable, if not improved. They did find some Sclerotic growth on my spine. Apparently that's just a sign of age. Only problem is, I ain't old. I'm still 27, right?
Got my paper work, all my reports, from my doc. They go way back to around 2002 or so. I'd forgotten a bunch of that stuff. They are, however, all packaged and on their way to his office. Only problem I see is, since my image report is so good, they may see no need for Cladribine.
Ah!! Whatever. God knows what He's doing. :-)

Cladribine: Insurance Co.'s! Geez!!

Well, the first news on the Cladribine is that, because it is an experimental drug, it isn't covered. Since less than 350 people have been diagnosed with ECD in 80 yr.'s, any drug they use to treat it is "experimental".
So, I've contacted a local paper and NC's state Rep. The paper had me write an editorial for starters, and Heath Shuler has called me and sent an authorization form for info about me from other agencies. I just need to determine what documents I have that might be useful in helping his office understand my case. I think I've got some pretty good ideas.

Cladribine: The Battle Begins.

My Oncologist said I'm doing great and was very pleased to hear that my vision has remained good, if not improved.
We discussed Cladribine, and he agrees with me that we should try it. He does believe we're going to have trouble convincing the insurance co. to cover it. The drug isn't exactly available at the discount store. It must be infused at a hospital, and one last draw back, I have to sign a release. It lowers the blood count. So, I could die of an infection. Yeehaw!!!
We did put in for it through their computer. They said it shouldn't take very long for a reply.
I've already begun looking for assistance from the pharmaceutical co.'s.
I have confidence all will be fine :-).

Judgement on Cladribine

Well, I'll hear the verdict on Cladribine Thursday. Got an appt. w/ my Oncologist. Provided the possibilities are good, I just hope the insurance co. >:-( doesn't get in the way.
AND, since we don't need healthcare reform (ya know, it bein' Socialist and all), I wonder what a life is worth to a lobbyist and how much that would change if it were their life. It blows my mind how a persons conscience can allow them to choose such an occupation!