**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

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  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 404
    edited June 2009

    Chemo ran $3,000 per treatment
    Neulasta was billed at $4,200 but insurance allowed and paid $2,165.55 per shot.

    My chemo was done in my doctor's office.  I wonder if that is why it was cheaper???

    I go in tomorrow for my final Tamox appointment and need to start soon.....I got my period 2 1/2 weeks ago and it just started again.  Had aching back pains the last week or so and this morning was nauseous and it looks like I am spotting.  Just something else to deal with......UGH.

    Hair is growing in pretty fast.....I never lost it all so what was left grew throughout my treatments.  Will try and take/upload some pictures today.

     We are having a birthday party for my son who is turning 3 today!

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited June 2009

    OOPs - I just checked my insurance account and chemo treatments were billed at appox. $15,000 each (one was missed and they doubled the next time, that's where I got the $30,000).  They accepted insurance payment of approx. $3700-$4000 per treatment.  My insurance doesn't give you the actual drug cost only the copay, so don't know what Neulasta was billed for, I paid $10/shot.

    Diane - Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy!!!  Feel better, and enjoy his day!

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  • Alyad
    Alyad Member Posts: 817
    edited June 2009

    I filled out the paperwork for the BRCA test and they took blood and I was told I would be contacted if it'd cost me more than 300- at the time I had just switched insurance and didn't know if they;d cover it- they don't cover it- so I got the call and I told them to cancel the test since it was going to cost me 3000.

     I went through a bunch of rigamarole with the first Neulasta shot. my insurance refered me to a case manager whose job it was to review my claims for them and supposedly advocate for me, the only issue she really dealt with was that shot and how much they charged for it- the first round we weren't sure what  we'd get charged so my case manager had me order it from Caremark- it "only" cost 3k from there- which I paid 300 of. It came overnight refrigerated and I had a friend give me the shot. 

    After that round, the case manager was able to find out I could get it from my onc for about the same (which really makes me wonder ccbaby- what the hell they are charging you?- from the same place- if they were charging me that I wouldn't be getting it from them- which I did get it from them the other 5 rounds.)

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  • nasharayne
    nasharayne Member Posts: 139
    edited June 2009

    My chemo is $20,000 and my nuelasta is $9000.  I guess cancer is big business.

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited June 2009

    Hi All I have Anthem and my chemo bills are around $10,000 and ins pays 7,800. neulasta is $9000 insurs pays $6,450.  Thank God for ins. I wouldn't want to pay those prices, I pay $20 copay to see the onc and that is it ,up to a 1 million dollar cap.  Hope I don't hit it!!

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  • Luv2sing
    Luv2sing Member Posts: 145
    edited June 2009
    WLL - Unfortunately I've been having not so good SEs.  The pre-meds they give me make me extremely sick (choking, unable to breathe, etc), once starting the Taxol I gained 12 pounds in two weeks.  When my onc saw this she told me to cut back on day of taking my steriods, increase my water, stay away all sodium, etc ... I actually lost five pounds of fluid from Friday to this morning!!!  I have excruitiating back and joint pain, have to walk like a 120 year old woman whose had no physical activity, can only take Ibuprofen at this point because I was on such hard narcotics during most of my surgery/treatment and the Ibuprofen does nothing for the pain. I can't sleep, have hot flashes all day, get short of breath quickly, can't focus, can't remember things (have to carry a notebook with me at all times), my fingernails have started to break constantly and my nail beds have begun turning grey to black, my toes have gotten darker, there's a constant build up of mucus in my mouth, having nosebleeds, eyebrows are thinning, but hair is growing.  However, I have other friends who are at the same phase in their tx and their SEs are worse than mine, so I don't feel too bad. Cool
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  • 7timewinner
    7timewinner Member Posts: 183
    edited June 2009

    Luv2Sing...so sorry about all of these horrible SEs you're having. Hoping they subside very quickly for you!!

    Francine!!! Hair!!! I am so hopeful now, thank you for posting the pics and the timeframe. My hair never fully fell out and has been growing slowly through treatment as well, but still looks very "bald" for all intents and purposes. It's good to hear about and see your growth!! My lashes and brows thinned quite a bit, but are still around...for now...

    My final chemo is this Wednesday, the day I turn 40. I think that's wonderfully poetic :)

    Blessings to all...

    Nadine

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited June 2009

    It is fascinating to read all of your insurance stories. In Australia we have such a different system. I do have  private health insurance but the only difference that makes is the kind of hospital I have treatment in. I simply don't see any bills for chemo - either the government or my insurance company pays for the drugs and the hospital bed. So I have no idea what it costs. I did not have Neulasta. My onco does not believe in it. He was right for me - my blood counts returned to normal by the time of each AC. My onco also costs me nothing as I only see him on the day of treatment and his bill is also just paid by Medicare.

    I  do get bills for pathology (blood tests etc) which are then reimbursed by Medicare and my insurer. Here insurance companies NEVER have any say over what treatment you get. I have been amazed to read on this site of people whose insurance won't pay for what the doctor thinks the patient should have. If the doctor recommends it, you have it.  I feel so lucky.

    Luv2sing so sorry to read about your Taxol side effects. I have number 2 tomorrow. The bone pain subsided on Saturday. Nails are going bad. Until I read your post I had not really noticed that I am having difficulty focussing too. I got so little done at work last week, it was ridiculous. I hope you notice some improvement soon.

    It is a sunny winter MOnday in Melbourne. DBF and I had a fight last night and this morning by way of making up to me he suggested that we both take the day off work. So we had make-up sex all morning (sorry if TMI) and spent the afternoon walking in the park and drinking milkshakes. I feel so much  better than I did last Friday.

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  • pinkdove10
    pinkdove10 Member Posts: 80
    edited June 2009

    Luv2sing-

    I am totally with u. Dont get crushed by the SE.  We all tax's are going tru the same thing.  The amount of body pain i have is unbelivable.  I too cant focus on things.  It is getting embaressing to complain all the times of the Se that i get... but only we all will really understand how bad it is for us.  but chin up. We are all with u .  lets fight it. Together.

    I also would like to know... how imp is it to get the BRCA test done.  My onco has not talked about it.  pl give me details.....u guys.

    I had 4xEC and 3xTaxotere,  waiting for the last chemo.  Then rads for 30 cycles

     Uma

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited June 2009

    I think the BRCA test if important.  I did not have a family history, but have children that I worried about.  Also, my plan of treatment would be different if I tested positive.  I would go for the bilateral without question.  Push to get the test done if possible.

    Sorry to hear some are having bad SE's from Taxol.  I lived on Motrin during the day and a Percocet at night to help me sleep.  The pain seemed worse at night when I would lay still.

    How do I see pics of hair.  My son is getting married October 3 so I'd like to see what others are "growing"  I'm hoping to have enough in for the pxie look.  Hate to have to wear a wig all day.

    I am celebrating today...this is the Monday I should be going in for chemo....NOT anymore!  It was so  nice not having to think about getting ready.  I'm curious to see how I will feel on a week 3, I was dose dense so I only had 2 weeks between TX's.

    Take care all...hugs around!

    Chris

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited June 2009

    Hi all!

    I got my port out, it was pretty easy. I did have to be put under & intubated, but was under for less than an hour, so nausea was very little. I think they busted my lip putting in the tube, that hurts more than the port now!

    Thanks nasharayne for reminding me about the paper I signed saying they would call if it was over $375! I did sign that, and no one called me, so I will definitely argue that if I get a bill. Otherwise my insurance has been awesome, I just paid $20 copay for each chemo. No copay for the neulasta. I agree that I don't know how people do it without insurance, this is big money!

    Friday I would have been having chemo, and it was so nice to not have to go in. I am about 3 1/2 weeks out, and the SE's have mostly disappeared! My hair growth has come to a halt though, which is a shame. I hope it will start up again soon, as I would like to be able to ditch the buffs in time for my cruise in September!

    Raymon, so sorry to hear about your Taxol SE's. I hope they get better soon! (((hugs)))

    Nadine - congrats on being almost done!!! Happy early b-day also, hope you are planning a big to-do! Those are 2 very important milestones!

    Good to see you back Marshall! Hope you don't have mono. Enjoy your med leave, and get in some good r&r!

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited June 2009

    well, i don't know if i can do this or not.

    1st AC tx kicked my butt. no bone pain from the neulasta and very minor nausea from the AC, but i feel like s**t.... just plain miserable. Roid rage was horrible for 4 or 5 days. As I said, no real specific complaints, just feel awful. Today having bowel problems and so tummy has hurt all day. Haven't been out of my pj's since about wednesday or thursday last week ... too hot to go outside anyway. Been a string of 100+ record-breaking days here with heat indexes around 110 (just check the Houston area on your local weather). Even the dogs don't want to go out.

    Sure am hoping next week's tx is not so disabling. I keep telling myself only 3 more, but it may be too hard.

    Bunny

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited June 2009

    Bunny I hear you on the roid rage!!! I have had to sew my mouth shut practically to make sure I don't alienate people with the things I want to say.

    It must be hard when it is so hot but, as a fellow AC person, I really really recommend that you have some outings. On AC i found that the more out and about I was, the better I felt. I did have to go home and have granny naps some afternoons, but just the action of moving the body (by walking around the mall for instance! -   I did very little proper exercise) helped it get past the drugs. 

    Are there airconditioned places you could go? The movies, perhaps? It sounds silly but a cool shower, cute clothes and a change of scenery might be helpful. And of course lots of long cool drinks of lemonade or similar. Hope there is a break in the weather. But either way you can do this!

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  • bwbly
    bwbly Member Posts: 82
    edited June 2009

    Sakura, this is south Texas LOL ...... everywhere is air conditioned !! Think I've also been kind of afraid to be around too many people since I've become a germophobe!

    Just told my SIL that I think I'll try to get dressed and out tomorrow (if my tummy will quit cramping). I have friends come by most days and my son has been doing my running for me since it's so hot.

    Maybe I should start forcing myself to get out every day.

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  • pickle
    pickle Member Posts: 1,409
    edited June 2009

    Hello Gals;

    Well, we are moved....so nice to be back with our kids. I still call them kids even though they are grown adults...lol.

    We have been busy unpacking and trying to get settled. Went full steam ahead all last week but ran out of steam yesterday. Oh well...I'll find my undies one day soon...lol!

    I met with my new oncologist on Friday. She is awesome. Senior oncologist at the Cross cancer Center here and is noted for her research etc and is very up to speed with all new clinical trials. She gave me my prescription for Tamoxifen which I will start tomorrow. I was surprised that she is referring me to a radiation oncologist because she thinks I would benefit from radiation. I asked her why since I had a mastectomy and chemo and she said that they look at the overall size of the tumors they removed and if they add up to 5cm, the protocol would be radiation too. I am just barely shy of 5cm so she wants me to consult with the radiation oncologist. She said that chemo is systemic through the blood stream but since there isn't much blood flow to the mx breast and the scar line, I would not have benefited much from chemo to that area. I was so surprised but will do what ever I have to do to reduce the risk of recurrence.

    Can anyone comment on their experience with radiation.

    I appreciate all your help. I will catch up on all your posts as soon as I find my undies!!!!

    Hope everyone is as well as can be.

    hugs

    Beth P

    xoxoxox

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited June 2009

    Beth!  We missed you!  Glad the move went well! It must be great to be with your kids, they make living worth while! Hope you setlet in and find your undies!  I am sure your onc is great, I have heard that about 5cm being the gold standard for rads!  Sorry that you may join us rad girls!  I start the 20th, and end Set 3rd, talk about wishing the summer away, This too shall pass! Love, Dawn

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  • kellerka
    kellerka Member Posts: 49
    edited June 2009

    Hi Ladies, it's been so long since I posted but I have been reading and sending good thoughts. We are at so many different stages right now. Hurray for those done, hang in there for those still in chemo and then there is rads and reconstruction. We all started together in March... but I can't really say time flys.

    I had my exchange surgery done on Friday. It was scarier than the first 3 surgeries. Maybe because it's what I will live with from here on out. It went really well. I am pleased with the results. For those still contemplating reconstruction I have to say I am glad I went down this road. It was a hard decision but that's just one of many we have...

    So now I am wondering what it mans to be 'DONE'. No more appts, no more IV's no more cancer? I hope so.

    Take care all

    Kathy

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  • Gramof3
    Gramof3 Member Posts: 301
    edited June 2009
    Alyad,  I just PMd you. 
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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited June 2009

    Hi all - been reading everyone's posts...just not commenting....and not because I don't LOVE YOU ALL. I soo do and sooo appreciate the group we have here. There been a couple of things keeping me from posting ~ besides the fact that I am a slow reader and I take WAY TOO MUCH time to compose a post.....I did actually start (and loose) quite a few....

    #1 End-of-school-schedule took me by surprise. Who knew that a kindergartner would have soo many celebrations to participate and attend?! There was the School Concert (put on by the school music director. The kindies sang two folk songs), the Jump Rope Club performance, Running Club end of school potluck, Girl Scouts Bridging Ceremony, Boys & Girls Club bbq, Classroom Slide show and potluck, PTA Ice Cream party, School Field Day (I was in charge of the hula hoop station!) and of course, the 5th Grade Graduation Assembly (which the kindies had to attend...they were soo bored). OMG. All that crammed into the last two weeks a school. My head was spinning.

    The first full day of summer vacation (last Friday) Syd got to hang out with a babysitter....so I could have my last CMF treatment (yipee!!!) and now I just have a couple of more days of cytoxan pills to gobble down. I was so terrified of another delay (every time I talk about my chemo schedule, something would pop up to derail it), but my WBC was a healthy 6.0 so I was golden (though still wound up about it). I am going through the "what next" anxiety attack right now.

    #2  And the newest SE...we think my husband has an ulcer. He is going in tomorrow for and upper endoscopy. Poor guy. He is not looking forward to it...but I am pretty convinced that the combination of the sucky economy and this bc junk, he has stressed himself out silly. That, and my babysitter has given herself extreme tennis elbow and thrown her back out...means that I am kind of playing single mom right now( ...hence just jumping on to read...no time to type). Babysitter will be fine, but keep your fingers crossed for hubby. We dont need any more medical emergencies right now!

    My period didn't stop with TC or Abrax/Cyto (though it certainly got messed up), but it certainly did with CMF. Haven't had that for 3 months...but will say I keep worrying about it in the back of my mind. It is probably a good thing that it has stopped for me.... (means that the hormones are in check). Now we play the waiting game to see if it comes back. Things that ARE happening...HAIR. Who would of thought. It started to fuzz up around memorial weekend...and here I am at my last treatment of CMF....4 weeks after it started to fuzz up, and about 12 weeks after my last taxol related chemo. 

    Hey look, I can see the end of my forehead! Gals, it will come back. Maybe a tad different than before (er...mine is coming in sort of ash-mousy with flecks of grey ACK!!! and soft like a bunny rabbit...nice for petting!!!)

    Oh and Reason #3 ....is sitting on my lap. I cant believe I am going to admit this...but I just discovered the Twilight books...and I can't put them down. I was just starting #3 when this pic was taken. That was Friday. Half way through book #4 right now. Good grief, right?

    Jdking - another Port gone! I am SO jealous!! 

    Pinkdove, Love2Sing, Sakura, Bunny(!) and anyone else still going through this sh*tty chemo crap...hang in there PLEASE!! Sending you healing thoughts!!!

    Rad gals - hope all is well in the zap department. I make light of it...but it is only because I don't fully understand what you are all enduring. Hugs

    Nadine - way to celebrate your big 4-0! Congrats and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    OK - sooo sorry for the long post. I guess I am trying to make up for my absence. 

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  • buddy1
    buddy1 Member Posts: 750
    edited June 2009

    Pickle  I too was jut hit with the surprise rads thing.  I as told from the begining I wouldnt need them due to my mascetomy,  Then I had to miss a couple treatments and they found out that one of my nodes were 75% full.  They decided it would be for my best.  My breast tumor was 2.2.  one node 75 full and one 20%.  I was very surprised too.  But like you I just want to do everything possible I can.  Thanks for telling me about the 5cm size.  I had never heard that.  It makes me feel even better though.

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited June 2009

    Gina!!! Yippee for being done with chemo! How 'bout a strawberry margarita to celebrate?!?!?

    Bunny - sorry to hear that AC is treating you rough. I agree with Rachel - I think it is best to try to get moving and get out of the house, helps the SE's pass quicker. Hope you feel better soon!

    Beth - congrats on the move and being near the kids again. How wonderful!

    Kathy - congrats on the new boobs! Hope you heal super fast and life beyond cancer starts to be your new reality!

    Gina - your hair is amazing! Can't wait til mine looks like that. Sorry about your hubby's ulcer, hope it turns out to be something treated easily with meds! I've had peptic ulcers before and they are no fun, so I totally sympathize with him! I read those Twilight books too, and they were pretty addictive! Hope you enjoy them.

    I hope everyone is doing well. Janet - are you out there? Haven't seen you post in awhile.

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited June 2009

    Me again - sorry!

    Just wanted to mention that there has been a July 2009 rads thread started for anyone else who is going to start soon!

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  • sakura73
    sakura73 Member Posts: 467
    edited June 2009

    Gina a 6.0 on the WBC - go those strawberries! Congrats on being so close to being done. I love your hair, and I am keeping my fingers crossed for your husband.

    Pickle great to see you back, and glad you feel confidence in your new onco.

    I have just had a steroid-induced rage at my boyfriend over ice cream flavours. Arrghhh. I had already bitten through my tongue with other people so the poor guy copped it.

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  • bethr
    bethr Member Posts: 259
    edited June 2009

    Hi All,

     So sorry to hear about all the SE's.  My hopes and prayers go out to all of you.

    ginagina - your hair is beautiful!!!  I'm so happy for you!

    beth (pickle) - congrats on the move!  My wishes for much happiness in your new home!

    All -  You may already be aware of this or something like it in your area, but I wanted to recommend a seminar I went to last night in my area called The Transition to Wellnes Workshop...  I don't know how widespread it is.  I'm in Maryland and the women running this one said it's offered all over the place.  It was very informative and we talked about many things, mental/emotional well-being, diet, excercise, etc...   It basically covered various subjects related to surviving this curse.  I thought it was great and just wanted to pass it on to all of you in case you hear about it and wonder if it's worthwhile.

    I hope you're all having a great day!

    My best as usual!

    Beth

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  • arnie
    arnie Member Posts: 3,050
    edited June 2009

    Great reading through all the posts!  Gina...you go girl!    I have my first Taxotere today of 4.  Just wondering if anyone can tell me when do you stop shaving the stubble???   Should I stop now?   I haven't been posting either...my dh had two TIA's within the last month and has been out of work while they are doing testing to find the source...  I had to call an ambulance for him the second occurrence...shook me up a bit. 

    Pickle...congrats on the move!  Sorry to hear that you might have to go through rads...   

    ((((((((((((hugs and good vibes to all March warriors)))))))))

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited June 2009

    Gina:  Your hair looks great.  I have just started the fuzzy stage (white hair about 1/4 inch).  Can't wait till I have what you do!

    Bunny:  Hang in there.  AC was rough on me...mostly naussea.  I was put on Emend my last treatment and felt so much better.  I agree with moving around.  I found that I didn't feel any worse by getting out a little.  Kept my mind off of it for a while a too.

    Beth:  Congrats on having the move out of the way!  It feels more like home when the kids are near.

    Kathy:  WOW...done with surgeries...that sounds great!

    I had my MRI yesterday.  I passed out right in the middle of it!  I felt hot and breathing was shallow due to the way I was laying on the table.  They got me out and I felt much better.  Wanted to reschedule, but I insisted on getting it done.  They put pillows under my stomach and hips to raise me up a bit and then it was fine!

    The nurse from my docs office called with the results.  She said it shrunk some, but the chemo had more of a swiss cheese effect on the tumor.  Not what I wanted to hear.  I see the surgeon on Thursday to talk about surgery.  Not sure if he will still want lumpectomy or just go to mastectomy. I am so confused...again!  She said if I wanted mast. they could have reconstruction done at same time.  I don't mind implants.  Would they do TE's then?  Anyone have info on skin sparing mast. so they can just put an implant at time of surgery?  Not sure if they will even want more chemo after surgery :(

    Sorry this was so long.  I just feel like I went through all this S**T for nothing.

    Take care, SE free week to all, congrats to those finishing up,

    Chris

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  • PattiB
    PattiB Member Posts: 421
    edited June 2009

    Pickle - I am going for the 23rd/33, so far just feeling tired and I have some redness and irritation that just started last week. The redness is cumulative and I will only have 2 more days of full breast rads that zap me from each side in the same spot.  Then the boost rads (next 8) will only zap the scar area.  My facility is really quick and the techs are very nice.  The longest appointments were the 1st, a CAT Scan, some markings, I h ad simulation the day of the 1st rad.  Just had second simulation for the Boost rads yesterday and will start them on Thursday.  The CAT Scan and Simulation appoinment take the longest about an extra 1/2 hour.  Dairly rads takes not even 5 minutes, most time spent driving, dressing, and waiting room if they are running behind, which wasn't very often.  My facility has parking right outside the entrace for rads patients, so that was really nice too, no parking garage or payment.  I am on the June rads board and it seems each rad onc has different opinions for applying creams, you could skim through the June board to get more info on that.  I was told to use Aquaphor by Eucerin and then when I got redder was given a cream made by my onc.  As a general rule don't use cream or deoderant during the day prior to rads. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2009

    Chris -  So sorry things are all up in the air again for you.  I go get my MRI tomorrow and your post is making me sweat already ( probably just a hot flash).  It reminded me to get my ativan prescription filled today after work.  That MRI tube and I are not good friends.

    Great that they got back to you so quickly.  I see my BS on Monday to go over results and plan the next step. Going to be a long weekend I'm afraid.  It is a good thing that they know how your tumor reacted (or not) to the chemo.  It can help with your surgical decisions.  And , your chemo was not for nothing.  As my onco told me when this started " you can see me now or see me later, regardless, you'll be down this road".  That isn't much solace right now, but it does make sense.

    Try not to stress toooo much over it all and just get your questions ready for tomorrow.  I know, easier said than done.  You'll be in my thoughts.

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  • ChrisC433
    ChrisC433 Member Posts: 553
    edited June 2009

    Deb:  I noticed that you are triple negative.  One thing the nurse did say was that my ER+ doesn't usually react as strongly to chemo as the triple neg. ones do.  Hope this gives you some peace of mind.  When she said that I reacted with...(1) why didn't you tell me that before I began all this and (2) then why didn't we take the tumor out first and then just have chemo working on what is left!  She said that research shows the only difference in having chemo first is that it attacks the whole system earlier and can shrink the tumor for better surgical results.

    I have my list of questions ready for Onc. today and surgeon on Thurs.  More answers after that, I hope!

    Chris

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  • ginagina
    ginagina Member Posts: 327
    edited June 2009

    Chris - nothing about this is for nothing. Just think about what the chemo is doing to any little buggers that are in other places in your body looking to hang out. I had skin sparing mx (actually bilat mx). Yes, that wil be tissue expanders, followed by implants (your choice of silicon or saline).

    Arnie - stop shaving the stubble when you are ready. I dont think it will mess up with your regrowth, but do it for as long as you want. I shaved whenever my head felt prickling/weird and it was bugging me. I especially didn't like the mange look and prefered it super smooth. When the fuzz started to appear consistently all over, that is when I stopped. But you know...as I still have this toxic juice in my body, what is growing is rather odd. It will be months before I can cut off the chemo-fried stuff. 

    hugs

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