Canadian Health Care

I'm just guessing that the neupogen/neulasta would be covered in a hospital.  I heard it's covered if you get a nurse to come to your home to do it.  I thought it might be a good work-around if I got it in the hospital.  I guess I'll find out everything tomorrow.  I'll post the interesting stuff, especially about free stuff!

Luah, I posted something at the beginning of this thread regarding neupogen (and this would go for neulasta too).  When I had my first tx, I was told that if my supplemental insurance didn't cover it, I would be given a "card" to take to the pharmacist and this "card" would make me eligible for coverage  I didn't need the "card" (my insurance did cover it).  I suggest you investigate this further with your onc or with Social Services at the Hospital or the CCAC.  If your onc says it's necessary, then it's part of your tx and you shouldn't have to pay out of pocket.

BTW I had 12 neupogen shots between tx.  The visiting nurse taught my DH how to give them to me but if he hadn't been able to, she would have come every day to do it.  No way could I do it myself, major wuss that I am.

Hugs, Linda

Hey, I just found out I got censored on the "What (some) Americans Think" thread . . . at least I know I'm in good company.  In fact, I'm (sniff, sniff) *honoured*!

Pretty sad, though, that it's acceptable to call a Democratic Senator from California a "b*tch* (without even giving a reason) but not to share unsavory details about the background of a n*tcase Republican Senator from Oklahoma.

Linda

Linda,

That particular thread has degenerated into a hate-fest.  Some people are actually using WorldNetDaily as a source!  That site is at the forefront of the "birther" movement, and posits the view that the Obama administration is setting up concentration camps!!!   There is also a new strain of anti-semitism that is growing on the thread.  It is really hateful and exclusionary.  Some of the posters have made it pretty clear that they don't want any dissenting views; hence, you being censored.  It is unbelievable that it is allowed.

mmmmmm wine!  If you like cheese, you have to try brie with sundried tomatoes.  You bake the brie, and it is so yummy.  If anyone wants, I can give you the recipe.

It was pretty obvious when the thread was started that it would soon turn into a partisan political thread. And that it would be used not just to help its participants to reinforce each other's opinions, but to try and persuade those of un-like mind to their way of thinking.

I thought the moderators did not want any more political threads on this forum???

As for cheese!   Well, I made a variation of Blundin's native cranberry sauce and it's actually delicious served with brie or chevre.  Here it is:

1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

2 tsps fresh cracked black pepper

1/2 cup liquid honey

1/4 cup dry sherry

Boil the cranberries in 1 cup water, and add the rest of the ingredients (along with a splash of salt to bring out the flavour). Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until most of the water has boiled down.

Add the sherry and simmer some more.  Then smash with a potato masher until the concoction has the consistency of jam.Check for seasonings.  You may fiind you need to add more pepper.

Cool it.  Lasts several weeks in the fridge and it's great served with roast chicken, or as an appetizer with soft cheeses.    Mmmmmm good!  (Oh, and with those cranberries, good for you too!!!)

Costs about the same as neupogen which is $200/dose.  Neupogen comes in packets of 10, but if you were paying out of pocket, neupogen might be cheaper in that you wouldn't necessarily require 10 shots between each tx.

Leprechaun -- good to see you again!

Just returned from my first chemo treatment...  And found out through the "Victory" program (set up by drug manufacturer) that they will pick up my co-pay for Neulasta. Saving me about $1250 a round. Thank you!  

This is a cross-post from the America vs other countries's healthcare:

I just had a marvellous experience with my new onc today.  I get my first chemo this Friday (continuing with same cocktail as I had in Boston) and am getting a full body CT scan, MRI of my spine, and an ultrasound of my heart scheduled. Also on Friday I will see the social worker to get my disability set up and a home care card so all my meds will just cost a couple of dollars each.  I am thrilled!!!!  I am so impressed!!!!  So, from my new experience with cancer in Canada and my previous experience in the US, I can wholeheartedly say that it is a pile of BS that Canadian care is inferior.  I am so happy -- I just had a big chocolate celebration!!!

I absolutely LOVE my new onc!!!!!

Elizabeth that is WONDERFUL!!! (I told you so...heheheheheh)

Elizabeth - thats great news. So glad that your are happy about your decision. It is wonderful that all the treatments and drugs for SE's are mostly taken care of. 

Luah - glad that the victory thing worked out for you. Good luck as you start your chemo. 

I'll be continuing on Gemzar and Herceptin.  I've already had my Zometa for the month.  Since I've been doing so well on this chemo cocktail we'll keep with it to blast away my last (of 7) stubborn liver lesion -- the little b*stard has been hanging on for over 12 months!! 

Yeah, the censoring has been crazy -- terrible.

Edit to add:  I'm feeling quite happy and a bit smug how I didn't have to wait for treatment.  And getting the same treatment as in the US. Oh yeah, did I mention no co-pays?

I wish they could scoop it out!  The SEs are minimal.  No aches, no nausea.  It's actually very gentle.  The only SEs are low platelets and after being on it so long my liver's taking a beating.  But no biggie -- I feel fine!  There's quite a fan club here (some women here online) for Gemzar -a few of us are just lovin' it!

Great to hear Elizabeth.

Barbe, I have forgotten, when do you get your results? 

So far your tests have been great Barbe -- I'm expecting the same for the others.  Your brain is certainly firing on all pistons so it will be fine.