Just a request.

[walter32799]

Received a nice piece of mail yesterday. CIGNA, my Medicare access provider, made the bright decision to cease their Rx coverage. Holy crud! These guys, insurance co.'s, will stop at nothing to make a buck.
So, now I'm stuck figuring out a way to get some pretty expensive meds covered. I've got a "Script Save" card coming from my life insurance. But, for my CIGNA premium to remain the same after they shut the door on a rather important part of my policy?!! You can bet I'll be w/ another company when my policy renewal comes around.
I do have an assistance app. coming from my hormone replacement manufacturer. Next to Interferon, that one's the most pricey.
Oh, got my application for Leustatin assistance off in the mail yesterday. If I get that, it could put an end to much of this junk. Please, please, please!!

[walter32799]

I received my app. for assistance w/ Testim Saturday. I'm gonna be well trained in paperwork and political base touching by the time this is all done! Whew!!

[walter32799]

It's wierd. But, sometimes, especially on clear, sunny days, when I go outside the blades of grass are almost too bright for my eyes. I plow on. Ya know how stubborn I can be. I'm sure that either the growth in my orbits is the guilty party, pressure on the optic nerve, or the Fentanyl kickin' in. It is a bit painful, though.
As far as my Testim issue, I've found a coupon for immediate use and a card thru FamilyWize for extended, large discounts. When a $350 med is reduced to $50 using the card, I pay attention. I just need to get some help. Every time I try to print the card, our decrepid computer reports "Bad Contact". I've tried the security system, the Pop-Up blocker, everything I can think of. Then when I called United Way, the service reported that they were moving and had no E-Mail or phone system currently. Well, soon, I'll have a little over a month's supply. So, I'll have that long to get things straightened out.

[walter32799]

Learned about a possible ECD study being considered by the National Health Institute. It's a Natural History study, which means they will be trying to learn more about the disease. The focus will be on the progression of the disease and a possible cause.
It'll take place in Bethesda, MD and the NHI will be paying travel, lodging and chow expenses for the patient. They're hoping for late '10 to early '11, and guess who's makin' plans to go.

[eeoo]

Hi Walter, I've never responded to your posts before but I wanted you to know that I follow them and I think good thoughts for you. You inspire me, thank you.
Humbly yours, eo.

[walter32799]

Thank you, eeoo. That does wonders for my spirit.

[walter32799]

I got a seriously nice surprise in our mailbox Saturday. I saw an envelope from Johnson & Johnson and immediately broke out in a cold sweat. But, I held my breath and opened it.
There inside was a letter stating that I DID qualify for assistance with the Leustatin (Cladribine). It's my understanding that I can get up to a yr's supply free.
The insurance said the infusion would be covered. I just have a $40 co-pay per visit. I'll take that over $15,000 per treatment.
So, the form is off to my Oncologist, and we see him next Friday. That should be a day filled w/ information!

[walter32799]

I'm guessing it's the Fentanyl (Duragesic). But, lately I've been sleeping so late my wife's actually been concerned. She comes in, no kidd'n', to check my skin color and breathing. We hit the sack betw. 1 & 2 AM. So, I usually get up betw. 9 & 10:30. But, she's been waking me just before noon or beyond to make sure I'm ok. That means I would've slept even longer w/out her. That ain't like me.

[walter32799]

Paid a visit to the Oncologist today, Friday. Beyond the greetings, the first question asked was, "Are you sure you want to go through with this treatment, now?", meaning the Leustatin. I gather the drug is a last resort measure, since it lowers the blood count so. They seemed quite concerned and want to wait and see if I become symptomatic again before taking this step.
Well, I wanted to wait until early 2011 anyway. I want to make sure this Thanksgiving and Christmas are special for my bride. If my blood count is down, I certainly can't risk finding something contagious on the home front, w/ the kids and all.
So, I'm in a bit of a quandry. I've got several months to think about it, and I will listen to the doc. He knows more than I do, medically speaking.

[rnrmachine]

Hi Walter,

Good luck with all that, you are in my families prayers.

Rob