Update on kitty - Page 2

KathleenNY · 10-12-2011, 07:47 AM

Oh, my. What a time. Will keep you both in our thoughts and prayers.

**Sunline Fan** · 10-12-2011, 12:08 PM

Gary, thanks for the update. Glad to hear Kitty is home and in her own bed (and of course with a Sunny in view). Hopefully she feels better soon.

nasa42a · 10-12-2011, 12:56 PM

Kitty, Gary.....

We find it hard to add anything meaningful to the comments of others, but please know that our thoughts and hopes are with you.......

Frank & Sharon

EMD_Driver · 10-12-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy & Nana

how often does she have to have chemo?

Could you PM me with a mailing address????

We went to fill her prescription, for the chemo she gets in pill form. We even got a discount card, from the drug's maker. Even with the discount card, the cost for two weeks worth was $500.99! Needless to say, we did not get it. Without the discount card, the scrip would have cost $2,000.... That is AFTER her health insurance paid 80%

If my math is working, that would be $10,000 for 94 pills, for those paying full price.

She's also getting chemo via IV... That one, she'll do every three weeks.

Mailing address coming your way!

**Tweety** · 10-13-2011, 04:32 PM

Gary...I keep seeing ads on TV that drug companies will help if you can't afford a medication. May be that would be something to check into. We will keep you and Kitty in our prayers.

Poppy & Nana · 10-13-2011, 06:04 PM

Gary....I was thinking the same thing as Pam & Steve...try calling the drug company and see if they will give you more of a discount.......

EMD_Driver · 10-13-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweety

Gary...I keep seeing ads on TV that drug companies will help if you can't afford a medication. May be that would be something to check into. We will keep you and Kitty in our prayers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy & Nana

Gary....I was thinking the same thing as Pam & Steve...try calling the drug company and see if they will give you more of a discount.......

The drug company supplied the discount card. It takes $1,500 off the retail price.. That leaves $500 for us to come up with.. That's the best they will do.

KathleenNY · 10-14-2011, 07:34 AM

Gary, have you checked with the State Health Dept. in your area to see if there is anything else you can access for assistance? Maybe your local assembly person or senator can assist? Sometimes others need to push buttons when you need help. Just a thought.

Jim-Bev-2363 · 10-15-2011, 11:16 AM

Gary,

I'm sure you know by now that you need to be below the poverty level to get help, and then you can get all kinds of help. And having insurance makes it double worse since they fingure you have incomes so must be able to pay for meds. If you will claim that you have no income/job, or atleast less than poverty levels, you might can get more hlep. Some people have had employers lay them off and rehire later.

One other place for help is the doctor. Many here will help any way they can from prescribing generic to other brands that will have better assistance for lower level income patients.

It is a shame but to survive it is necessary to play the system sometimes. Another thing to keep in mind is that you need a positive attitude. Just because one place says no, there could be another place to say yes.

Prayers to you both.

**Tweety** · 10-15-2011, 01:04 PM

Just wondering how Kitty is doing? Does she just need 2 weeks worth of this very expensive medicine or will it be ongoing? I'm hoping that the choice to forgo part of the protocol doesn't jeopardize her treatment.

EMD_Driver · 10-15-2011, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the suggestions..

The one we cannot yet get filled, will be required every three weeks and lasts for two weeks. Being a school bust driver (Which we all know, is a high-end white collar job) Kitty doesn't qualify for any kind of assistance. The doctor was unwilling to prescribe any kind of med, other than this one. He must be getting quite a kick-back from the drug company, when each course of treatment costs $10,000.

The treatment will be delayed, but we're hoping to have everything lined up next week. We are also looking into other possible doctors and hospitals. Johns Hopkins was highly recommended to us.

rebellious78 · 10-15-2011, 07:52 PM

Gary...

I know it is getting late...and figured Kitty is resting or I would have called..

Can you PM me the name and maker of the drug kitty is taking ( or list of them) I will contact the companies to see what I can find out. Eligibility criteria varies among each program. While many programs reach out to low income individuals, not all programs are income based. When my sister found out she had Harry Cell Leukemia and Ovarian cancer we contacted several companies and we ended up getting her medicine for free. Even the anti nausea medications. So if you can..please PM me the names and makers and I will see what I can do to help. I know these medicines are expensive and Kitty can not delay in getting treatment, nor skip them.

~Mary Ann

Gene · 10-15-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

.... Johns Hopkins was highly recommended to us.

They are among the best of the best and have an excellent liver team.

EMD_Driver · 10-16-2011, 10:57 PM

Just another small update, to let everyone know that Kitty had a pretty good day. We had a kitchen faucet decide to spring a leak and a trip to Lowes was in order. Kitty was very happy, to get some fresh air and get out of the house. She's pretty good at driving those Mart-Cart scooters! She picked out a nice faucet and I gathered up the plumbing supplies I needed for the repair. Both Kitty and the new kitchen faucet are doing fine!

Poppy & Nana · 10-17-2011, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

Just another small update, to let everyone know that Kitty had a pretty good day. We had a kitchen faucet decide to spring a leak and a trip to Lowes was in order. Kitty was very happy, to get some fresh air and get out of the house. She's pretty good at driving those Mart-Cart scooters! She picked out a nice faucet and I gathered up the plumbing supplies I needed for the repair. Both Kitty and the new kitchen faucet are doing fine!

**Tweety** · 10-17-2011, 07:01 AM

Well that's VERY good news! Thanks for the update. Go Kitty!!!!!

GoodoleBob · 10-17-2011, 05:24 PM

Way to go Kitty...

Today a faucet tomorrow who can say, but a gal like Kitty will not be held down any longer that necessary...all the best to you Kitty! Prayers still coming your way too.

Bob

KathleenNY · 10-20-2011, 09:30 AM

Glad to hear that Kitty is feeling better.

Gary,

Just want to second the statement that not all assistance programs are income based. One might think so, but that's not the case. So, I would suggest exploring options so that Kitty gets what she needs.

Also, recommend a second opinion from Johns Hopkins. My cousin is alive and well because of them. They are among the best in the country.

RockDodger · 10-28-2011, 04:45 AM

Just a note to say we are glad to hear KK is improving. We are in our 60s and realize all too well that recoveries are generally slow at best. I was informed by my doctor yesterday that I must now start seeing a cardiologist (words no 60 year old wants to hear), so though isn't the same thing, it's something I will have to work through also. Good luck and keep pluggin'.

EMD_Driver · 10-28-2011, 06:56 PM

Sorry to hear about your heart issues... Keep the faith