Doctor Report

Terry had his visit with the doctor to learn the results of the bone marrow aspiration done a couple weeks ago.  Well, not all of the results were in, so we only learned part of them - and they are mixed (some things slightly better and some things slightly worse), which to me means all of the treatments for the last several months might have been a waste.  Is "slightly" worth it? 

I wonder if our insurance thinks it's a waste too, because they have had a bit of a hiccup wanting to pay for these treatments.  Good thing that the clinic has in writing the fact that insurance pre-approved them.  We just received our second bill for just over $74,000.00.  We've talked with those in the billing department and they tell us not to pay it, that the insurance is going to.  What the hold up is, we just don't know!

I suppose that this hiccup with the insurance could help us consider our next options. First thing we know to do for sure is to get it in writing ... no matter what we do. 



Image from Google Images

What are our options?  Well, we still don't know for sure.  Doesn't that sound familiar?  When we get the final results back we will know a bit more on what those options are, but for now we have a couple things to consider.  Of course, depending on what we learn, the most likely option at this point is an oral medication - Revlimid.  Revlimid is a pill, taken daily, for the rest of his life -today's price is around $5000.00 per month.  I wanna say ... Really?  Where's the cure?  But I can't come up with a cure either ..., so ..., I suppose we take what we can get!
Revlimid is treatment for the MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) - you might recall, that is Terry's newest disease.  He does still have the CLL/SLL..., but I suppose we are going to learn more about what we do for that after the final results come back.

The side affects are always a concern, but then so are the symptoms of the disease itself, so I suppose one just has to choose the lesser evil ..., just like with all the other treatments he has had over the past 7 1/2  years. 

After the final results are in we will learn if a DLI or Transplant is suggested treatment.  Taking Revlimid would then be put on hold.  We'll do some praying and studying, and praying and pondering, and praying and ... praying to help us make a decision and then go with what feels right.  The Lord will help us know, just like He has in the past.  I do so hope that we are learning what He wants us to learn as we go where He wants us to go in life.  I'd hate to be doing it for nothing!  I suppose I'd better step it up a notch.

Oh! ... no lab work today - so we don't have any blood counts to share.

I guess I should have just said - we don't know anything yet - wait for the final results!
We'll post again when we hear something for sure.