Hi Lora, I'm sorry your husband is having such problems.
We have insurance through group health at work. I was told they cannot deny coverage (for pre-existing conditions) in groups, but that may be because I was under another group health plan when I was diagnosed - IE no lapse in coverage. I'm sorry for my ignorance also, but what is the Fish test? The only test for CML I have is the PCR test. And that is only about once or twice a year. All others are the CBC's. As for the bone marrow biopsy, I have only had one in the past 4 years, at that was just this year. My previous doctor said the biopsy was nowhere near as sensitive as the PCR test (he was involved with the clinical trials), and that the biopsy was only needed to see if there were any mutations. I had it this year because my PCR test showed an increase in the Philadelphia Chromosome. And the biopsy was horribly expensive! At one point, I had extreme tiredness, but my doctor decided to check my thyroid and found I needed synthroid. I was also low iron. Has your husband had his thyroid checked? I hope things get better for you, and will keep you both in my prayers, Kathy --- In [email protected], [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > well, went to the oncologist yesterday.....when I get my scanner hooked up > (we are in the middle of moving) I will scan Terry's bloodwork results. The > Fish test wasn't good...out of 200 cells, 101 showed bad. He is on 600mg of > Gleevec right now > > Terry will do the 1 year (can it really be a year since he was > diagnosed????) bone marrow biopsy on Nov 17 AFTER we finish moving....then they are going > to do another big blood workup, but I don't really understand why they are > doing it, other than it will be about 10 weeks at that point since he went > from 400 back to 600 mg on the Gleevec. > > I can't begin to share with you all how bummed we really are. Moving is a > real PAIN with a hubby who is limited both physically, mentally, and > spiritually right now. We weren't surprised with his blood test results, just > frustrated that we can't get Terry stabile. His white cell counts were in the 3's, > so not too worried yet, but with moving, he is so exhausted.....on Sat night, > I thought he was going to start crying he was so tired after such a full day > of packing & hard work. > > yes, for those who don't know, we would love a 2nd opinion, but MD Anderson > would not accept my dh as a patient...we do not have insurance & unable to > begin to pay the medical bills that are in excess of $100,000 now, so we are > grateful that he is able to receive any care at all, much less the Gleevec when > we can get it from Novartis > > I would love to have an offlist discussion with those who are not insured > and try to help each other obtain passable medical care. Even if Terry had > been insured, we would never have been able to pay the 20% or co- pays even, so I > don't know it makes that much difference other than the medical folks would > get some money for their troubles. > > The FISH test alone is over $500 & we owe a company called Dianon Systems > and also Quest Labs thousands of dollars each. Each has turned us over to > numerous collection agencies, etc.....our concern is if they will no longer > process Terry's lab results at some point, etc. I am curious about other's > experiences. > > also, has anyone had the ability to obtain medical insurance? We did speak > with a high risk pool with the state of Texas, but they said it would be > over $300 plus just for Terry, AND that they would NOT cover anything to do with > the leukemia. > > with all that has happened, Terry hopes to struggle with trying to work a > full day in order to earn more money.....much less insurance > > oh, his Gleevec "eyes" have gotten so bad that his eyes are weeping & goopy. > Doc prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the redness at the corners of his > eyes that have sores. Our Doc wanted me to ask you all what are the best > suggested treatments, anything we can do over the counter, etc. Otherwise, he > is referring him on to an eye doctor. > > Lora > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Does he tell you he loves you when he hits you? Abuse. Narrated by Halle Berry. http://us.click.yahoo.com/CjRcdD/rbOLAA/xGEGAA/8zSolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> New! 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