Looks like things are all starting to come together. I had my Zometa infusion along with my first two Faslodex shots on Friday. The shot is the biggest needle I have ever seen, except for the epidural needle. Interestingly enough though, it didn't hurt at all. It was just the tiniest little pinch in each butt cheek.
Friday afternoon I got a call from the specialty prescription drug company. The iBrance has been approved and I will get my first shipment on Tuesday! The lady explained that every month I will get a phone call about 8-10 days before my drugs are shipped. They need to have a verbal confirmation from me that I am expecting the delivery. It's shipped via FedEx and I will have to be home to sign for it. It seems SO big time. Then, she says "After insurance the co pay is $2,000 a month," at which point my knees literally buckled and I had to catch myself from falling. She continued "so I already submitted you for financial aid from Pfizer and it has been approved, which brings your co pay down to $0 per month." Oh MY GOD. WHO can afford that?! My first thought was "Pfizer is so great! They are so nice!" But then it dawned on me that they are making enough money off of the insurance anyway... they aren't "nice" because they approved me for financial help. I mean, they are AMAZING for coming up with this drug. But as far as the finances are concerned, I'm positive they are getting their money from somewhere.
So things are just rolling along. I am back to being positive and convinced that this new treatment is going to work. And I'm going to do my best to stay positive until I have a reason to be anything otherwise.
We went to a mass today for World Day of the Sick at the cathedral in SF. The Order of Malta invited me, and since they are making their decision this month about our trip to Lourdes, I figured it would be good to put in some face time. I'm so glad we went. It was a beautiful mass. I was given the Sacrament of Annointing of the Sick, and Matt and the girls received special blessings as my caregivers also. The girls felt really important, and I was so proud of them. It was so nice to share this with them. With all of the bad that comes with cancer, so much good is coming too. My girls are seeing how important my faith is to me, and I hope it provides them as much comfort as it gives Matt and I.
So proud of you and your family. Stay positive. And remember, it took Pfizer many years to develop this drug and others that are being developed. I am so glad you went to that mass and have a strong faith. It does give you a lot of peace to know God is good and God is in charge.
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