Happy NEW Year!

Things have been a little crazy since the last post with lots of Dr. appointments happening for Brad and we apologize for not sharing the updates.  On November 19th, Brad received his combination of his Rituxan chemo and Zevalin radiation.  We're hoping that will be his last treatment for a very long time.  The picture to the left is Brad's special radiation "cocktail".  It was mixed the day of receiving his treatment and came in its very own protective case.  What we found out is that due to the outrageous cost, the radiation is not created until there is confirmation that the patient has arrived to the hospital.  What we also found out is that Brad was the very first patient at LewisGale Hospital to receive this particular radiation therapy.  It's typically performed at another local hospital because there are only a few licensed medical practitioners in Roanoke who are able to administer the treatment. This radiation flows throughout Brad's body and attaches itself to his cancer cells to decrease them in size.  Because of Brad being the first at the hospital, he generated lots of interest from the nurses not only in the chemo treatment room, but also in the Nuclear Medicine area of the hospital.  We all had lots of questions! 

We were initially told by Brad's primary oncologist that the cost of this radiation was quite expensive compared to the $18,000 per treatment sessions he has been having all year. According to Dr. Fintel, the cost would come in around $40,000.  That cost was our primary reason for pushing treatment to take place prior to the end of the calendar year since our out-of-pocket maximum had already been hit.  We have a very high ($10,000) threshold on our out-of-pocket each year, so we didn't want to start 2013 by adding that cost to already existing medical bills.  You want to hear the kicker?!!!  Brad and I were reviewing his medical claims for 2012 and guess what the actual cost of his radiation was?  $81,701!!  Holy crap is all I can say...well, actually, I could use another word, but will refrain.  Totaling his 2012 claims for the year, several of which haven't hit yet, we're currently at $293,019.  That is completely insane. 

I know I have gone on before about the cost of health care and won't do so again, but we are so blessed to have a great insurance plan that allows us the luxury of choosing Brad's treatment facilities, physicians, etc...  HOWEVER, to those who cannot pay those premiums and out-of-pocket deductibles, even if it means setting up a billion payment plans, which is what we have done, somehow this has to be recognized as unrealistic for many.  Because it cost an arm and a leg, it only seems appropriate that you see a picture of Brad receiving his injection since it's so different than what most people think of when they hear the word "radiation."  Needless to say, he'd had a rough day and looks a little sleepy, but here's our little "pot of gold"...

Brad is being closely monitored by Dr. Fintel because of the side effects that start approximately 3-6 weeks post radiation.  The treatment actually causes his blood counts to decrease significantly, putting him at a high risk of getting sick easily.  During his last check two weeks ago, that decline had already begun.  He goes back again today to have his blood checked and get the results of last week's PET scan to see how the radiation is working for him.  Because of his decreased immunity and the flu epidemic that is currently in Roanoke, we've been laying pretty low at home for about the last month and doing our best to avoid those who have been ill. 

As mentioned above, we're hoping this treatment will last for several years.  Statistics show that about 72% of patients will relapse 6-18 months post radiation.  We're praying Brad is not part of that 72% and that this is truly a Happy NEW Year for us.

We wish each of you the very best in 2013.  Thank you for the constant love and prayers you send our way!

Love,
Brad, Sandy & Avery