4 replies to this topic

[Txmom.4]

I really have been trying to remain very positive, and I do believe this medicine will help me, but I am so frustrated with insurance companies being the delay to start treatment, I thought all was well, now there has been delay after delay, I have 2 insurances........ugh!  Leaning on God to keep me sane as well as help help me manage this disease! Sorry, venting right now!  Everyone's posts on here help, and I know there are people with insurance issues too.....God be with you guys too!

[random]

Never lose hope, God with you.

[mikefromillinois]

Hi Txmom,

Hang in there.  My first month after diagnosis was made much more difficult by having to deal with the insurance company in addition to all the other "stuff".  It took about a month to get past the initial approval for my Sprycel.  A lot of time on the phone for sure.  Three months later the insurance issues have become less complicated and less stressful.  Don't let it get you down...it'll get better soon.

Mike

[matt92711]

I also just started on Tasigna due to being newly diagnosed (9/27/11). It took a week to get the pre-approval for Tasigna and it was quite frustrating. I would not let it get me down though as starting a little bit later most likely does not make any difference.

[jrsboo]

Dear TxMom,

Deep breath.  Take another.  Ok.  The insurance company's and specialty pharmacies (where a lot of us get our drugs mail ordered) do take an enormous effort to set up, and even after they are all set up, they have hiccups which make you just fall to floor with a good old fashion 4 year old tantrum.  I have, in fact, on at least 3 occasions done just that.  The dog comes over and lays down next to me as I sob into the carpet.  He puts his huge paw on my shoulder and just sits there looking zen.  After about 10 minutes or so, I get up and give him a treat.  Then I get back on the phone and start again.

This disease sucks.  Having to deal with the crap that goes around this disease sucks more.  But it can be done.  The good news is that this is a slow progressing disease.  So despite feeling like if things don't get set up and started YESTERDAY (and I know that feeling!), it will work out and you will be fine. 

But you do have to remain vigilent.  I have google set up daily notices for me to let me know when any news source says the words "Chronic Myeloid or Myelogenous Leukemia"  I watch this site daily.  And I have the best little file folder/briefcase set up to take with me to my various doctors.  For the six month it felt like I saw 3 doctors a week, I had a lot of side effects and your onc can only do so much.  I now live in the world of specialists. 

As you are a nurse, you probably know all of this already.  But as a patient, it feels very different. 

Ok, take another deep breath.  Feel the gentle rays of a healing source wash over you. 

You can do this.

Caroline