Today was my next to last infusion and “soon it’s gonna end”. One more to go. I have finally decided that I am a strong woman and work through these treatments using the old adage “putting one foot in front of the other”. I know we have to drive down to Boca to the Treatment Center and now I know the routine; how to check in, change my mask for a new one, check in to another “check in” desk, then have my blood pressure taken (always a little bit higher from the stress of what’s to come). A nurse then takes me to a recliner with an IV attached. Of course, I always ask for a window seat. You know me. The view is much more relaxing than sitting in the middle of the room with many others who are attached to their IV’s.
Because my chemo is so expensive, the nurse cannot order it from their pharmacy until I am seated in place. So now, another waiting time. The wait is always a test of my patience when I think I could be doing something more productive. But, wait I do. This last time the nurse was so excited when the pharmacy finally sent up my med, that she called from the middle of the floor “Suzanne, I got it”! She was happy for me…………….
The drug is put into the IV that has been inserted into my arm and so I only have 30 minutes to stay patient. You can tell, I am not the best patient. I don’t complain about the treatment, just about the wait time. Also, I am thinking all the time about Kathy and Paul having to wait in the car until I am finished. Because of our pandemic, family members or friends are not allowed to be with you. They do drive to the closest Whole Foods and do our shopping for the week while I am in treatment. By nature, I am still a worrier when it comes to the “kids”. I am working on that one, too.
Earlier in this blog, I mentioned that the chemo is expensive. I just didn’t know how expensive it is! Are you ready for this? The amount charged is $86,856.00 for each treatment. I will have had six treatments by the time I am finished. When this came with my (EOB). Explanation of Benefits, I thought my eyes played a trick on me and looked at the amount several times. Of course, Medicare approved only $18,505.74 and paid out $17,021.74. My supplemental plan had to pay out $1,484.00. Who has money like this to pay these exorbitant costs? And the difference between what is charged and what is approved goes where? I am thinking as a personal or business loss to the IRS. This applies to the doctor’s bill, the hospital bills and other medical providers.
What if I weren’t on Medicare? What do the people who have no insurance do? Either pay their bills and skip the essentials like food, rent, etc. etc. etc. or they skip the treatments and, in some cases, die.
I am now 88 years old and I knew there were some redeeming features about growing old. Medicare kicked in when I hit 65 so I am grateful. But can you think of better reasons for a National Health Policy for all ages and policing the pharmaceuticals companies? Some day, we, the United States will become like some of the European countries who care about their citizens. Maybe it will happen within these next four years when the needs of our citizens become the primary concern of those in government.
