BIG SPEEDBUMPS

Good Evening. I have a treatment update.

We saw Dr. Kim at Hoag today to discuss the plan for the radiation of Gary's liver. We need to have a radiation treatment called SBRT.

What is Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)?
Stereotactic radiotherapy is a high precision radiotherapy method in which a very high radiation dose is given to tumors.
The meaning of the word stereotactic is that a specially designed coordinate-system is used for exact localization of the tumor in the body, and also to accurately pinpoint the X-ray beams to the tumor. By giving a very high radiation dose the chance to kill all cells in the tumor is high.

So, we found out that Aetna does not want to give Gary the go ahead to have this treatment that he needs. The treatment consists of 5 - 30 minute sessions. The cost runs about $30,000.00 if we were to pay out of pocket.

The insurance company argues that the traditional radiation will suffice. The traditional route poses precision issues (it can't pinpoint the tumor like SBRT) so the surrounding tissue and organs run a higher risk of being damaged by the radiation. The kidney, small bowel and of course the liver will all be at risk. Gary would also suffer many other side effects due to the larger field/dose of radiation.

It makes no sense to me that the insurance company is not willing to okay the SBRT but they will okay the traditional route and then when Gary's organs and tissue become damaged and he has to be hospitalized and have additional care they are going to be okay with paying for all of that? It is absolutely infuriating!

So, we have 2 weeks to battle the insurance company. We can't wait any longer than that. If we lose at the end of the 2 weeks then we must go with the traditional course of radiation. I am hoping we win and the ruling is overturned and we can move forward with the SBRT.

Tomorrow we have an appointment with Dr. Arata (pain management doc) and will begin experimenting with the epidurals to see if we can locate the nerves and block Gary's pain temporarily. We have to be there at 2:45 PM.

We will move forward (as of now) with the chemoembolization of the liver next Wednesday.

I am so sick of cancer being at the center of Gary's life. Everyday things change and cancer is always the culprit.
Cancer sucks. Plain and simple.

Pray the the insurance company will see that Gary needs this treatment and that they will approve it.
Pray that we can isolate the nerves and lessen Gary's pain.
Pray that Gary can stay positive and does not become nervous while we are waiting to move forward. He needs more CALM right now.

Thanks for keeping up with us. Thanks for your love and prayers!

I am off and running!
Love,
L