Thursday, January 9, 2014

Blue Cross is still doing their "pre-determination" as to whether to approve the Abraxane portion of Lisa's treatment, but meanwhile the cancer center contacted Celgene, the manufacturer of Abraxane, regarding a patient support program they have -- and Celgene's medical staff has already reviewed Lisa's case and agrees that Abraxane treatment is warranted -- and Lisa can start today... they're sure enough that it will eventually be authorized by insurance that they guarantee to cover it if insurance does not.  It may have some aspect of being self-serving for Celgene to have Lisa start sooner and potentially be on the treatment longer, but it is also patient-compassionate.  I am writing this from the cancer center and Lisa is about to get the first infusion of Abraxene and Carboplatin.  With the additional premedications that have to be given as part of the process to help reduce potential near-term side effects -- especially nausea -- it will take about 4 hours.