This is a concept map of my life since I was diagnosed with
high-risk leukemia a few years ago. Each cancer patient faces emotional,
physical, and financial tolls, as well as trying to cognitively put their hands
around what is happening to their body and what can be done. In my case, there were no real
successful options, until I entered a clinical study.
I now have a cognitive understanding of the cancer. I am
dealing with the physical and emotional toll. I believe the financial toll is
manageable for now. After 2 1/2 years of weekly depreciating insurance
interviews and filling out questionnaires and providing evidence of disease, I
thought I could get on with my life. But now I have been randomly selected
(LUCKY ME) to participate in another detailed insurance questionnaire about my
medical condition. Here we go again...
And now I find out that the drug that is working for me will
probably cost $150,000 per year... I am so happy I have a demented sense of
humor!
-- Dr. La Verne
