Drugs Aren't Cheap.

Well he has started the Sutent. So far no side effects. He was a little drowsy today, but he said he didn't sleep well last night and that is why. He found someone nearby who is also taking Sutent and she gave him a couple of tips - take it before bed was the one that stuck with him.

So...HELLO - the base cost for Sutent is $8,295.37!! Dad's retired and on Medicare and luckily he bought some supplemental healthcare and prescription coverage, but even with that he still had to shell out $4500! My husband, Ryan and I went to work at hearing this. Ryan talked to dad's insurance agent and we found out that this is the "max out of pocket" cost. Well it's only *kind of* the max since he will still have to pay 5% of the drug cost for each month of 2010. In 2011 it will reset and he'll have to come up with the $4500 again. I have contacted Ryan's Aunt who is a bigwig in group healthcare and she is searching for some programs and has a pretty good lead on something that may help them out. I am praying for this as my parents are retired school teachers and aren't swimming in money. Please don't get me wrong - no matter what the cost, he is worth it and our family will always come together to make sure that the drugs are available - I just don't want money to be something that causes him stress. He needs to be as stress-free as possible while fighting this thing.

So here's to no side effects and to prescription aid!