My current cancer meds - wow, pricey

[Tab]

Doing an oral chemo this time. Pills for 3 weeks, one week off, rinse, repeat.

Got my insurance "explanation of benefits". Stivarga (the med) for a "28" (really 21) day supply - $10,600.00

Not even sure what to say about it.

[Siwsan]

1. My sister is on a new infusion chemo that is VERY expensive

It's called Kadeyla or TDM1. It was just released in March. It is used for HER 2 positive breast cancer. The amazing thing is, it's working. The tumor on her spine is disappearing, as are the lesions on her pelvis and femur. She is able to walk, again, with a walker, and her strength is growing, every day. They think that in 3 more treatments, the tumor and lesions might disappear. Of course, we've been over the top optimistic, before, only to have the cancer re-appear and at Christmas time, I was sure she would be dead, by now. So I am beyond thrilled and thankful.

[mwdem]

2. These drugs are wonderful, but...

why is cancer treatment soooooo expensive? I went through chemo in 2006 and my insurance paid for almost all of it. I was shocked to see how much it "really" cost for the whole 4 treatments! And I had to have Neulasta shots for 3 of them...thank goodness my insurance covered that. Nearly $8,000 a shot! Remember the ads on tv about Neulasta? I paid for them.