Really???

I know, it's been awhile since I've posted an update on the blog. Actually, that would be a good thing, as it means that Pauline is chugging her way along to recovery. And, I'm happy to say that she is slowly getting back to her usual routine. She is slowly getting her energy back. These are all good things that I am very happy for.

However, it is taking Mom's body longer to get used to the arimidex. She has been getting nausea every early afternoon since she started the drug. Thankfully, she still had some anti-nausea pills from her chemotherapy. These seem to be helping the nausea. Mom said that the nausea was actually worse than what she felt during her chemotherapy. She felt like she had morning sickness. The oncologist said that it will take about 60-90 days for her body to get used to the drug. Other than that, the side effects have thankfully been minor.

We thought that she was all set with the $25.00 a month from Diplomat for the arimidex. She was officially approved for that going forward last month. However, yesterday, she received a call from them saying that there is now a generic version of the active ingredient in arimidex, anastrazole. Since there is a generic available, Diplomat will now not cover the arimidex. Mom's insurance company won't cover the generic at the moment, because it is so new, it isn't in their drug tier program. So, where does that leave mom and the cost of the drug? She is up-in-the air at the moment. I can't find alot of research on the generics yet, since it is so new. What I have found is that the generics are only slightly less cost than the brand name. How does that help my mom out with the cost of the drugs? Not much. So, now, she is back to working with the oncology nurse, the insurance company and the drug store to figure out something. That is why the name of the blog is "Really???" I just can't believe all that she (and I know that it isn't just her, but millions out there) has to go through to get the treatment that she needs. It's so frustrating!!