The pharmacy (CVS/Caremark) was supposed to get in contact with me on last Monday, but of course, I didn't hear anything. So, I called them last Tuesday, just to see what was going on and if there was anything I could do or should be doing. The medications are only available through a mail-order pharmacy, and CNY had told me that it could take up to two weeks to receive the medications, so I didn't want to wait too long before I heard anything and risk not getting the medications in time (my next cycle is due to start on or around November 22nd, and I want to be ready). I spoke with a very kind woman at CVS/Caremark who was able to help me with all of my questions and concerned. I was able to chose the day I'd like to receive the medicine in the mail, as they do overnight shipping. Several of the medications have to be refrigerated, so she explained how I'd be receiving several boxes, including Styrofoam coolers containing the medicine. I chose to have the medication delivered Thursday, November 12th (tomorrow, already!!), as I knew I would be home during the day with Skylar, who has no school Wednesday through Friday. That way, I won't have the medicine just sitting outside my building unattended for very long, if at all.
Next came the explanation of all the medications I'd be receiving, the doses, and the co-pay amount for each. I've been really lucky, as I haven't had to pay any co-pays for any of the visits or tests I've had done up to this point (with the exception of a small LabCorp bill, which was for a couple of the tests on my blood that CNY doesn't do in house - Only $11.45). This round of medication is good for one cycle. Should this first cycle not take, I will need to refill of the prescriptions and pay the co-pays all over again. I have about 8 medications coming to me, as well as several batches of syringes and needles, alcohol swabs and a sharps container. Yes folks, most of the medications are injections. Wheeee..... As of right now, I have no idea what the role of any of the medications are that I'll be receiving. Once I have them in hand, I will be looking them up. For now, here is the list of medications, as well as the co-pay amounts (I'll be keeping a running total of how much has been spent thus far on this adventure):
Cetrotide (injection) - Quantity of 6 - $25
Follistim AQ 900IU (injection) - Quantity of 4 - $25
Menopur (injection) - Quantity of 20 - $45
Progesterone in Oil (injection) - Quantity of 2 - $5
Endometrin (tablets) - Quantity of 63 - $45
Leuprolide 2 week kit (injection) - Quantity of 1 - $5
Estrace (Estradiol) (tablets) - Quantity of 60 - $5
Doxycycline (capsules) - Quantity of 6 - $5
Total - $160
The syringes, needles, alcohol swabs and sharps container are included and do not have a separate co-pay attached to them.
I'm kinda looking forward to receiving them all tomorrow (well, today)! It'll almost be like an early Christmas! I'll share pictures along with the descriptions of the medications in my next post.
Total spent so far - $176.45 (there was a $5 antibiotic I needed to take for my SHG)
Also, I'd like to take a minute to thank everyone for joining me on this journey. The love and support I've received from so many of you means the world to me. Infertility, and especially secondary infertility, is considered to be a taboo subject that shouldn't be discussed. So many couples go through this journey feeling alone, feeling like they can't talk to anybody about what they are experiencing. I refuse to stay silent. People need to know that they are not alone. Please feel free to share my blog with anyone you think it may help. And again, thank you <3
Happy reading!
Have you looked them up yet? If not, I can help you. I can also help with injections and hand-holding in-person and via phone or text. I know it looks like a LOT, and it is. But I also know you can do this. You'll get a really detailed calendar (because the Lupron/Leuprolide) will make you dopey as all get-out. It's not called "Loopy Lupron" for nothing. (In fact, I still get teased about it if I have a derpy moment... "Robyn, are you on the Lupron again?". but I digress ;) ) You have a ton of love and support and you are not alone. Love, love, love.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much <3 I have a feeling I will be taking you up on the hand-holding. Thank you - You're awesome :)
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