Tuesday, April 19, 2011

More of Stem Cell Transplant 101

Again, regressing to last Monday when Dad was harvesting stem cells. As you know, the first day his collection was .8 (the target goal was between 1.5 - 5) so it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. They gave him a shot called plerixafor (also known as mozobil) on Monday evening to boost the stem cell count the next day. And boost the cells it did! As stated before, he harvested almost 2.2 stem cells the second day...for a total of almost 3 (that's 600-700 million stem cells).

What I want to talk about is the shot (the plerixafor). We had heard that it was really expensive, but we thought, well, it's worth it - it could have saved 1, 2, or 3 days of 4 hours each day of harvesting & that can't be cheap either. My curiosity got to me so I called the billing department to see what the shot cost. We weren't prepared for the answer. Sit down everybody - this one shot - plerixafor - 24 mg (1.2 ml)....the quantity is 1/4 teaspoon....costs........ $25,ooo.

After getting over the initial shock, Dad had his own take on it. So it's storybook time, ala Dad. Sit back, put on your PJ's, get comfy, and enjoy this special 2 page book:

TITLE: Perspectives



Page 1

Plerixafor (Mozobil) injection

Cost: $25,000

Justification: Speeds up the harvesting of millions of human stem cells for transplants & saves lives.






page 2

A turbine disc from a jet engine

Cost: $75,000

Justification: To put some guy's ass in an airplane so he can fly to Cayman Islands to count his money.


THE END

6 comments:

  1. hahaha oh man...so unbelievably true.

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  2. when is this book being published? also, ask dad if he can get me a good deal on a turbine disc....i'm running low on my private jet.

    definitely does put it in perspective.

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  3. That price doesn't surprise me. I have had injections in my spine, 6 injections, and those were $10,000. That was for steroids. I am so glad that you are feeling good...keep it up.
    Love ya, Lou Ann

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  4. Not true at all, I fly to the Caymen's to drink and forget about how broke I am. :)

    Next time, all of you can go with me. That includes you Leo.

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  5. How are things going today? What time is it okay to call?

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  6. Sending you nothing but good karma today. Go Grandpa Go!

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