This is the three-term lawmaker's second bout with lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system cells. Doctors treated the first, diagnosed in 2006, with a standard chemo regimen, but monitoring near the end of the 2007 legislative session showed the cancer had returned.
This time, his doctor recommended something more effective but rare: a single, extremely high dose of Bexxar. This concentration of the drug, developed locally and pioneered in this method by Dr. Oliver Press of the UW, isn't widely used for a handful of reasons. Approved by the FDA in 2003, it's relatively new and expensive at about $20,000 per treatment. Only three hospitals in the country -- and maybe a total of five worldwide -- are equipped to handle a radioactive patient, post treatment.
In essence, a patient needs what Hunter has: the right cancer, physiology and medical coverage. This truth isn't lost on him. "Thank God I have great insurance."
So I wonder, exactly how does this God decide who gets a second chance and who doesn't?
0 Comments