Heartthrob

So, I got a diagnosis, Chronic Congestive Heart Failure. Doesn’t mean I have it. Just the start of the journey. My chest cavity has water, more than is needed to cushion my lungs. I have trouble breathing, impeding my walking, bending and being active.

Have had blood tests, echocardiogram and x-rays. Cardiologist says my heart is good and the blood tests came back normal. Cancer Doc says not caused by CLL.

Monday, drainage. All involved say I should feel better. Just need to know what is causing it. Staying positive.

Imbruvica Keeps Me Alive

When the docs finally realized back in 2017 why I was sick, they concluded I had a blood disorder that at the time didn’t require any treatment. As the symptoms continued and assumedly worsened, I was put on Imbruvica, a hard to get and very expensive drug.

Every morning I take a couple of pills. They cost $300 a pill, give or take a few shekels. A bottle costs $12,000 to $14,000 a month. Not sure how I can afford it; insurance, I guess. Lucky I am in remission, though I still have to take it.

Now the US Government is investigating the Chinese company that developed it or manufactured it or distributes it. They might even have a lab next to the one that developed the covid virus. Who knows?

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/health/wuxi-us-drugs-congress.html?searchResultPosition=1

At least President Biden is aware of the problem. He wants the price reduced. I sent him a note asking him to make sure all who need it get it, along with an album of my Imbruvica images. Have not heard back from him about my note or the photos. He has other things on his plate.