Guess what?! Guess what?!

[Pancake_Lefse]

Jeff has already been approved for MNSure!!!

Gone are the worries of a lapse of insurance coverage, gone is the fear his treatment would be interrupted, gone is getting on COBRA and its ridiculous price!!!

Jeff was mistaken and had thought his insurance ended the Tuesday after he got laid off. He actually had coverage until the end of the month (today). Tomorrow he already has coverage through the state.

Yesterday Jeff had his first Keytruda infusion. Pleasant surprise that both Keytruda and the flush only takes about 35 minutes.

So far, so good. Just hoping it gets in there and starts working magic.

As per his labs, his hemoglobin was low AGAIN. He’s having another blood transfusion today.

He seems to have a glimmer of his appetite back. He invited me to breakfast tomorrow morning. Awww ❤️

~ Stephanie

#teamjeffgallagher

[Shooter1]

Great news and a heavy load lifted off your back....Best of luck with Keytruda. I had my second Xofigo Weds. and have been kind of "off" for the last couple of days. Wishing us both the best results on our new treatments....

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Shooter1]

Positive, healing vibes xoxo

[Kaliber]

I’m so glad to see some of that back breaking string of bad news … lifted for now Stephanie and Jeff. Seemed like you guys couldn’t catch a break and now a happy uplifting ( relatively speaking yayahahahaya) positive thing is happening…. You deserve to relish the moment. What a relief.

Better day today ‘eh ? 👏👏👏👏 😁😁😁❤️❤️❤️

[treedown]

Great news. Congrats and I hope the good keeps coming.

[Yadifan]

So happy to read this post! Hope! Such a wonderful gift! I feel like we need a breakfast picture!

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Yadifan]

We made it to breakfast!!! ❤️

Breakfast date ❤️

[Yadifan in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

What a great picture!!

[CAMPSOUPS]

So glad you are catching a break if even minor to some.Was hoping you could get onto MNsure it was great for me when I moved here in late 2020. Really glad for you.

It really is one day at a time. Rejoice/enjoy when even the smallest break comes along.

Enjoy that breakfast!

[Dachshundlove]

So glad they approved him quickly. As if dealing with a matter of Life and Death isn’t bad enough— shameful, that so many people need to worry about losing insurance coverage during a health crisis. So glad Jeff is covered and I pray that he has a super response to whatever treatment he has coming!

[j-o-h-n]

MNSure, Wonderful news for you both .......Put that in your peace pipe and smoke it.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Saturday 04/30/2022 7:34 PM DST

[Kaliber in reply to j-o-h-n]

Lol

[KocoPr]

Happy to here the good news and also the stress of insurance coverage is no longer. My thoughts are with you.

[E2-Guy]

Stephanie/Jeff,

So happy to hear that something positive is happening in your lives! Perhaps our prayers are being answered?

[Juju1979]

PTL!

[Yank66]

You guys were definitely due some good news! Hope is a powerful thing.

[Faith1111]

So very happy for you both!!! Such a relief. I have a lot of faith in the Keytruda. It’s all just wonderful news!!

[Vindog29]

Indeed Keytruda can be magic!!!with all my heart I pray it will be for Jeff. I have high hopes let the good news continue

[swwags]

Great news fellow Minnesotan. FYI I spent my last 40 years of employment in insurance.

MNSure (aka Obamacare) are based on narrow networks. All this means is that your network is in a narrow geographic band and what may or may not have been covered under his employer, may no longer be covered or in your new network.

Usually these limitations are things like your doctor is no longer in your network, or the medicine he takes is no longer in his "formulary". Lastly, some procedures that may not have required pre authorization, might be required now. Lastly, seeing some specialists might require a pre-auth.

Bottom line, when you go see a doc and they recommend a treatment, you need the procedure code (CPT code) and confirm that the provider is in network, the procedure is covered in network and so on. I know it's a pain, but so is a $20,000 bill.

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to swwags]

Goodness, thanks for all that ❤️

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

Always has to be a pragmatic person appear lol.Anyway seriously I don't see any need to worry at least if my experience can be related to what may occur in Jeff's case as he is with Mayo and Minnesota Oncology.

I am with Minnesota Oncology which is also associated with Mayo.

Never paid more than a dollar for anything while on MNsure (labs, scans, zometa, eligard, walgreens prescriptions, zytiga, office visits) pretty unbelievable actually.

I assume the income he stated may have an effect but still I predict no traumatic medical expenses.

[swwags in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

I hope pragmatic is ok. 👌 MNSure networks are defined by where you live. In my case, I live in a suburb of Minneapolis. MN Oncology is in the MNSure network, Mayo is not. I confirmed over the phone as well with the carriers and the Mayo. So I've stayed on my employer plan, paying COBRA rates. Just want people to have the info. I'm moving to Medicare this year and not going with Medicare Advantage as they are private insurance and use the same narrow networks as MNSure.

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to swwags]

No problem with the pragmatic outlook ha!

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to swwags]

We didn’t really have much of a choice. COBRA is so expensive and while I say “we” all the time and I’m clearly very involved, Jeff is my ex husband. He couldn’t pay for COBRA and still meet his other financial obligations.

Jeff is in Rochester, I can’t fathom Mayo not being in network. Might run into issues if Dr. Kwon still wants us to go to the cities, but that’s later down the road. I can only worry about so much. 🤪❤️

[swwags in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

That's good news. I can't see Kwon sending you outside of the Mayo. I'm not sure any tech would be found in the cities that isn't already right in your own back yard. I'm glad you are getting the care you need!

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to swwags]

Actually, Dr. Kwon originally wanted to send us to the cities for oncology. Our experience has been there’s some sort of discord between the 2 departments.

Our original goal was to get Jeff on LU-177. Evidently there’s too much red tape currently and that’s been tabled.

Dr. Kwon said if administering LU-177 failed, he’d be sending Jeff to the cities for Keytruda. However, when they reviewed Jeff’s case for LU-177, another oncologist volunteered to administer the Keytruda to Jeff. He got to stay in Rochester for treatment.

[TJGuy in reply to swwags]

Yes advantage plans on Medicare are a trap. Stay far far away from them.

[Lavender22]

❤️❤️❤️

[Jackpine]

Awesome news! There are times things work great in our Government! Let’s hope Keytruda works well for him. I did 9 infusions before I developed side effects. Every one responds differently but many on the forum have responded well!

Prayers coming to Jeff!

[mintlatte]

That is great news!

[Cateydid]

Praise God! What great news!!

[Metaldraft]

Many good fortune and breakfast to come.So elated for both of you and family…..

[Hailwood]

Fantastic news. I'm buying an extra lottery ticket each week for Jeff. I really hope the Keytruda works. Best of luck

[Hidden]

Thank God. Time is of the essence! Hang in there Jeff! 🙏❤️‍🩹

[Bethpage]

Good news that is long overdue. You made your own magic with a little assist from above! C'mon, Keytruda. Help Jeff!

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to Bethpage]

❤️❤️❤️

[cancerfox]

Looks like there are two good things about Minnesota now. One is MNSure, the other is that you freeze your cojones off during the winter so you get free ADT! Here's hoping the Keytruda is the silver bullet that you need. ☺️

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to cancerfox]

I just spent my second winter here in Minnesota. Its an adjustment to say the least. I came from Chicago and trust me 250 miles more to the north makes a difference in winter.

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

I’m originally from Memphis, TN, 20 years in Minnesota, and I’m STILL not used to these dreadful winters. It’s MAY and it’s still winter outside! LOL

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

I know. No kidding. And last year with early and record warmth fooled me.This spring has been a shocker lol. Wasn't it only about a week or so ago that we once again had snow. I digress lol.

[j-o-h-n]

for the umpteen time...... Keytruda worked on my lung melanoma..........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/01/2022 7:46 PM DST

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to j-o-h-n]

I’ll listen to success stories a million times over 😍❤️🥰

[CAMPSOUPS]

J-O-H-N I have a question. Did Keytruda work for you?It seems I might have heard that. Or is my ADT brain playing tricks on me.

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

It seems I’ve heard this too. Like in the comment just above yours. 😂❤️

[j-o-h-n in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

This is a record of my Keytruda treatments for my Lung Melanoma. MSKcc

Number 1 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 02/07/2017

Number 2 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 02/28/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Thursday, 04/06/2017

Number 3 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 04/21/2017. (SKIPPED!)

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (04/06/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung decreased in size.

Lungs: Decreased lower lobe metastasis:

Now 1.2 x 1.0 cm. previously 2.4 x 2.2 cm.

Pleura/pericardium: Resolved small left pleural effusion.

Number 3 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 04/11/2017.

Number 4 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 05/02/2017.

Number 5 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 05/23/2017.

Number 6 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 06/13/2017.

Number 7 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Thursday 07/06/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Tuesday, 07/18/2017.

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (07/18/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung decreased in size.

Lungs: Decreased left lower lobe metastasis:

Measuring now 0.6 x 0.6 cm. previously 1.2 x 1.0 cm.

No new suspicious lung nodules.

Pleura/pericardium: No effusion.

Number 8 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 07/25/2017.

Number 9 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 08/15/2017.

Number 10 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 09/05/2017.

Number 11 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 09/26/2017.

Number 12 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 10/17/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Monday, 10/30/2017.

Number 13 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 11/07/2017.

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (10/30/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung stayed the same size and that was a good sign.

Number 14 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 11/29/2017.

Number 15 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 12/20/2017.

Number 16 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 01/10/2018.

*Took CT body scan on Friday, 01/26/2018.

I met with Dr on Wednesday, 01/31/2018 and based upon my CT Scan of 01/26/2018 he said that I do not need any more treatments for 3 months since my scan showed the following

LUNGS/AIRWAYS: Further decreased residual ill-defined left lower lobe metastasis, barely perceptible. No new suspicious nodules. Schedule for a CT Scan on 04/24/2018 and a consultation with Dr. on Tuesday, 05/01/2018.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/01/2022 10:28 PM DST

[Pancake_Lefse in reply to j-o-h-n]

Love love love!!!

[j-o-h-n in reply to Pancake_Lefse]

You can’t buy love, but you can pay dearly for it....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/01/2022 10:46 PM DST

[j-o-h-n in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

This is a record of my Keytruda treatments for my Lung Melanoma. MSKcc

Number 1 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 02/07/2017

Number 2 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 02/28/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Thursday, 04/06/2017

Number 3 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 04/21/2017. (SKIPPED!)

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (04/06/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung decreased in size.

Lungs: Decreased lower lobe metastasis:

Now 1.2 x 1.0 cm. previously 2.4 x 2.2 cm.

Pleura/pericardium: Resolved small left pleural effusion.

Number 3 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 04/11/2017.

Number 4 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 05/02/2017.

Number 5 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 05/23/2017.

Number 6 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 06/13/2017.

Number 7 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Thursday 07/06/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Tuesday, 07/18/2017.

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (07/18/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung decreased in size.

Lungs: Decreased left lower lobe metastasis:

Measuring now 0.6 x 0.6 cm. previously 1.2 x 1.0 cm.

No new suspicious lung nodules.

Pleura/pericardium: No effusion.

Number 8 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 07/25/2017.

Number 9 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 08/15/2017.

Number 10 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 09/05/2017.

Number 11 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 09/26/2017.

Number 12 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 10/17/2017.

*Took CT body scan on Monday, 10/30/2017.

Number 13 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Tuesday 11/07/2017.

Dr. said that my recent C.T. scan (10/30/2017) showed that the nodule on my left lung stayed the same size and that was a good sign.

Number 14 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 11/29/2017.

Number 15 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 12/20/2017.

Number 16 treatment with KEYTRUDA on Wednesday 01/10/2018.

*Took CT body scan on Friday, 01/26/2018.

I met with Dr on Wednesday, 01/31/2018 and based upon my CT Scan of 01/26/2018 he said that I do not need any more treatments for 3 months since my scan showed the following

LUNGS/AIRWAYS: Further decreased residual ill-defined left lower lobe metastasis, barely perceptible. No new suspicious nodules. Schedule for a CT Scan on 04/24/2018 and a consultation with Dr. on Tuesday, 05/01/2018.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Sunday 05/01/2022 10:30 PM DST

[Aodh]

I’m thrilled that you have had some good news for a change. Best wishes.

Hugh

[erjlg3]

Awesome♥️