Radiofrequency Ablation is in the cards for Gale918
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Great to hear about your success with the insurance company. If you don’t mind asking: Which one is it? Still crossing my fingers for “scar tissue” but am looking forward to your report after Wednesday.
My insurance company does cover RFA…. YEAH. I was told it’s considered “experimental” but if the doctor deems it “medically necessary”, it’s covered. My consulation is Wednesday. My oncologist gave me a prescription for Lorazapam to help with the anxiety. It still can be scar tissue!! But I’m ready to hear what ever news it is. I won’t know until a biopsy is done. Chat later.
Once again I am amazed at how smart and on the ball everyone on this board is–it’s a very complicated cancer and, with the exception of a few, none of us are medical experts. If it’s a question of intelligence and diligence, we will one day beat this cc!
I am encouraged by Dr. D’Angelica’s approach since I think older patients or those with other health problems are weakened by more conventional treatments. Go Dr. D’Angelica!
Patty
You have peaked my curiosity. I’m calling my insurance company today to see if it covers RFA’s. Tess: My tumor invaded my inferior vina cava. I know many surgeons don’t operate. Sounds like your dad is very fortunate to have a daughter that is informed with knowledge. Chat later.
Hello Gale, I’ve just started asking about the potential of RFA for my Father. I thought it was odd that one of the first things the nurse mentioned was the issue of insurance- suggesting to me that it’s been an issue in the department before. I also heard back from Sloan-Kettering this week, that RFA is not an option for Dad because of the size & of the mass and proximity to a major vessel. However, as an aside, below is a link to Sloan’s Dr. D’Angelica. He may be worth contacting for a second opinion or with questions. Sloan was very accommodating in reviewing my Dad’s imagery & paperwork. D’Angelica’s bio reads:
“I am a surgical oncologist with expertise in surgery of the liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. I am currently interested in developing new and innovative ways to treat liver tumors with non-surgical techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (uses heat to destroy tumors) and cryoablation (kills tumor cells by freezing them). Additionally, I am interested in developing minimally invasive (endoscopic) techniques in hepatobiliary surgery.”
http://www.mskcc.org/prg/prg/bios/708.cfm
Good luck!
Carol158: I’ve had no problem with insurance so far. About $11,000 has been out of pocket, but I made arrangements with the hospital and I’ve had no problems. Thanks for letting me know. I have questions about RFA. 1. Once you have a RFA, does that part of the liver regrow? I’ve read where the docs can repeat RFA.
Gale, I also meant to mention about insurance for RFA. We’re still fighting a $15,000 bill for it. The doctor said he got it approved, but when the bill came in, our insurance said they wouldn’t pay it. So be careful. It’s so draining having to fight the hospital and the insur. company. I hope you won’t have any problems.
Carol
Hi Gale, Charlie had RFA in April this year. It went really well with just an overnight stay and he bounced back pretty quickly too. It was completely successful and they burned 1 tumor, but at the same time found other tumors they had not been aware of and that were too big for RFA. I hope everything goes great for you. Let us know. Burn that tumor!
Carol
Hello all. I saw the lead surgeon who did my liver resection and he feels the CTscan is not scar tissue but a tumor starting to grow. His team of doctors are meeting on Tuesday, to discuss my case and he’s sure a liver biopsy will be performed followed by Radiofrequency Ablation. Burn that tumor!!! Anyone with experience, please let me know, as I need input! The web had some good information. I read that radiofrequency ablation can be performed many times, as tumors grow. I’m in wonderful health, the doc said. He even pointed out that my weight is up. Risks are low. He said it should not harm the synthetic material that replaced my IVC (which is where the tumor is located in the liver) My game plan is go for it…. I’ve gotten this far and I’m standing on my two feet and smiling. Thanks for letting me share.
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