The goals of Vicky's medical treatment were to stop her bleeding, increase her Factor VIII level, and eliminate the Inhibitor from her body.

NovoSeven is the magic medicine that controlled Vicky's bleeding. This was administered using an IV. During her hospital stay, Vicky needed this treatment 24 times. Cost of this varied with the amount Vicky needed. Initial treatments were $77,577.70 each. As Vicky improved, her need for this drug was less, and the cost per treatment went down to $23,938.95 per treatment.

Use of NovoSeven began 25 August 2003, and continued through 31 August 2003. Doing a bit of math, I discovered the the cost of NovoSeven was $5.00 per second, which adds up mighty fast.

Rituxan was used to weaken and hopefully eliminate the Inhibitor that is destroying Vicky's Factor VIII. Vicky's first treatment of Rituxin was 28 August. After discharge from the hospital, Vicky continued her Rituxan treatment at the Lied Transplant Center with weekly visits for three weeks. Researching Rituxanon on the internet shows that 4 weekly doses is the standard. The single treatment Vicky received in the hospital was at a cost of $13,653.10.

After returning home, Vicky's medication consisted of Prednisone and Cytoxan, both used to help return her blood to a more normal status. She did take an occassional pain pill, but need for that had greatly decreased. (Note: This page was written before Vicky's November problems.)

Total costs for pharmacy medications alone during Vicky's hospital stay were $1,008,153.50.

Vicky's hospital stay was at The Nebraska Medical Center. I have been employed there since 1992, and I believe that the best medical care in the state is available at The Nebraska Medical Center.