I was floored by the first immunotherapy bill of some $6,000.00 to $9,000.00

On 2 November 2021 I did my 8th immunotherapy procedure. I went at 3.30pm and the process finished at 6.15pm.

I was tired of the waiting.
I was troubled by my 22 years-long battle with liver cancer.
I was burdened with the stresses that I was carrying.
I was exhausted.
I was depressed.
But, most of all I was floored when I saw my 1st immunotherapy bill. The procedure was done on 11 March 2021.

The total bill amount (before subsidy) was $9,961.36
Govt Subsidy was $188.32
Pioneer Generation subsidy was $27.06
GST absorbed by Govt was $682.22
Total amount (After Govt and GST subsidy) was $9,063.76.
This amount did not include Medishield Life and Medisave payable by me or family.
Total amount including MediShield Life of $2,965.45 is $6,098.31.

How many Singaporean families have some $6,000.00 to $9,000.00 to pay just for only one immunotherapy procedure without incurring debt?
I would advise that all young adults should consider taking up an Insurance Hospitalisation Shield Plan for any such eventuality.
I have already done 8 immunotherapy procedures. More will be coming.

As usual, I slept and tried to look for the positive. I hope to be amongst the 5% who have survived for more than 5 years.
My rashes are getting better after consulting the Dermatologist.
My ascites is under control and management by the Oncologist and Gastroenterologist. I find that what I cannot measure, I cannot control. So I take daily measurement of my weight to see that it is below 60 kg and my girth is not suddenly increased by some 3.0cm to 5.0cm.

I find comfort and strength from family, friends and LPSG group, doctors and medical staff.
Most of all I go to my God and lean on Him for His grace, support and strength.

I also find that by my journaling and in sharing my experience, I am diverting my attention from the constant and inevitable negative effects of Liver cancer.

Written on 4 November 2021

Wow. Great news. The amount I have to pay for the 1st Immunotherapy Procedure has been reduced to $601.52 from the email by the pharma co. I received it yesterday, 11 November 2021.

This is due to:
Subsidy from the pharma co. by $4,994.00
My son Medisave of $1,185.01
My MediShield Life of $2,965.45

Written on 12 November 2021

Written on 24 November 2021