Neulasta is the “magic potion” after chemo.

The Neulasta will stimulate the growth of healthy white blood cells that the chemo kills off… the “potion” to help me to recover quicker.

“How this drug works:
Colony-Stimulating Factors:
In the body’s bone marrow (the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones) blood cells are produced.  There are three major types of blood cells; white blood cells, which fight infection; red blood cells, which carry oxygen to and remove waste products from organs and tissues; and platelets, which enable the blood to clot.  Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can effect these cells which put a person at risk for developing infections, anemia and bleeding problems.  Colony-stimulating factors are substances that stimulate the production of blood cells and promote their ability to function.   They do not directly affect tumors but through their role in stimulating blood cells they can be helpful as support of the persons immune system during cancer treatment.

Pegfilgrastim is a growth factor that stimulates the production, maturation and activation of neutrophils.  Pegfilgrastim also stimulates the release of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) from the bone marrow.  In patients receiving chemotherapy, pegfilgrastim can accelerate the recovery of neutrophils, reducing the neutropenic phase (the time in which people are susceptible to infections).  Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting version of filgrastim.

Pegfilgrastim is filgrastim with a substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) attached to it.  The attachment process is called pegylation, and is used to allow active substances (the filgrastim) to stay in the body longer before they are broken down and eliminated.“

Neulasta is also Very Expensive.  If you don’t have insurance, you will be struggling, but it is something You NEED If You Are Undergoing Chemo.

“ Depending on where you buy your dosage from, the cost of Neulasta is between $3000 and $7000.00 per syringe“

If you read the following Breast Cancer Forum, you’ll see costs ranging from $1,800.00 to $12,150.00 Per Injection.
Topic: How much did your Neulasta shot cost?

I don’t have insurance.
At the Cancer Center, I heard $2,600.00 and I later heard $1,800.00.
Either way, I can’t afford that kind of money!
Per Injection!!
I can’t afford the Neulasta.
Can’t afford the “Magic Potion”.

Thank God that Mary at the Northwest Cancer Center found me a program -  The Safety Net Foundation, “Medication Help for Low Income Americans Below Age 65“

And Thank God I Qualified.

Now I’ll be able to get the Magic Potion!