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Hello everyone,
I am prakash reddy, 30 years old living in Hyderabad with the love of my life since we got married in April 2016.
In September 2017, I started having cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and weight loss. After going through multiple courses of antibiotics, antifungal and anti tuberculous treatment; in January/February of 2018, I had a biopsy and a PET scan to hear the dreaded diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. I was diagnosed with NSCLC ( non small cell lung cancer) with ALK (Anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and NRAS mutations.
I was honestly terrified to have this diagnosis especially when I never smoked. I lead a healthy lifestyle and done everything right. I had no family members with cancer history. I was really worried about my newly wed wife.
Soon after diagnosis, I had 4 cycles of chemotherapy for NSCLC. After which I am prescribed SPEXIB(CERITINIB) 450mg capsule daily for the ALK mutation. I have been on Spexib since May 2018. Since the treatment, I have made a quite some progress. Repeat PET scan showed improvement as well, doctors are happy with the progress. Doctors have recommended to continue the medication for 30 months.
I was working as a dot net developer for the small software company until 2017 December, when I had to quit the job after running out of sick leaves due worsening symptoms. Insurance covered for all the tests and antibiotics up until I had to quit. Since than, I have used up all my savings and paid some bills with the help of family and friends. My wife is currently working as a private employee making 10000 RS (140 USD) per month which barely gets us through the months for basic needs.
The medication is very expensive costing me 97,092 RS ( Ninety Seven Thousand and ninety two rupees) for 150 capsules (of 150 mg strength) which last me for 50 days. Currently, I am out of all my options. I am seeking your prayers for my recovery and any assistance you can provide financially that will go towards paying for my medical treatment so I can fight this deadly cancer and live a long healthy life.
