Hi Gordon,

I don't know if getting a portable infusion pump is covered by medicaid/care, but I do know you don't need a nurse except probably to initially set it up and turn it off. Heather was offered the same set-up Jan described, but was unable to take advantage of it because she ended up in the hospital before she was able to start the chemo.

Now that she's home, she won't have a pump for the chemo because she is not doing the 5 day infusion. But she has 3 portable pumps for other medications. The nurses came out a few times until we learned how to use the pumps. Now we take care of all 3 ourselves. The chemo, of course, is a little different. Because of the toxicity, I would think you would need a nurse to do the initial set-up, either at home or at the dr.'s office, and then again to unhook it when finished.

Jan did have a point, though, when she said they might want you in the hospital to monitor you better. You should at least ask about it. If you're not having any major problems, I would think it would be feasible to do it at home. And it would be a heck of a lot cheaper for the insurance company, so you'd think they would allow it. Good luck!

Rainbows & hugs, wink
Rosie

Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.