Support Alyssa: Insurance Denied Cancer Treatment

My name is Melissa, and I'm reaching out to you today on behalf of my dear friend Alyssa Rotman. She's currently facing a tremendous challenge– a battle against Stage 4 cancer.

If you know Alyssa, you know that she's a fighter who doesn't back down from any challenge. Despite facing cancer in the past, including a recurrence of her Stage 3 PNET cancer in 2022, Alyssa tackled each treatment head-on, always determined to live life to the fullest AND THE FUNNEST, and make the most out of every moment. Her doctors were confident that the treatments she underwent, including radiation, had effectively kept her cancer in check. However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, a routine scan in December revealed the presence of over 20 tumors in her liver, lymph nodes, and abdominal tissue. Due to the number and locations of these tumors, they are deemed inoperable, and Alyssa has now been classified as Stage 4.

Alyssa's doctors have recommended a treatment called Lutathera . Although traditionally approved by the FDA for late-stage patients to halt disease progression, recent studies show that early intervention with Lutathera can offer more than just years without disease progression – it can provide a chance at remission. Alyssa's doctors at MGH immediately recommended her for early use of Lutathera. However, her insurance company is denying coverage for this crucial treatment, jeopardizing her chance at remission. Despite being classified as Stage 4 with PNET cancer, Alyssa's condition is not as advanced as most patients with this cancer, as it was caught relatively “early”, stating she is “not sick enough” and that the “the treatment is not medically necessary.” A treatment that could offer remission is not necessary?! Without it, disease progression is almost guaranteed.

Alyssa's insurance is requiring her to try Octreotide, a less effective and cheaper treatment option. However, this medication is intended to alleviate symptoms of carcinoid syndrome in late-stage cancer patients, which Alyssa does not have. In fact, it's causing her additional symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain, which are proving very difficult to manage. Delays in starting Lutathera could significantly reduce her chances of remission or eliminate them entirely. Insurance demands a two-month trial of Octreotide before approving Lutathera, but with over 20 tumors appearing in just three months, time is a luxury we simply don't have.

Alyssa is doing everything in her power to fight this battle just as she has so many before. She has taken the first shot of Octreotide while they submit a second appeal to insurance (the first was already rejected). Her mom has explored cost assistance programs, but her salary made her ineligible. With time running out, Alyssa has instructed her doctors to schedule the Lutathera treatment while the second appeal is pending. She must start within the next few weeks before insurance makes a decision. The cost, if she has to pay out of pocket, is approximately $100,000 – a daunting amount that she cannot manage alone

I am humbly asking for your support during this challenging time. I know so many of you have asked how you can help our girl, and this my friends, is how. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Alyssa closer to accessing the treatment she desperately needs. I understand that times are tough for everyone, and it pains me to ask for help, but the time is now to donate to our dear friend.

Your contribution will directly cover the expenses for Alyssa's Lutathera treatment and associated costs related to symptom management, such as reduced salary and work hours, as well as alternative therapies like histotripsy and acupuncture. Any funds not required for her treatment will be donated to patient assistance programs. Alyssa is deeply committed to paying it forward and assisting other patients facing insurance barriers to treatment.

Together, we can make a difference. Your generosity and kindness will not go unnoticed, and we will be forever grateful for your support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by her side during this difficult journey.

In the meantime, you can also check out her blog on this journey, found here