In researching my options a couple of years ago, it was cheaper for me to go to Germany and have radiation than it was to pay for it in the US.

I also think that many doctors can lower your cost from "retail" to what insurance will pay if you can pay up front and ask before committing to anything.

Good luck, Diana

I've just completed my first week of radiation treatment in Richmond, VA (just under 2 hour drive from DC). Dr. Elisabeth Weiss performs the procedure at the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. She is very straight forward and I was uniformly impressed with how friendly and accommodating the staff are at the center.

BC/BS is covering the procedure. I have yet to see what the final tab will be, but the $5-8K range sounds about right, although my out of pocket will be considerably less. I don't know if they can give you any kind of a break if you don't have insurance, but it is always worth asking. I found the information/appointment desk very helpful and was able to get Dr. Weiss on the phone personally just by calling several months ago when I began investigating.

My father has DC and has undergone multiple surgeries. I'm hoping to avoid his fate and I'm feeling pretty optimistic at this point. The team at VCU also seems to think radiation might be an option for my dad as he has new nodules show up almost as soon as he has he's healed from the last surgery.

My symptoms started about 10 months ago. My left hand is more affected than my right, which actually seems to have improved spontaneously -- enough that we opted NOT to treat it this week and observe it instead. Keep your fingers crossed!

I highly recommend calling Dr. Weiss and exploring your options. Good luck!

@lynnb:

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I've just completed my first week of radiation treatment in Richmond, VA (just under 2 hour drive from DC). Dr. Elisabeth Weiss performs the procedure at the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital. She is very straight forward and I was uniformly impressed with how friendly and accommodating the staff are at the center.

BC/BS is covering the procedure. I have yet to see what the final tab will be, but the $5-8K range sounds about right, although my out of pocket will be considerably less. I don't know if they can give you any kind of a break if you don't have insurance, but it is always worth asking. I found the information/appointment desk very helpful and was able to get Dr. Weiss on the phone personally just by calling several months ago when I began investigating.

My father has DC and has undergone multiple surgeries. I'm hoping to avoid his fate and I'm feeling pretty optimistic at this point. The team at VCU also seems to think radiation might be an option for my dad as he has new nodules show up almost as soon as he has he's healed from the last surgery.

My symptoms started about 10 months ago. My left hand is more affected than my right, which actually seems to have improved spontaneously -- enough that we opted NOT to treat it this week and observe it instead. Keep your fingers crossed!

I highly recommend calling Dr. Weiss and exploring your options. Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the helpful reply's. It's nice to feel not alone.