The ridiculous cost of drugs

I have recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, MM. This disease took my brother’s life in September of 2023. It is not curable, but it is treatable. There are many new therapies coming on board all the time and the current life expectancy is 10-plus. However, in all cases, the treatment between revolutionary therapies is steady doses of Lenolidamide.

For 21 days in a row, I take Lenolidamide, the “generic” for Revlamid, (basically Thalidomide from the 1950s with a functional group moved so the pharma company, Bristol Meyers Squibb, can patent it again). That costs $20,000 or $ 950 per pill (my copay is $4600 or $220 per pill) only because they can make up any price they want and I have to pay it. The same month’s prescription in India costs $100.

I should note that, because of Biden, the costs will be getting lower, maybe, and insurance coverage gets better this year. After $8,000 in copays or two months of these ridiculous payments to Bristol Meyers Squibb, I will be in “Catastrophic”. That is a good thing because this year I will pay nothing the rest of the year for the drugs. Only in American Medical Land is catastrophe a great thing! Medicare and my insurance pay for it all.

There are some programs for assisting people who do not have money like this. Currently, I have some money so I do not qualify. I will need to spend all my family money and the money I hoped to give to my grandchildren in order to get down to a point where they will help me. My friends have set up a “Go Fund Me” site to help, so money from my friends flows to Bristol Meyers Squibb as well.

Something needs to be done. This is ridiculous and hurtful and an insult to Americans and the wonderful researchers and medical professionals who take care of us who have this terminal disease. I beg you to do something. The wheels move slowly, I know. But there is some 50 year old out there who may benefit when he gets MM at 70 like me.

—Tom Kelley, Sunriver

Riley voted against tax exemption for Jackstraw

Mike Riley … the only Bend Council member to get my vote the next time around.

— Jim Leander, Bend

William Bailey for sheriff

We are writing to voice our support of William W. Bailey for Deschutes County sheriff.

We have known Capt. Bailey for more than 20 years and have had the privilege to work alongside him at the sheriff’s office.

We have watched as Capt. Bailey has risen through the ranks within the department serving our community as a corrections deputy, patrol deputy, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

All along the way he has handled himself professionally, displaying a high degree of honesty and integrity.

Capt. Bailey is a dedicated family man with a vested interest in the safety and livability of Deschutes County. He has worked tirelessly to lead the sheriff’s office in accomplishing their mission, “Proudly serving our community by providing superior public safety and customer service.”

Capt. Bailey has the experience needed to tackle the issues facing our community.

Homelessness, mental health, drug addiction and traffic safety are among the most difficult issues law enforcement encounter on a daily basis. Capt. Bailey has the empathy, compassion, and experience needed to collaborate with community partners to develop strategies and programs that balance the needs of the individual and the safety of our community.

My wife and I believe Capt. William Bailey is the right person to lead the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and he has earned our support in the upcoming election.

— Brent and Sara Crosswhite, Redmond

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