Lupron

More time went by, and still nothing, so my doctor wanted to treat the endometriosis with a drug called Lupron. This monthly injection would stop me from ovulating, which meant the endometriosis should begin to shrink. The obstacle here was the cost--$500. per month, and the treatment would last six months. My husband and I couldn't pay this, so I began to research drug cards and different types of assistance. Finally, I found a Lupron assistance program that looked promising, and I asked my doctor to fill out the paperwork and write the letter. My doctor and his nurse didn't seem too hopeful that I would get the assistance, since my husband's and my income was on the borderline of the qualifying income level, but they did the paperwork for me. Weeks went by, and I got a call from Michelle, my doctor's nurse: I was approved for the assistance! I would get Lupron at absolutely no cost. We were surprised and thankful.

I began the montly injections and experienced the expected side effects, which were much like menopause: hot flashes, dry skin, and lack of vaginal lubrication. It wasn't awful, just bothersome. In my research on Lupron, I found that some people have serious side effects, but thankfully, I didn't.

It was also during these monthly visits to the doctor's office that I began to get to know Michelle, the nurse, better. She would play a vital role in the months to come.