Financial Drain
DETECTION: It starts with a small swelling on the neck. Physicians say it is tuberculosis (TB). Treatment, mostly antibiotics and some 90 injections, doesn't work. Biopsy is done. TB confirmed. The swelling remains. The child is referred to AIIMS. By the fourth day in Delhi the expenses have risen to Rs 30,000
EXAMINATIONS: Blood tests, biopsies, computed tomographic (CT) scans and ultrasound examinations. The child's body is scanned, cell by cell. He has cancer, III-A stage. Expenses reach Rs 50,000
TREATMENT: Each monthly cycle of chemotherapy costs Rs 6,000. It goes on for six months. Medicines and fortnightly blood tests cost Rs 18,000 in six months. The expense reaches Rs 1,04,000 .
SIDE-EFFECTS: Ill effects of strong chemotherapy drugs. The immune system is particularly vulnerable. Physicians stress on hygiene and a good diet to prevent infections. The home has to be sterilised. Monthly cost is Rs 5,000.* The cost of maintaining an establishment in Delhi for three people is Rs 6,000 a month. Total expense rises to Rs 1,70,000 .
REVALUATION: After six months treatment is evaluated. More tests cost Rs 8,000. Total expense: Rs 1,78,000 .
FURTHER TREATMENT: Two more cycles of chemotherapy. Two more months in Delhi. Total expense: Rs 2,17,000 .
REVALUATION: Tests cost Rs 8,000. The lump is still there, but it may not be diseased. More tests after six months. Monthly check-up at AIIMS. Each trip to Delhi costs Rs 3,000. More tests. Total expense would stand at Rs 2,50,000.
POSSIBILITY OF RELAPSE: The lump is still there. If it turns cancerous again, surgery would have to be the last resort. Another round of tests after two months would cost Rs 25,000. The expense at the end of one year: Rs 2,80,000 .
FINAL WARNING: Recurrence might occur after six months. The entire cycle would be repeated. Another Rs 2,30,000 if the child survives the relapse, without taking inflation into account.
* Does not include the costs of treating infections
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