Another Bioposy then treatment starts

Pace had another biopsy today (see the pic of the biopsy gun at the bottom of the post). In order to track the effectiveness of the clinical study they need a fresh tumor sample as the old one has been through a series of tests. This sample gets sent to the NSABP - FRP (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Program - Foundation Research Program), for testing in the future.

The tumor sample gets stored in a product called RNAlater which preserves the genetic material so it can be examined at a later date.

Gotta love their marketing message "Make Time Stand Still with RNAlater®." I'm not sure how much they use per tissue sample but RNAlater costs the hospitals $252 US for 500 ml or 17 liquid ounces. Kinda like paying $368 Euros for a 750 ml bottle of 1986 - Cheval Blanc, Saint-Emilion (Wine Spectator Rating 96) but not as much fun!

I'm getting a good understanding of why health care takes up so much of the governments’ budget.