HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Zometa infusions denied by ins.: To skip it or to pay?

Gerri · 01-06-2009, 09:36 PM

Hi Vicki,

"A few dozen patients" out of how many? Were there other risk factors for esophageal disease in these patients? As we all know, there are risks with every treatment; we just have to weigh the benefits against the possible risks and make a decision on how to proceed.

I have had one infusion of Zometa (last August) due to a bone density test showing osteopenia; my insurance (POS/PPO) paid for it. I just saw a new onc today and he was happy to have me continue with Zometa every 6 months for a total of three years. (I will receive my second dose in Feb.) He said the newest research is showing Zometa not only prevents bone mets in bc patients, but other mets as well. For now I am opting to continue, I just hope my insurance continues to pay for it.

Best of luck to you.

01-06-2009, 09:36 PM	#4
Gerri Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 900	Hi Vicki, "A few dozen patients" out of how many? Were there other risk factors for esophageal disease in these patients? As we all know, there are risks with every treatment; we just have to weigh the benefits against the possible risks and make a decision on how to proceed. I have had one infusion of Zometa (last August) due to a bone density test showing osteopenia; my insurance (POS/PPO) paid for it. I just saw a new onc today and he was happy to have me continue with Zometa every 6 months for a total of three years. (I will receive my second dose in Feb.) He said the newest research is showing Zometa not only prevents bone mets in bc patients, but other mets as well. For now I am opting to continue, I just hope my insurance continues to pay for it. Best of luck to you. __________________ Gerri Dx: 11/23/05, Lumpectomy 12/12/05 Tumor 2.2 cm, Stage II, Grade 3, Sentinel Node biopsy negative ER+ (30%) /PR+ (50%), HER2+++ AC X 4 dose dense, Taxol X 4 dose dense Herceptin started with 2nd Taxol, given weekly until chemo done then given every 3 weeks for one year ending on March 16, 2007 Radiation 30 treatments Tamoxifen - 2 yrs (pre-menopausal) May 2008 - Feb 2012 Femara Aug 2008 - Feb 2012 Zometa every 6 months March 2012 - Stop Femara, now Evista for bone strengthening ********** Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault Last edited by Gerri; 01-06-2009 at 09:59 PM..