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amya · 01-21-2006, 05:39 AM

I am 2 yrs. 3 m out from chemo. Stage IIB ER/PR -, HER+++. I was in control arm of study receiving AC/TX no herceptin. My onchologist agreed that #1 I was at very high risk of recurrance and would likely benefit from Herceptin and #2 it was highly unlikely for anyone to do a study because there is a discrete number of us in this category and our numbers will be decreasing. Originally my insurance company declined but I just got word yesterday that my appeal was accepted and they will now reverse decision.

I think that the deciding factors were the strong letter written by my oncologist and the poor prognosis of my pathology.

I believe it is unlikely for any trial with herceptin. Perhaps the path to take is to push the insurance companies that it would be more financially beneficial to them to give us the herceptin now rather than paying for the more costly option of treating a recurrance. Sadly I think that is the #1 concern of the pharmacueticals and insurance companies.

01-21-2006, 05:39 AM	#12
amya Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 7	2 years out - approved for herceptin I am 2 yrs. 3 m out from chemo. Stage IIB ER/PR -, HER+++. I was in control arm of study receiving AC/TX no herceptin. My onchologist agreed that #1 I was at very high risk of recurrance and would likely benefit from Herceptin and #2 it was highly unlikely for anyone to do a study because there is a discrete number of us in this category and our numbers will be decreasing. Originally my insurance company declined but I just got word yesterday that my appeal was accepted and they will now reverse decision. I think that the deciding factors were the strong letter written by my oncologist and the poor prognosis of my pathology. I believe it is unlikely for any trial with herceptin. Perhaps the path to take is to push the insurance companies that it would be more financially beneficial to them to give us the herceptin now rather than paying for the more costly option of treating a recurrance. Sadly I think that is the #1 concern of the pharmacueticals and insurance companies.