Hey, Laurie S., same state, same ins. co.

[Cheryl]

Hey Laurie, I saw your post about insurance coverage by HealthPartners Minnesota. I am encouraged as I have been receiving Herceptin since June 1 and still haven't heard from them as to approval or decline for early stage. Thanks for the boost!

[Laurie S]

Hi Cheryl, I called them before I even started , and they said as long as the drug was approved for that disease, they would cover it. This was even before Asco in May. Where do you live ? I live in Lakeville (southern suburb of twin cities) I will have my 11th taxol/herceptin tomorrow. Are you stage 1 or 2 ?
Laurie

[Cheryl]

Laurie, I live in Chaska, used to live in Lakeville, about 15 years ago. It really is a small world, isn't it? I had my 12 taxol/herceptin this past Monday. Boy am I glad to be done with that. Hang in there, you're almost there! I am stage 1, ER+, Grade 3, 1.7cm. Going to Fairview Southdale. How about you?

Cheryl

[Laurie S]

I go to Minnesota oncology in Burnsville. Are you having radiation? I may be going to Edina for radiation, as I am interested in doing IMRT radiation and Burnsville doesn't have it. It must be great to be done! I can't wait. I am having a pretty easy time with it except becoming increasingly more tired. I have a 7,6 and 3 year old and keeping up with them is becoming impossible. Can't wait for school to start!

Are you continuing on Herceptin for a year? I am hoping to stay on even longer if my onc will let me, or find a new onc who will.


Laurie

[Cheryl]

Laurie, I am opting for masectomy. May seem drastic, but I want to do everything I can never to have to do this again. That replaces radiation.
Yes, I will be on Herceptin weekly for one year. Maybe by the time we get to that point there will be new info from trials about how long is best. I would stay on longer too if I could. I did OK on the Taxol too, but the last couple of weeks wiped me out. With treatments on Monday, Thursday (today) is my worst day. Hoping to feel something like normal next week. You have your hands full with those kids! Hang in there,
Cheryl

[Laurie S]

Hi Cheryl, I had a mast, but still need to do radiation b/c of the location of the tumors. what a bummer! I had # 11 today and I too am getting REALLY tired from these last couple. Do you go to a support group? I would like to join one, but have not found one that seemed to be a good fit. Laurie

[Cheryl]

Laurie,
I haven't attended a support group, but the onc. nurse where I go leads one and they have info about some at Fairview. I will get it when I am there on Monday and send you contact info. I would personally prefer a church/faith based group, but don't know of one. This is what has kept me strong. Still have some terrible days, and it is a long road ahead. You have encouraged me about the insurance though! I saw your post about the rash on your hand. I have had strange skin things come and go throughout taxol too. Mainly a bright red, slightly raised rash that shows up on my arm or neck and goes away in about an hour. Weird. I did have some kind of almost "cuts" on the ends of my fingers which I put Aquaphor on and they cleared right up. Don't know if that would help you or not.
Hang in there, I am now 5 days past #12. Body aches are worse this time than ever, still tired, but at least I know they aren't going to hit me again Monday. You will make it.
Cheryl

[sassy]

Laurie and Cheryl,

Seems like were pretty close in treatment. I will get last of 12 taxol/herceptin next week--can't wait. Then 9 more months of herceptin (at least) with rads starting in about a month. Will start oral chem in about 5 weeks. Wondering what you two are doing. Tamoxifin or and AI. Chemo has put me into meno, but have not been tested to see if permanent yet. I'm 46 so it probably will be,l just not sure if I there yet. Seems to me I should do whatever necessary to go straight on an AI probably Arimedix. Just wondering where you all are with this.

Sassy

[Laurie S]

Hi Sassy, I am er/pr- so I won't be taking anything other than my herceptin.
Laurie

[Cheryl]

Hi Sassy,
I'm almost 45, and having my ovaries out so that I can go to Arimidex right away. Getting a three-for surgery. Double mas., ovaries out and beginning of reconstruction with tissue expanders. Sure have been hearing some scarey stuff about side effects of AI's and Tamoxifen. Hope they aren't true. What was your diagnosis?

[sassy]

I'm triple positive .9cm tumor with extensive microcalcifications. 5 of 14 positive nodes. Stage II. Had left mast 2/15/05 A/C getting 12 taxol/herceptin next week. Will test in about 5 weeks to see where I am with menopause. I will push for ovaries out or is it Lupron shots to completely put me into menopause. Will do recon at a later date.

Sassy