HER2 Support Group Forums

Just hoping to help you. I knew that link wasn't for perjeta but I thought it might be worth a try anyway, rather than nothing and you never know what could pop up. Keep monitoring. And, Lapatinab is one of the few drugs that crosses the blood brain barrier so could be helpful in preventing brain mets.

You aren't allowed to change doctors????? That is HORRIBLE. Truly unbelievable. I don't like your doctor just based on what you've said and you are trapped with him?! I am shocked, really. No offense to Canadians but I sure hope our health care system doesn't go down that road. It may not be perfect but we have freedom to choose who are physician is, it's not a freaking marriage.

That just means that you need to do the research and stand up for yourself because he isn't going to do it for you. I also found some links to charities in Canada that cover the costs of drugs when the government won't do it. I think it was in the third link somewhere. So you might contact them and see what they can do and what advice they can offer.

It sounds like they cover hospice - are you confusing them withdrawing herceptin with progression as the same thing as entering hospice? Because usually, when you go into hospice, you stop all medications and chemos and just do comfort care. But if you are still being treated, even with progression they should keep you on herceptin. My doctor says I'll be on herceptin for the rest of my life no matter what else I'm one - while I've progressed on it, we don't know how badly I would have progressed without it do we?

Something sounds really off. I would not rely on your doctor for information. And, bloggers know some stuff but they also know their own situation, so I might find somebody in government to ask these questions. Who oversees all this? Can you call the Ontario Health Ministry and get some names and see what they cover, why and when? I would start out getting some really good information so you know where to go because it sounds like right now, you aren't getting the right info.

And if you don't like your oncologist and you want to change and there is an ombudmsman, why not just contact him and tell him you don't trust your doctor and want to switch? What's the worst that can happen - he says no? It's worth a try. Sounds like you need at least on person on your side.

Did you call genentech yet? They are super nice there. They know the laws, maybe better than your doctor does, so I'd start there.