[Nancy L]

Chelee,

I am sure cost is a huge factor for the HMO. By the way, are you on Medicare? I calculate that the retail cost of the three drugs is close to $10K per month. Of course, insurance doesn't pay that much to the oncs. I would love to know the wholesale cost of all these drugs but I haven't figured out a way to get that info on the web.

Diarrhea with Tykerb is a problem but can be controlled by taking a Lomotil every morning and a strict diet. There are a lot of things you just can't eat or drink while you are on this drug---when you do, you pay big time.

The DM-1 trial is attractive. Cost is not a factor for the HMO when they put you on a trial---the drug company pays. And I am sure they get paid for all the paperwork, etc. So it should be a win-win to put you on this trial.

How do they plan to attack the tumor---radiation???

I feel so bad that you have a double wammy going here. And from personal experience, I know how difficult it can be when you have issues with a physician but are stuck and can't change. I wish I knew some magic tricks to share but I don't.

Nancy