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06-16-2005, 10:28 AM

Hi Janet-
I live in Florida too-

I have had the exact thing told to me by my onc. He did however write a letter to the ins company (medical necessity) with back-up from data obtained by another onc in Philadelphia. Like you, I could not qualify for the Herceptin trial because my tumor was not large enough. And no docs around central and south florida were willing to give Hercepin to me even if I did pay up front. Since the ASCO meeting in May however, now they are all willing to give it if I pay up front. Although node negative , ER/PR - and HER2 +++ !!!!

I respect your option to opt out of chemo... just remember that AC is pretty effective on fast growing tumors and you are YOUNG!

Eventhough I already completed my chemo and rads, I am certainly willing to lose my hair again for the Herceptin and do more chemo if necessary... I have a 4 and 7 yr old and the biggest child of them all - my 43 yr old husband. I'll be damned if some hag ends-up with him due to my early demise. The chemo is well worth it.

I got 4 different opinions and NEVER "fell in love" with any of my docs... we are just patients.

There is an onc in Sebring Florida that will give it you if you pay upfront. He has offered to me. May hte force be with you!

06-16-2005, 10:28 AM	#3
mts Guest Posts: n/a	Hi Janet- I live in Florida too- I have had the exact thing told to me by my onc. He did however write a letter to the ins company (medical necessity) with back-up from data obtained by another onc in Philadelphia. Like you, I could not qualify for the Herceptin trial because my tumor was not large enough. And no docs around central and south florida were willing to give Hercepin to me even if I did pay up front. Since the ASCO meeting in May however, now they are all willing to give it if I pay up front. Although node negative , ER/PR - and HER2 +++ !!!! I respect your option to opt out of chemo... just remember that AC is pretty effective on fast growing tumors and you are YOUNG! Eventhough I already completed my chemo and rads, I am certainly willing to lose my hair again for the Herceptin and do more chemo if necessary... I have a 4 and 7 yr old and the biggest child of them all - my 43 yr old husband. I'll be damned if some hag ends-up with him due to my early demise. The chemo is well worth it. I got 4 different opinions and NEVER "fell in love" with any of my docs... we are just patients. There is an onc in Sebring Florida that will give it you if you pay upfront. He has offered to me. May hte force be with you!