HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - When do they know Treatment is working or not?

Kimberly Lewis · 05-14-2006, 05:34 AM

I have the same question and also am 3a. I have been in treatment since last summer and have switched oncs 2x. I called my insurance Friday to see just what they cover and was surprised to learn that they only cover tumor markers in stage 4 patients. They do however cover PET scans for any stage. From what I read here I understand that many woman "fake" symptoms in order to recieve the tests they want and see other women getting. This is a terrible place to be. I do feel that testing stage 4 is to see if existant tumors are either no longer growing or shrinking and in my case they have cut off any existing tumor they could find. My CT scan and other tests have been clear. It is alarming to me that they never looked at my brain and continue to rufuse further testing when it seems that catching tumors when small would be beneficial!
I am reminded of the time that my mom and dad seperated... she came to stay with me because she feared him. He insisted on seeing her and I called the police only to be told they couldn't do anything till her actually attacked her. Now I am being told they won't protect me by testing till I am actually under attack by palpable or otherwise damaging tumors? The sensation of helplessness and anger is overwhelming. I plan on doing all I can to get tested... will write and let you know if I am sucessful!

05-14-2006, 05:34 AM	#3
Kimberly Lewis Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hilton Head Island, SC Posts: 279	I have the same question and also am 3a. I have been in treatment since last summer and have switched oncs 2x. I called my insurance Friday to see just what they cover and was surprised to learn that they only cover tumor markers in stage 4 patients. They do however cover PET scans for any stage. From what I read here I understand that many woman "fake" symptoms in order to recieve the tests they want and see other women getting. This is a terrible place to be. I do feel that testing stage 4 is to see if existant tumors are either no longer growing or shrinking and in my case they have cut off any existing tumor they could find. My CT scan and other tests have been clear. It is alarming to me that they never looked at my brain and continue to rufuse further testing when it seems that catching tumors when small would be beneficial! I am reminded of the time that my mom and dad seperated... she came to stay with me because she feared him. He insisted on seeing her and I called the police only to be told they couldn't do anything till her actually attacked her. Now I am being told they won't protect me by testing till I am actually under attack by palpable or otherwise damaging tumors? The sensation of helplessness and anger is overwhelming. I plan on doing all I can to get tested... will write and let you know if I am sucessful!