Need help with Herceptin

[joyluck]

Hello,

I am so glad I have found this group.

It's has been almost 2 and half years since I was first dignosed with stage I (0.9cm, 19 node negative, ER+,PR-, HER2-) bc on my right side. I had a mastectomy, I started with tamoxifen. I thought I was cancer free and I had made plans for so many things, until 2 weeks ago...

My doctor found another lump on my left side, and it turned out to be cancer again. What a pain.... I had another mastectomy, the tumor size is still small (0.8cm) and there is no lymph node invlovment (23 nodes negative), however, this time both ER/PR are negative and HER2 is positive (IHC 3+). I was told that this type of cancer is much more likely to comeback than my previous one and Herceptin can significantly lower that risk. Unfortunately, my medical plan does not cover the expensive drug and my financial means doesnt give me the choice of moving to a plan that covers it either.....

I feel stuck and terrified....I wonder if there is any way I can receive herceptin treatment without the hefty price tag...

Can you help?


joyluck

08/04 DX right side stage 1, mastectomy, 0.9cm, 19 nodes negative, ER+, PR-, Her2-,
08/04~ now : on tamoxifen
03/23/07: DX left side Invasive Ductual Casinoma
03/27/07: Mastectomy, 0.8cm, 23 nodes negative ER/PR- Her2+ (IHC 3+)
seeking treatment now...