Why Stay On Herceptin...?

chrisy · 06-07-2007, 05:16 PM

"He's just amazed I'm still here. Maybe he figures nothing is going to stop me."

Well, Andi, he's probably right about that! Now you just need to get the insurance company to understand that - they'll be much happier! Has your onc written an appeal to them on the contrast? If they are denying on the grounds of medical necessity, this can sometimes work. I had to 'ask twice' for something in the past.

Sometimes I think they say no just to see if they can get away with it, and when they are challenged they change their mind.

Andrea Barnett Budin · 06-07-2007, 05:52 PM

You are 100% correct on that. I will ask for an appeal next time. I'm getting all wound up, having stuffed my annoyance down last time, during a rough pd. New onc, old one left town. Tk my lifeline away. Facing genetic testing, CT scans, MRI, had new grandchild on the other coast and had to be there, of course -- pressured and distracted, trying to keep it all together. Next time, I'll see it coming and be prepared.

In the past, I have learned you can call the insur co for a precert and be denied. If you wait five min and call again, you get a diff person and can get a reasonable one vs one with the sense of a penny, just like that.

I'm on the case. Thanks again for your words. With love... ANDI

Andrea Barnett Budin · 06-08-2007, 02:16 PM

I would share anything with you that you would like. Just want to add the caveat that I am not a med profssnl. This list is from my NY onc/hematol/nutiritional expert. I have checked the Internet on ea and ev one before taking. I listen to experts on TV, like Andrew Weill or Oz and verify. I give an alphabetized list to all my oncs of all my meds, inclding dosages and reasons for taking. 3 oncs just laugh and dismiss my foolery. Don't even read the list as it is long and time-consuming. I think that is close-minded, reflecting old school thinking, lack of knowledge re nutrition and a gen'l bias against all vita and supplements. I have IBS during and ever since Taxotere so can't eat many fds to keep a well balanced diet. Wouldn't take these if I didn't have at least 1 onc to ok it all. Others don't know, or want to know.

I take a multi, probiotic, friendly bacteria for proper digestion and bowel func, alpha lipoic Acid (300X2)detoxifies liver, antiox, neutralizes free radicals, protects cells from damage, can cross the brain barrier, energy. Argenine 350, for strong heart. B-6 50mg, healthy heart.B-12 1000 sublingual-energy. C 1000 w/bioflavonoids and green tea. Calcium 600 w/D400 AM/PM for bone density, Chromium 400 boosts energy, maintains sugar levels, CO-ENZYM Q10 -- 150 AM/PM inhibis cell growth, enhances imm sys, energizes, healthy heart, gums, D3-1000 bones,Echinacea 300 w/golden seal 100 AM/PM - 1 wk on, 1 wk alternate w/Thymulus 750 w/Astragalus 250 AM/PM - imm booster, E400 AM/PM, Fennel Seed 480 (1-3) w/food-rids intestinal tract of mucous, Flaxseed Oil w/Omega 3 EFA 1480 (EPA 800 & DHA 400)-inhibits cell growth along w/extra virgin olive oil when possible, uncooked, Ginkgo Biloba Extract 60 AM/PM mental alertness, Grapeseed Extract 150-anti-oxi, can cross blood-brain barrier and protect brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage, protects liver, strengthen connective tissue, including heart sys, supp imm sys), Carnithane 500 empty stomach (amino acid assists in gastro absorption, energy, heart), Glutamine 500 empty stomach (ditto),
Lysine 500 empty stomach (ditto)
Magnesium 200 regulates bowels, energizes, healthy heart, lowers bld sugar and triglyc, raises gd choles, prevents stroke), NADH 5 Co Enzy AM/PM -- 1 scoop in potassium rich OJ (lycopenes, relieves hot flashes, boosts imm sys and mental clarity, helps reg bowels) + 1 banana a day for potassium, strength, energy and a host of gd reasons, zinc 25 (anti-canc, imm booster).

Supplements taken w/food if not otherwise indicated. Best to take things that are AM/PM split in that way, rather than all at once.

E and fish oils (Omegas) must be stopped for 1 wk prior to any surg. Must not be taken w/bld thinners.

The onc that recommnds these is cutting edge knowledgeable about vitamins and supplem and is totally familiar with my bc history and overall health (high bld press and choles, high bld sgr). All is under control w/prescrip meds. And VITAMIN H, my gift from God and Slamon and Pegram, et al, is keeping mets at bay we all think (Pegram, Slamon, 3 oncs). On this we all agree.

I wish you all safe passage. Do your best. May you ea become stable, NED and stay there!!! With much loving energy... ANDI

Welcome input from any of you re supplements, or anything for that matter. Please share...