Penny,
Most of the “GUESSES” I have seen say Abraxane should be available at Cancer Centers within forty-five days of launch. Launch was January 7, 2005. I suspect the Oncologist could speed this up by contacting the American Pharmaceutical Partners drug rep. for your area. Some helpful links and numbers for APP, Abraxis Oncology:
APP Drugs
Corporate Office:
1501 East Woodfield Drive,
Suite 300 East
Schaumburg, IL 60173-5837
Main Phone 847/969-2700
Toll Free 888/391-6300
West Coast Office:
11777 San Vicente Blvd.,
Suite 550
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone 310/826-8505
Naturally, none or at least very few, have actual experience with Abraxane, but it is certainly worth a phone call or two. Abraxane does have side effects but according to the studies, receiving one and one half the actual medication (Taxane) has no more negative sides than Taxol normal dose. Most of the sides are referred as well tolerated and that certainly beats just giving up….. Unless that is what your Mom has decided, that should always be the patient’s decision in my opinion. I hope this helps in some small way.
God Bless You All,
ron