Can't afford Herceptin

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tonette
tonette Member Posts: 2
edited October 2016 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi everyone, I just received my fish result today and it's confirmed Her2+. I'm also ER/PR+.  I came from a third world country where treatment for this type of cancer is oftenly unaffordable. Im glad that there's an available drug today but at the same time very sad to find out that i simply can't afford it. Tried already to find a clinic that administered clinical trial but sadly very few offering it and my onco told me i wont qualify anymore. It really hurts being struck by this disease knowing you dont have a means or access for the available treatment.

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2008

    Hi Tonette,

    I feel your frustration and pain.  I'm sorry you have BC and very sorry you live in a place where gaining access to Herceptin isn't easy.  But I would not give up trying to get that drug.  To be blunt - don't listen to your oncologist.  It's very easy for them to say you won't 'qualify' for a drug trial, but it's your life not theirs!  I would try everything I can to get Herceptin.  It's your best chance to avoid recurrence...especially when you are newly diagnosed.  Call every university, medical clinic and government health care service you can think of - and keep calling.  Don't take no for an answer!  You know the old saying: "the sqeaky wheel gets the oil"...  it means you get what you want if you keep asking.  Stand up for yourself girl!  Try to think of people you know who might help you... friends or family who have connections to labs, professors, doctors and the media.  Get your story out there!

    Good luck and don't give up,

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  • moonchild64
    moonchild64 Member Posts: 49
    edited November 2008

    Hi Tonette,

    The company that makes Herceptin - Genentech - has resources on their website to assist patients in gaining access to the medication. 

    http://www.herceptin.com/breast-cancer-resources/insurance.jsp

    I am not sure what is involved, but it is a place to start. 

    Wishing you the best.. keep on trying!!!  Don't give up!

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  • Mocity
    Mocity Member Posts: 451
    edited November 2008

    Yes try going through Herceptin.  My Dad has advanced kidney cancer and had no insurance when he started his journey.  His chemotherapy drug was $8K/month and the drug company is providing it for him.  It takes alot of jumping through hoops and paperwork but I think you can get the drugs.  Just fight for it.

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  • snowyday
    snowyday Member Posts: 1,478
    edited November 2008

    Hi Tonette:  Which country do you live in now.  The information above is good email the drug company and they often get the drug out.  Good luck!

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  • tonette
    tonette Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2008

    Thank you all for the messages you posted here. Im from the Philippines. Im actually coordinating already with some of the organizations here but still frustrated until now for being unable to find such institution yet. Im still looking and praying for the Lord's guidance that he will provide me with such need. Your encouragement meant a lot.

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  • bambiethedeer
    bambiethedeer Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2016

    Hi tonette, How are you? Im just curious if you were able to get herceptin after searching for it? i truly hope you did. My sister is in the same situation and herceptin is i guess much more pricey than it was 2008. I hope to be able to help here find some help here so i could extend it to her. thanks!

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited October 2016

    bambie,

    Tonette has not signed on since 2009. Since it's been 7 years, we may never know what happened. Have you checked the active Herceptin threads for ideas about affording treatment? Wishing the best for your sister and Tonette as well.

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