Need Herceptin- No Medical insurance- Help

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kd01
kd01 Member Posts: 13
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

Hi there, do any of you girls know of a organisation that would sponsor my mother Herceptin, even just for 9 weeks.

My mom is 40 yrs old, Her2+, stage 3. Tumor 5cm x 4cm. 8/24 lymph nodes. ER+ PR+. R/Mastectomy 24/02/2011

Her doctors say she needs a year of Herceptin, but i have read that 9 weeks could also help her. We are in South Africa, and do not have medical insurance and cannot afford this drug.

I have tried Roche, and all companies/organisations as well as clinical trials- but nothing so far!

She went in for her 3rd chemo yesterday 10/05/2011, and she has 5 more left, i am scared because they say Herceptin works better with chemo than nothing.

Please please help me!!! Please... if you know of any place that could help us in SA- i would really appreciate it! oxox KD

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  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited May 2011
    I have no experience with your situation, but thought I'd stop and bump your thread for you.  But one organization that comes to mind is Doctors Without Borders.  While cancer treatment isn't their forte, they may have contacts in your part of the world that can help you find an answer.  It can't hurt to contact them. Good luck!    Deanna
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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited May 2011

    Have you contacted these people: Genentech  or this link

    I know the program is for the US but they may know of some other program for your country.

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  • kd01
    kd01 Member Posts: 13
    edited May 2011

    Hi Lago, yes i have tried Genentech as well as a few other pharm. co's.

     But nothing yet- Thanx!

    Deanna, I am looking into Doctors without borders. Thanx for that- have not heard of them before. Smile

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  • Thriver
    Thriver Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2011

    Hi

    I have been able to get many patient's drugs paid for by a PAP.  That stands for Patient Assistance Program.  Most drug companies have them.  Check out Needy Meds for the phone number if you haven't contacted them yet.  As long as your income is not too high, they usually help.  They have various income limits.  Each company establishes their own income limits.  I've seen them as high as $30,000 per year.

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