Triple positive: why don't I get perjeta?

FB1983 · May 2016

Dear all,

I have been reading quite a lot of stories and treatments, and it suprised me how many of triple positive sisters do receive perjeta as part of their treatment. My oncologist told me I was not eligible for this treatment, and that it was used for advanced breast cancer only. Would be great if anyone could share you views on this, I just want to make sure I am getting the best treatment even to fight cancer!

Looking forward to have your reactions!

FYI, I am 33, auto-diagnosed with a lump of 1.12cm, ER,PR+ (95 and 80%), grade 3, Ki67:30%, HER+++

tumorectomy: March 10 2016: margins clear, 0/3 nodes

Zoladex: March 24

Chemotherapy: March 31: 4 round of dose dense EC

Chemoteraphy+targeted treatment: May 26: 12 doses of Taxol+ herceptin

+ 1 year of herceptin and 1 month of radiations planned

fightergirl711 · May 2016

I'd get a second opinion, that's what I did. First MO recommended a completely different treatment plan than the one recommended to me from Dana-Farber. She also told me I didn't qualify for Perjeta, I technically "already had surgery" (although I need more for clean margins) and insurance wouldn't cover it. Dana-Farber recommended it, and even reassured that insurance would pay for it. After I told the first MO that I was moving my care, she tried to get me to stay locally, even said they could do the same regimen there. Most likely because of the $ the hospital would get for such extensive treatment. No way.

I'm also Stage III with node involvement, it seems like your diagnosis isn't advanced, that may be the reason, but I'm not sure. Definitely get a second, even third opinion.

Girlstrong · May 2016

hi there, Perjeta is indicated for HER2+ cancer that is node positive and/or tumor size greater than 2.0 cm. I always recommend getting a 2nd opinion. Here's the link to Perjeta. Wishing you the best.

http://m.perjeta.com/hcp/

Triple positive: why don't I get perjeta?

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