Canadians in British Columbia

hi Vilma

Who is your provider? I was able to get coverage with GWL after my MO filled out the forms and contacted Pfizer for partial pay. Pfizer picks up a portion that GWL won't pay through their compassionate assistance program. This was back in July for me that I was able to access it.

There is also a trial for a similar drug called Ribociclib (Kisqali) that you could ask your MO about getting into if you don't get Ibrance covered. This was the drug I would have been put on if I didn't get Ibrance covered.

Best of luck.

Ash

GWL: Great West Life - Pfizer did all the organizing for me once my oncologist filled out the paperwork. I hope you find a way Vilma! In the meantime, will you start Letrozole

Marian: I was under the impression that Ribo was into PHASE II trials. Does that not mean that you're guaranteed the drug?

I'm in the middle of cycle 3 right now. How are you doing on Ibrance Marian? I have yet to scan since I started. End of this month. Nervous.

I've been mostly hanging out over on the Ibrance board since I started in October. Managing but chronic low counts and lately GI issues giving me grief. I've been getting Grastofil (like neupogen) to get me through.

Ashlyn, I don't know anything about Ribo trials or phases so you are ahead of me on that. I only know that I don't want to on any trials. If I had wanted Faslodex free for instance, I could have got it from Victoria BCCA but I am lucky that my insurance pays for both my Ibrance and Faslodex.

Vilma, keep us posted and I suspect all will go well.

Marian

Hi lovelies!

My mother is a 3-time breast cancer survivor and her lymphedema (swelling of the arm) has gotten a lot worse the last year (it will swell up instantly by bending down to tie her shoelace). Has anyone had any success in completing the LVA surgery (lymph node transfer surgery) in Canada or Asia?

Wow, thanks that is great news!!

There has been much discussion about Ibrance this past week due to a brave woman who got it "public." Dr. Moore at BCCA spoke on a radio (I think) program and it is still in review and at the end he did say 2-3 months possibly.

Oddly enough just received a call from the surgeon's office. They have scheduled my appointment for 2 weeks from now, Feb 2. That feels like a long time to wait for the answers! But it also seems to me that if it was BC that they would get me in to be seen sooner???? Anyone have experience with that?

Raeleanne76, As moth says, you're GP should have a copy of the pathology report. And maybe you can call the surgeon and ask to be put on a cancellation list. Then you have a chance of getting in earlier if something opens up sooner.

Best, from Coq

Fembot, I have never seen the work IRL but there are three 3D nipple artists in the Lower Mainland listed here: https://www.nippletattoos.com/artists

I found out about these totally by accident when someone I know was thinking about getting microblading at Shauna Magrath's salon (beautyink.ca)

thanks Fembot and Moth. I will call my GP in the morning. I’ve already called the surgeons office to ask to be out on a cancellation list and to let them know I’m willing to hear results over the phone. Thanks for the idea about the GP

Wendy, I would not call it creepy if you have been approved. It is her job. Probably the same woman who called me in August and helped me through the process of finding out if I was covered and helped me with a conference call with our insurer. I am not apologizing for Pfizer and their employees so don't get me wrong. I am paying attention to what these wonderful young women are doing to help themselves~~one has US insurance but she has helped to make this front and center.

I do believe it will soon be covered.

Mandytam,I hope you have found info on the transfer~~I and a brief read awhile back and since your mom has such severe LE this might be a god chose. Mine is called severe but it is nothing like what you describe. It is such a difficult thing and I can only assume that she is getting treatment, wearing a sleeve, etc.? I only saw an RMT expert last week for the first time and feel so inadequately educated Something as simple as washing our sleeves every night for instance makes a difference as the mesh clogs up with body oil, sweat and so on. My concern for many is the cost. RMT'sare not covered by my insurance but I can afford it~~with all the other costs for those with only MSP all I can say is that I hope your mom can access all she needs.

Roseanne, I had to wait 7 weeks for my lumpectomy after core biopsy~~summer got in the way for holidays throughout the system. Christmas is usually the same. The waiting game as I call it, is the worst. Hoping you get in sooner. Pathology results often take 3 weeks. May I suggest you check other threads for basic answers as often there are really good answers on the process.

It is so good to see all of you here helping each other. For quite a while, it was very quiet. My heart goes out to each and every one of you, having been there 5+ years ago and on through the years.

Ah, almost forgot about the 3D nipples. Ossa has them and those of us who have seen them can tell you they look so real we all wanted (and did) to touch them I know someone else to who had hers done near Campbell River. My PS suggested "Steve the Breadman" in Squamish. Vinny is famous in the US. Google him and you can see some great work.

Marian

I always understood breast reductions were covered for medical reasons...like sore back etc so you would think the GP could come up with a medical reason following cancer. Sorry I am not more useful. :-)

This forum is not very busy but surely someone will come along with good information.

I wonder if BC people know that if they don't have a GP or don't like them they can see a nurse practitioner at the Cancer Agency. I love mine. She is amazing at covering all the bases and they are at Broadway and Willow so very convenient for many of us.

I hope you get some clarification soon Runor.

runor, I think it might be covered but needs pre-approval

(I think lumpectomies are technically called partial mastectomies in the fee guide)

"Reduction Mammoplasty

• Reduction Mammoplasty is a benefit for female patients only, where there is significant associated symptomatology such as intertrigo, neck or back pain or shoulder grooving. Ptosis and/or size are not sufficient grounds for MSP coverage of reduction mammoplasty. Mastopexy is not normally covered by MSP.

• Unilateral reduction mammoplasty may be a benefit of MSP if there is gross disproportion present, or in association with approved unilateral augmentation mammoplasty or post mastectomy reconstruction of the contralateral breast.

• MSP authorization is required. "

https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/sites/default/files/pub...

My daughter had a breast reduction at 19 it was covered. My sister had implants after her surgery and it was also covered by BC medical.

The Pfizer calls were every other day for about three weeks it felt like stalking . Along with a ton of emails I ended up having to phone there and complain. It was all about the money as far as I was concerned. I will try and hold out on the Ibrance until it’spaid for