Howdy, new here, but have Canadian question...

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krissdani
krissdani Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
Howdy, new here, but have Canadian question...
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  • krissdani
    krissdani Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2007

    Hi, My name's Dani. I'm in vancouver and a regular on the YSC board... I am stuck with a very canadian question and not alot of people to confer with.

    Is anyone here in canada on Lupron?? Outside of a trial?? Who's paying for it and how expensive is it?

    I am trying to figure out AI's verses Tamoxifin Lupron Vs hack em out etc etc...

    My stats are stage IIA 4cm tumor unifocal, no nodes, er+ pr+ Her2nu+++

    I'm 29, so I realize loosing the ovaries is a big deal... but I am scared they are a ticking time bomb... Your thoughts?

    Thanks in advance from a newbie.

    Dani.

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  • zarowny9
    zarowny9 Member Posts: 328
    edited December 2007

    Hi Dani,I cant answer your question as Iam triple neg.I was 29 at original dx and because of genetic testing being positive I had a double mast and a complete hysterectomy.Hopefully someone will come this way and answer your question.Iam from Alberta close to Edmonton.Welcome to the boards and best of luck.....Dawn

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited December 2007

    HI Dani,

    I am a fellow Canadian living in Ontario.  I am on Zoladex injections which is similar to Lupron.  The injection is given once every 3 months and is $1262 per injection.  My husband's benefit plan covers 90% of the cost.

    Michele 

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  • suz45
    suz45 Member Posts: 796
    edited December 2007

    Hi Dani,

    Another Vancouver gal here, sorry I cant answer your question as I am another triple neg and being tested for the braca 1 gene, I hope someone will come along and give you the answers you need. A warm welcome to boards and sorry you have to be here. Where in Vancouver are you being treated? I live in Richmond and am going to the the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for 4 months chemo then onto radiation. Best of luck to you.

    Love and hugs,

    Suz

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  • Caya
    Caya Member Posts: 971
    edited January 2008

    Dani - Welcome to the board, although of course we all wish we did not have to be here.

    I live in Ontario, in Thornhill, which is just north of Toronto,  I am triple + like you, although I am 20 years older than you.  I was diagnosed in October 2006 - went in for a breast reduction, my PS found the cancer, which had been totally missed on a mammogram and ultrasound only 3 months prior.  I did 3 rounds of FEC, then 3 of Taxotere, and I have had 10 infusions of Herceptin with 7 more to go.  I am also on Tamoxifen.

    I also was worried about leaving my ovaries in, and my onc. really did not want me to take them out unless I was BRCA positive - I had the testing because I was diagnosed under age 50, also I am Ashkenazi Jewish, which carries a greater weight of having the BRCA 1 or 2 genes.  Luckily I tested negative.  I did go to see a gyn. onc. as well, and her opinion was that if I wanted them out, she would take them out - but I think alot of this had to do with my age, and the fact that I had 2 children.  What I suggest for you is to see the genetics counsellor at your hospital, and try to push for the BRCA testing. Also get an appointment with a gyn. onc. and see what they have to say. 

    You can have vaginal ultrasounds and internal exams that can monitor your ovaries... It would be a pity at your age to lose them unless it was absolutely necessary -

    AIs are given only to postmenopausal women.  A good plan is to be on Tamoxifen for 2 years, then switch to an AI if you become postmenopausal.  This is the plan for me, as I am still premenopausal, but I should be post within the next year or two.

    Again, I am not a doctor, but these are my experiences.  I hope this helps you a bit.

    Good luck with your treatment.  Let us know how you are doing.

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  • krissdani
    krissdani Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2007

    Thanks ladies. I can't believe how expensive that is! I'm on bluecross... by any chance is that what your husband is on curleylocks?

    My baba (grandmother) was found to have serious ovarian cancer when she died (smoking killed her, but when they autopsied her there was a tumor the size of a volleyball where her ovary used to be) . Hubby and I already happily decided no kids, so that's no big loss for me. I am hoping to get on an AI to begin with and them maybe Tamoxifin. I understand the AI's are more effective up front, and the crossover is now considered the best way to go. I don't know if anyone is doing AI then Tamoxifin though, mostly because I think they want to leave the ovaries in, do the Tamoxifin then take them out and do the AI.

    So much to figure out.

    I am getting treated at SMH, I just switched to Dr Pansegrau (yay!) my previous Onc wasn't very good at discussing this very topic with me, and almost cost me my reconstruction!! So, I am trying to plan now where to go from here. I have had 4 ac's and will have Taxol #2 tomorrow (what a way to spend new years eve!!) I hate the taxol, it beats me to a pulp, but hey, if it works, it was worth it!

    I am also doing rads, despote the fact I was node neg. Dr. Balkwill and I discussed and we feel there is more than a theoretical benifit to be had (maybe up to 7%) so I'm adding that in too. I am being VERY agressive. Maybe over the top, but I really, really really don't want to do this twice. Life's too short as it is!! 

    I have done the paperwork for the genetic testing. If it came back positive, that would certainly simplify my question. It bothers me though they suspect there is a BRAC3 gene and possibly others that act in the same fashion they simply have yet to identify.

    Thanks for the help and the welcome. Will I see any of you at surrey?

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited December 2007

    Hi Krissdani,

    My husband is on Manulife's plan.  Yes it is outrageous how much the drug companies charge for one flippin injection pellet!

    Michele 

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  • skirk
    skirk Member Posts: 29
    edited January 2008

    I live in Alberta and have my Zoladex injections done at the cancer center and don't pay nothing for it. This is covered because it is considered a treatment just like chemo.

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