fillise Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Mom got her scan results today and it's not good news. Both the tumor in her lung and the one on her liver have grown. She has done three lines of chemo so the next step is Tarceva. I was impressed with the way mom's oncologist began helping her to deal with the cost immediately. They checked her insurance and told her what her co-pay will be (about $2,000 for the first two months and then about $200.00 for the next ten months in the year) with her Medicare part D plan. They are going to try to get her some co-pay assistance for the first couple of months especially. He brought someone in to begin the paperwork. He also discussed the side effects with her. She will hate them, but needless to say, I'm hoping she has to deal with them because that will mean it is more likely the Tarceva is working. I'm pretty bummed, but this is not unexpected. After seeing mom over Thanksgiving I thought that the cancer was probably on the move again. She told me that she thought so too and was not surprised by the news although she is disappointed. Stupid cancer. Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear this news. But your Mom is a trooper. "Disappointed" beats devastated by a long shot. Sounds like she'll keep on fighting. I HATE THIS DISEASE! Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbvh Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Susan, i am so sorry to hear the news about your Mom. My prayers are with you & Mom. (Hugs)) BarbVH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce u Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 Sorry to hear this news Susan. But your Mom is still in the game and in fighting mode. I've read some good news stories on here about Tarceva. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted December 1, 2009 Share Posted December 1, 2009 I too am so sorry to hear about your Mom and also that her doctors are trying to get financial assistance for the Tarceva. My thoughts and prayers are with you....as always. I too hate this disease....more than I can ever even begin to say. Bless you and your Mom Susan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Susan, I am so sorry to learn that your mom's cancer has progressed. Hope the Tarceva will be the magic bullet for her, it is for many. As for payment, I know that many oncologist offices and cancer centers are oftentimes of great assistance. They oftentimes can GIVE patients Tarceva ,free of charge, that has been donated by patients who couldn't take it. Mike and my mom got it that way , to get them started. Not only that, but there is financial assistance available directly from the company that makes Tarceva... been so long that I forget how this works. I know there must be some information on this site about it and people here who have the information to help. Do not let her pay out the $2,000... that's robbery . Just know that I am keeping her in my prayers, as always. Hugs, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Baker Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 So sorry to read this, Susan. Let's hope the Tarceva works well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet B Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 So sorry to hear this - hopefully the Tarceva will work its magic - I am sending prayers your way peace, Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 I am sorry sorry about the news of your mom. But take comfort in knowing there is another plan and the great help you are getting from her doctor. I will pray that this works for her. Hang strong... she is strong woman and you will be right by her side. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 I'm sorry for the not so good news but Tarceva gave my dad so much time without the harsh side effects of Chemo. Maybe it will be her lucky charm. I'm with Sue on the Tarceva cost please check with the company that makes it. They were able to help my girlfriends' mom with the cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatlemike Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Prayer said that Tarceva works well for your mother Susan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 2, 2009 Author Share Posted December 2, 2009 Thanks everyone. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes from all the sweet and supportive responses here and on Facebook. It's like all the other dips on the roller coaster. You have to have a day or so to let your stomach catch up and then you settle into yet another new definition of normal. Mom is supposed to hear from her Onc's office about the Tarceva assistance today or tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millie's girl Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Sending prayers up for your mom... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Looking for a long period of stability (maybe even shrinkage!) from the Tarceva, Susan. The best to you and your terrific mom. Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 2, 2009 Share Posted December 2, 2009 Susan my thoughts and payers for Mom!! remember we have had so many with such good luck with tarceva as a maintenance drug. Here is another link that may help also!!! http://www.genentechaccesssolutions.com ... /copay.jsp Let me know if ya need anything at all!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieB Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Susan, lots of prayers for your mom and for you. If you guys need help with access solutions (Tarceva Patient Assistance) Let me know. I am very close with the director over that program. I will be praying everyday that the Tarceva will be a total success for your mom. (((hugs))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Thinking of you and your mom tonight. Prayers that Tarceva works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted December 3, 2009 Share Posted December 3, 2009 Susan, You and your Mom are in my thoughts and prayers for success with Tarceva. It kept Bill stable for a time, and gave him a precious hiatus away from regular chemo. Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LovesLife Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 Susan - I am so sorry to read this. It seems your mom keeps giving her cancer the old one/two and I am hoping that she will do the same this time around. Her attitude has always been amazing. I am hoping the Tarceva is the magic bullet for her to put it on the run again! Amen - stupid $@#@ cancer! Hugs, Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilyjohn Posted December 4, 2009 Share Posted December 4, 2009 I hope it works and she will start to see progress. I think it is safe to say that all of us HATE Lung Cancer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 7, 2009 Author Share Posted December 7, 2009 A quick update. Mom got into the Tarceva patient assistance program and her first 30 days supply is being shipped to her today! She should have them tomorrow. Now that we know they are coming, we just have to pray that they will help! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstdzy Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Susan, Sorry for the late response. Prayers are on the way!! Hope the tarceva kicks that cancer right in the a**!!! Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbvh Posted December 7, 2009 Share Posted December 7, 2009 Susan, So glad to hear that your Mom got in the assistance program. Many prayers that it will be successful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calintay Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 My prayers for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Prayers daily being said for your Mom, and for your family, Susan. May Tarceva do the job. Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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