Barb1260 Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Tomorrow is week 4 of this 6 week radiation/chemo journey. The chemo started as Carbo/Taxol, had anaphylaxis from the Taxol so was changed to Taxotere which I also had a reaction to. Now waiting for approval for Abraxane (Paclitaxel) as the 2nd chemo with the Carbo. Research is showing me that this is from the same Yew tree which is probably what I am allergic to (I'm allergic to most trees, grass, weeds). When I called the onc's office, I was told that it is protein bound and should not have a problem. I am now 1/2 way through this with only one chemo and am frustrated and a nervous wreck wondering if I'm not getting the full treatment if its even working to keep it from spreading. I've asked about the 1/2 treatment and it seems they aren't concerned as I am getting the Carbo. I understand there is step therapy the insurance company makes you go through in order to get something approved but is this standard protocol? Are there certain chemo's that need to be tried first as first line treatment? I'm ready to fire my entire team and start over but afraid if I stop now to get a 2nd opinion and start over I will make matters worse. The radiologist has shown me that the tumor is shrinking so that is a good thing at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Barb I think you are asking some great questions. I’m not sure how to answer but trust your instincts. Maybe it’s time for a second opinion. Doesn’t mean you’re starting over or firing your team- just looking for confirmation or out of the box thinking You might want to contact the Bonnie J Addario Foundation- they have resources to facilitate second opinions. Try not to worry too much- Carbo is a mega bomb. Did your biomarkers ever come back? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb1260 Posted February 3, 2019 Author Share Posted February 3, 2019 Hi Michelle-insurance won’t cover bio until stage 4. How did insurance companies get so much authority on someone’s medical treatment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Macaulay Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 If your cancer in the current treatment has not shown any progression you are on the right track going forward. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 The insurance medical necessity criteria is not in line with the standard of care. It’s outrageous. Our policy included bio marker testing for Stage 3 & above. That didn’t stop our insurance company from denying the Foundation One test three times. I’ve made good friends with the benefits team to manage the denials. We were prepared to pay the $5800 out of pocket as Foundation One has a pretty generous financial assistance program. Regardless of how the final appeal turns out- Foundation One has provided me 100% financial aide. I do plan on visiting with our legislators to advocate for a new patient bill of rights. Insurance companies have far too much input into our care plans. We’re in an era of cutting edge treatment & in my opinion the doctor’s recommendation should not be challenged by bureaucrats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb1260 Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 Yay-took the 3rd chemo Abraxane without a problem. Back on track Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rower Michelle Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Third time is the charm! Onward! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexieCat Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 GREAT news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BridgetO Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Onward! Upward! Forward! Yay for your successful infusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Galli Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Barb, On track, locked and loaded. Proceed to NED. Stay the course. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulaC Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 Yes!! I don’t always comment but I’ve been praying for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb1260 Posted February 8, 2019 Author Share Posted February 8, 2019 Thankful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaurenH Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 That's wonderful news, Barb! We're very glad to hear you're back on track! With gratitude, Lauren -- Digital Community Manager LUNGevity Foundation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaA Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Great news Barb. Thinking of you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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