#oralchemo

[preetindercelebratinglife]

Oncologists plan...

Bone biopsy results are in....drum roll please!...it is now confirmed that my cancer of the spine is ‘Breast Cancer’ indeed. It also is ER +positive PR-negative! Which confirmed to my oncologist that my cancer is growing in response to estrogen hormone (and not progesterone hormone).  Thus, my oncologist started me on on targeted hormonal therapy by prescribing me Letrozole, and based on my tolerance, he may continue, change and/or add to it!  The potential side effects that I am warned about are hot flashes, hair loss, joint/bone/muscle pain, tiredness, usual sweating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, etc.  Next, I see my neurosurgeon  regarding the stability of the spinal cord and possible next steps!

[komensuncoast-blog]

Oral Chemotherapy Coverage Difference

Chemotherapy (chemo) is the use of anti cancer drugs to disable or kill cancer cells throughout the body. Although many people choose to receive their treatments intravenously, chemo can be taken orally by capsule or pill. Typically a combination of three types of chemo drugs is used. Oral chemo is quickly becoming more popular and while it has been around for decades, they have been being developed rapidly in recent years.

Unfortunately for patients choosing to receive oral chemotherapy, the drug itself can be extremely expensive. Intravenous therapies are traditionally covered by health insurance, but for those who have consulted with their doctor and opt to be treated orally, extreme out-of-pocket expenses are expected. Thankfully, the recent healthcare reform will provide millions of people with access to affordable insurance. Although patients will not begin to benefit from the reform until 2014, out-of-pocket spending caps and affordability credits will allow patients to receive necessary treatments.

The Komen Advocacy Alliance believes that there should not be a less favorable coverage plan for oral chemo than that given for intravenously-administered therapy. Komen Advocacy Alliance supports efforts at the federal and state level to receive group and individual health insurance plans and to provide coverage for oral chemotherapy.