Breast Cancer has Spread to Her Lung

txsmomof2
txsmomof2 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello to All.. I'm new to this site, And myself do not have cancer.. However the most important women in my life does, My Grandmother.. She found out in 1983 she had breast cancer and later took chemo and radiation and had her right breast removed, and then did great (other than being sick from chemo) then back in 1999 her implants were leaking and in removing those found breast cancer in her left breast and tissue under her arms, and all was removed, This past Monday she under went surgury to have fluid from her lung removed and some kind of powder put in to keep from coming back, (this has been a issue for about 3-4 yrs)Which in turn the GREAT Dr. that she has found that her breast cancer has spread to her right Lung and all he would say was didn't look good, My family has yet to talk to the Cancer Dr. Only to her office. Now my question is Her cancer Dr. NOW wants to put her on Femara, which reading what I can find on this drug It seems a little late now.. I can only find that this is something you take before The cancer has returned. I can't find anything on if it's spread. Is there any one out there that can help, My family is trying to find out if it would be worth my Grandmother to take, As this drug cost 600.00 (per the cancer Dr.'s office) and my grandmother is on a fixed income and can't afford it. Would it prolong her life and keep the Breast cancer from Spreading? Please any one out there that can spread some light on this please let me know....
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU !!!

Thank you
Tiffany

Comments

  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #2
    Hi Tiffany, Femara is actually used under both circumstances, as a preventative for ER+ postmenopausal women and as a treatment for Stage IV. You didn't mention your grandmother's age or if she is eligible for medicare but I can tell you that Femara is included in the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration Project. Novartis has pledged to work with patients to make the enrollment process as easy as possible to ensure access to this drug. The company also sponsors a program for patients without affordable drug coverage making them eligible for consideration to participate in the Novartis Patient Assistance Program. This is something you might want to look into. I'll keep you in my prayers.
    terri
  • txsmomof2
    txsmomof2 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    tlmac said:

    Hi Tiffany, Femara is actually used under both circumstances, as a preventative for ER+ postmenopausal women and as a treatment for Stage IV. You didn't mention your grandmother's age or if she is eligible for medicare but I can tell you that Femara is included in the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration Project. Novartis has pledged to work with patients to make the enrollment process as easy as possible to ensure access to this drug. The company also sponsors a program for patients without affordable drug coverage making them eligible for consideration to participate in the Novartis Patient Assistance Program. This is something you might want to look into. I'll keep you in my prayers.
    terri

    Hi Terri
    My Grandmother just turned 80 in November. She is on Medicare now, Not aware of the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration Project, And not sure My Aunt is either, Where would I find Info on this? Or the Novartis Patient Assistance Program?
    Thanks Alot
    Tiffany
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #4
    txsmomof2 said:

    Hi Terri
    My Grandmother just turned 80 in November. She is on Medicare now, Not aware of the Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration Project, And not sure My Aunt is either, Where would I find Info on this? Or the Novartis Patient Assistance Program?
    Thanks Alot
    Tiffany

    Tiffany, I did a quick search on Google.com for both topics and came up with the following sites. You'll find an explanation of both programs as well as links to application forms. Good luck!
    terri
    Explanation of Medicare Replacement Drug Demonstration Project:
    http://www.aan.com/professionals/drug_demo.pdf

    Patient Assistance Program with application link:
    http://www.needymeds.com/programs/novartis.html
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #5
    Tiffany:

    You can also try this website: www.helpingpatients.com

    Also has the applications. Hoping you can find the help your Grandmother needs. Your Grandmother's doctor's office should be able to find out about her Medicare eligibility for this drug, for her. You can also call a local pharmacist or stop into one. They can be a wealth of information and help you find the right place to find answers to these kinds of questions.

    Regarding what Femara may do for her: Everyone is different and responds differently. There is no way of knowing what any cancer drug will do, 100%, beforehand. She must decide, after learning all she can about it, if it's something she wants to give a go. In the meantime, it's a good thing to go ahead and find out which programs she qualifies for so she'll be set to go if she decides to take it. She may also benefit from a medical 2nd opinion. A 2nd opinion would certainly be on my list of things to arrange simply because different doctor's have different approaches and different thoughts/experiences and it's worthwhile to have another professional point of view to consider.

    Good luck and best wishes to your Grandmother and your family.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

Discussion Boards