Avastin only for maintenance?

MMMT SURVIVOR
MMMT SURVIVOR Member Posts: 6
in Ovarian Cancer #1

Hello, I posted this on the uterine board but only received one reply.  I was hoping maybe someone here would be able to help.  I'm on Avastin only for maintenance after going through chemo (carbo/taxol) 3x.  I received my 11th infusion this week and have been doing well.  My onc said my situation is a dilemma because the question becomes when is it time to come off.  I asked if Medicare allows taking a break and then restarting but he said no, they only give you one shot at Avastin.  I suppose because of the expense.  He also said Medicare can bump you off at anytime.  I don't know where things are headed but I was wondering if anyone has been on this treatment and/or if anyone knows the out-of-pocket cost of the drug.  Just trying to do some planning.  Any thoughts appreciated. 

thanks,

Mary Ann

1/2011 - Dx MMMT/TAH/Carbo/Taxol/Brachytherapy

1/2013 - Bilateral lung wedge resection for 2 nodules followed by carbo/taxol

9/2015 - Stereotactic radiation for one lung nodule

12/2017 - Radiation for pelvic tumor followed by carbo/taxol

10/2018 - Started Avastin only for maintenance

 

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #2
    Avastin Maintenance

    Hi MMMT Survivor,

    I was on Avastin maintenance back in 2010.  The protocol was 15 rounds, after completing conventional chemo.  I completed 11 rounds and then opted to quit because my blood pressure started going up. 

    Back then, I know my insurance was billed $20,000 per dose.  I worked with an integrative nurse practitioner, who had worked in Alaska and who had done just about everything medical.  She said when she ordered Avastin, it cost $10,000 per dose.

    I hope this helps.

  • Harmony09
    Harmony09 Member Posts: 79
    #3
    Concerned s well

    Hi MMT Survivor,

    I'm also concerned/curious about Avistan. My gyn. onc. suggested one more round of just Taxol or Avistan for my recent recurrence, then proceeded to tell me that Avistan only works for about 4-5 months. Not very hopeful. I'm wondering if it was just his limited experience or the same stuff I read online, and we both know Dr. Google can be ify ;)

    Fortunately, I suggested Keytruda, because I knew I had the mismatch repair gene AND that it is now approved for all cancer. Makes me feel some kind of way about his care for me, but that's another story.

    How long have you been on it now? Any blood pressure problems? Are you having successful results?

    I sure hope you're doing well!

    Sincerely,

    Stacey

  • Bonniekins
    Bonniekins Member Posts: 6
    #4
    Harmony09 said:

    Concerned s well

    Hi MMT Survivor,

    I'm also concerned/curious about Avistan. My gyn. onc. suggested one more round of just Taxol or Avistan for my recent recurrence, then proceeded to tell me that Avistan only works for about 4-5 months. Not very hopeful. I'm wondering if it was just his limited experience or the same stuff I read online, and we both know Dr. Google can be ify ;)

    Fortunately, I suggested Keytruda, because I knew I had the mismatch repair gene AND that it is now approved for all cancer. Makes me feel some kind of way about his care for me, but that's another story.

    How long have you been on it now? Any blood pressure problems? Are you having successful results?

    I sure hope you're doing well!

    Sincerely,

    Stacey

    Avastin Maintenance

    Hi - I have Ovarian Cancer which was treated with an Avastin, Taxol and Carboplatin cocktail. After this protocol was completed and I was NED I continued with just Avastin. It has now been 6 months on this therapy and I am still NED. My Oncologist says I will continue the Avastin for an additional 18 month. After that, they're recommending a PARP inhibitor.

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