Kras

Yes, I had that test done in Nov. to see if Erbitux would be effective. My test came out Kras positive for the cancer cells so my Doctor said I shouldn't take it. The test is expensive ($4500) and I'm still waiting to see if my insurance will cover it, but I still think it was good to have the test because it saved me the bad side effects of the drug and the disappointment of the drug not working after taking it for 3 months.
They test the tumor samples taken from surgery. The company name is REDPATH. I've read there is a blood test that will also tell if you are Kras positive. I'm sure it is much cheaper. Not sure if the doctors are making a profit off the other test or not, but it's worth asking before having it done.I didn't find that out until after it was already done; wish I had. Good Luck!! Kandy

apache4 said:

Thanks for asking this question. Erbitux would be my next line of defense, I think, and surely would not want to go through with it for nothing. I hope that your insurance covers it. Surely, the test is cheaper then the drug.

Yes, that was my explanation to the insurance company that Erbitux cost about $10,000 a month to take, not including a trip to a dermatologist for the rash it causes or the lung problems it can cause. I had 2 lung surgeries last year so I can't afford anymore problems with the lungs.

What did you think of the CCA meeting at Moffitt? I wish I'd of gone so I could have met you, but had other plans. What Doctor are you seeing there? How do you like Tampa?
Kandy