Zometa

Tag: Zometa

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Drug Financial Assistance – Off And Running

So, I have downloaded, filled out, provided my last year’s tax return gotten Dr Deleon and Dr Weaver to provide their authorizations, DEA No/State License info and a prescription request for each medication.

I have submitted everything needed and talked with reps from each company.

I was told by each one that I was “initially pre-approved”, but that there are no promises.

I am hoping hoping hoping. Any assistance would be a blessing, but assistance from all four would be be Awesome and a Huge stress-relief which I need to help me beat this monster disease.

Yes, I am Hoping, Hoping, Hoping.

Tags: Genentech, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Tarceva, Xeloda, Zolinza, Zometa

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Financial Assistance, Gene Therapy Drugs, hope | No Comments »

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Financial Assistance – Drugs

Now that we are sure that I can tolerate the drugs and reactions, I can go forward with applying for financial assistance from the drug manufacturers. The reaction from the Zometa put me back several days, I hope I can make up time…

For the Tarceva, I will need to contact Genentech Access to Care Foundation (GATCF) @ 888-249-4918.

For the Zolinza, I will need to contact Merck Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For the Xeloda, I will need to contact Roche Patient Assistance Foundation @ 800-443-6676.

For the Zometa, I will need to contact Novartis Oncology Patient Assistance Program (PAP) @ 866-884-5906.

For each request for assistance, I will need to download the required paperwork and it fill out completely and properly, provide my last year’s tax return (for proof of income, cuz it all depends on how much money one makes) then get Dr Deleon and Dr Weaver to provide their authorizations, DEA No/State License info and a prescription request for each.

It’s up to me to coordinate all this, and my life literally depends on it, so I’d better get on the ball!

I’ve provided the info in case someone out there, who might happen to be reading my blog, either has need of, or knows someone who has need of this info… If you do, it’d sure be nice to know I helped someone!

Tags: Genentech, Merck, Novartis, Roche, Tarceva, Xeloda, Zolinza, Zometa

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Financial Assistance, hope | 6 Comments »

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Zometa, You Are a Cruel Mistress

So…

Zometa.Kicked.My.Ass.

I was told that I would “probably” experience “slight” flu-like symptoms for a day. What I got was symptoms of Major Flu From Hell.

I ran a fever that went up and down and up and down and up and down – 101.7 was the highest, but it felt like 107 cuz I was burning.

My body ached like I had been beaten with 2x4s. It took everything I could muster to even turn over in bed. Going to the restroom was a major ordeal.

Thank Goodness Mom was here to help me out, I’d be lost without her. Being single sucks, but – realistically – who would be able, or want, to handle this… ~sigh~ Certainly not Clifford, he proved his mettle, and it was not metal.

I am told that the first treatment is the worst, that each one becomes easier. Let’s hope.

I’m back off to bed, still recovering.

Tags: Cliff Grimes, Clifford F Grimes, Clifford Grimes, Mr. Sack, Zometa

Posted in Cancer, Gene Therapy Drugs, Mom | 6 Comments »

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Zometa – Again

I am so very sick… killer flu symptoms since 4:30am yesterday morning… still feel like crap… back to bed now.

Tags: Zometa

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Gene Therapy Drug Reactions, Gene Therapy Drugs | No Comments »

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Today I took my first monthly infusion of Zometa, I will have 4mg/5ml each month.

ZOMETA is (also) used to treat patients with other cancers—including breast‚ lung and prostate cancer—that have spread to the bones‚ a process called bone metastasis. When cancer has spread to the bone‚ treatment with ZOMETA helps to protect bones and may reduce or delay such complications as:
* Bone fracture
* Need for radiation and/or surgery to bone
* Spinal cord compression

“ZOMETA is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects you may experience with ZOMETA therapy are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, headache, fever, shortness of breath, anemia, constipation, or lack of appetite. These side effects with ZOMETA were usually mild and transient. Your doctor may recommend a mild pain reliever to make you more comfortable.

In postmarketing experience, severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain has been reported infrequently in patients taking bisphosphonates.”

Yet another very expensive drug at $1087/month. I can, and intend to, petition the manufacturer for financial assistance.

Caesar was the tech who did my infusion, he was very nice.

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Tags: Zometa

Posted in Burzynski Clinic Doctors, Dr. L. Deleon, Gene Therapy Drugs | 15 Comments »

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Chemo Follow-up #1 – Dr. Casimir

Today had follow-up #1 with the oncologist, Dr Casimir of Northwest Cancer Center. This was my first “official” meeting with Dr. Casimir, and it was pretty quick. I spent more time with her nurse, Katy, than with the Dr herself. Drs like that don’t give me much confidence.

Dr Casimir and Mom had an in depth conversation regarding shoes. Shoes? Excuse me, I have cancer here. Seems Dr Casimir is a big shoe fan…

One question I had was about a couple of online articles regarding anti-tumor activity in a drug called Zometa that I had found….
Article #1
Article #2

Now, I’m thinking that this drug might be well worth investigating, but Dr Casimir poo-poo’d my query.

I’m just not too sure about such close-minded thinking…

Tags: Zometa

Posted in Chemo Follow-up Appointments, Dr. M. Casimir, frustration, Mom | No Comments »

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