They've given up on Mum & she was doing so well.

[mumsgirl]

I think this site is wonderful, it was reassuring to come across it at a time like this.

You asked to hear from people who are trying to obtain Tarceva from the NHS and this is the case with us. Back in December when Mum was diagnosed we were told that we could be prescribed a few months supply of Tarceva to see if it worked but now that the cancer has resurfaced we are being told that it needs to be 'applied' for. If we hadn't mentioned it we would likely not have even received this information and Mum is being offered no further chemotherapy.

I am concerned that we are going to have to self-fund as you did and am worried about all the other things associated with that. We know this would effectively remove Mum from the NHS system and we don't know who or how much it is going to cost to get a doctor to prescribe this privately or how much time we have to organise this.

I would dearly love any advice available as these are desperate times.

Warm wishes

Anne

[phillipa]

Oh dear, this is so worrying for you and you certainly don't more worry at this time.

If your Mother's oncologist is fighting in her corner, this should not be an obstruction for you. it does depend where you live and what type of treatment your Mother has had in the past. if she has gone through the chemo and radiation regime, she should be eligible for Tarceva, but this is not a given.

Obi went through the box and dice but only as palliative not radical and he is now on Tarceva and the cancer has spread to his pancreas and other lobe, but since being on Tarceva he has had a reduction in symptoms so much so, that he is back at work after twelve weeks off because of the pancreatic tumour and getting it to behave.

Post up what has been done and it would Deanna to know where you live and your local NHS Trust.

[jljenkyns]

Hi Anne

firstly did the Tarceva work in the interim period? If so then why did the hospital stop funding?

This does not neccessarily remove you from the NHS if you self -fund. The patients charter does say you can mix and match private and Nhs treatment, Remind them that if you have to self fund that you do so because they are refusing you the Drug therefore you are unwillingly becoming a private patient.

regards

jim