I’m sorry but I need to moan. I have been waiting to restart chemotherapy for over a month, as my oncologist wants to try me with abraxane, a chemo that is not recommeded by NICE yet. It is like taxol but bound in albumin so less likely to cause the horrible allergic reaction I had with taxotere. Anyway, I rang the PCT commisioning dept last week, who said it would need to go to panel. Today I phoned to be told by the admin person that she thinks they need more information so it may be another fortnight. I am now waiting to hear from the pharmaceutical advisor. ARGHH. Do these people not have any inkling to what it’s like knowing that your tumours are growing and waiting to see if they think it worth spending the money.
feel calmer now, will carry on phoning and harrasing people.
Nicky
I think we met at the Secondaries Group earlier in the year.
I just wanted to say that I’m thinking of you as I too wait for more Chemo. I have only been waiting 2 weeks so goodness knows how frustrated you are after a month!.
I also had a bad allergic reaction to Taxotere but as Xeloda has not worked for me I am waiting to retry. I think the delay is because they want me as an in-patient due to the problems last time, and I have to wait for a bed. My other half helpfully suggested ( only to me) that we could provide an airbed and slleping bag and a tent for the car park if needed. I’ll let you know if we have to resort to that
If Taxotere doesn’t work then I will probably be following you down the Abraxane path.
I do hope you hear something sooner than expected and keep on with the phoning and harrasing while needed, I will be ringing my lot again on Friday.
Feel free to PM me if you need another rant or just a chat.
I wonder what the people in the commissioning department would feel like if they were in your position? Having worked for NHS management I imagine they would absolutely pooh themselves and then pull a few strings to make sure it happened sooner (this’ll be censored). Keep on their backs, India.
Thanks for your replies. After several phone calls Ihave just found out that funding has been agreed, which I am really relieved about.
Jayellebee, I hope you get a bed soon so you can retry taxotere. Xeloda didn’t work for me either,so fingers crossed for the Abraxane.
Take care, nicky
I’m glad you managed to get the chemo you required, but absolutely furious at the time you have had to wait for it. It is a disgrace and I quite frankly am sick of the amount of time we have to waste fighting for what we feel we need.
On a positive note at least your oncologist suggested this drug and applied for it for you, I’m not sure if it wasn’t approved mine would even have mentioned it!
Belinda…xx