Hello Colleen,
Thank you for your positive information. Yes I have been reading about the side effects..from others who are experiencing the Fulvestrant/Truqap combination.
I have been quite ill the last two days with what I believe is pancreatitis as I have had it before. I have had two attacks in the last two months and am concerned about beginning this combo with this going on. My breathing is much better, and I am able to move about without oxygen. Thinking this sudden breathing difficulty may have been triggered by the on and off pancreatitis...don't know but glad to be feeling and breathing better! I have lung function tests at Mayo this month when I come down for my shot and infusion of Zometa, so I am confident we can figure this out!
As far as the combo goes, I just got word yesterday that my application for assistance from AZ and Me has been denied. My insurance company has approved it, but as everyone knows, the co-pays are very difficult. Mine is no different. Today I am regaining my positivity because last night I was ready to stop it all. It was demoralizing to be told I make too much to receive help with this extremely expensive drug. We had to sell our family recreation property last year to offset the costs of travel, and all the extras that go along with a metastatic diagnosis. That sale counted as income so it pushed us over the limit for assistance. Very angry last night....and today that women have to pay anything to receive care for this terrorizing disease! But, as I said, today, after cooking lovely muffins for my husband, I am regaining my positivity and will try to appeal the decision. It is not easy to give up!! I have tried before but there is just something inside me that says "No...keep going"!
Thank you for your support. I have been a soldier in this war on cancer for 8 years now and will fight on!