I have ovarian cancer

Posted by joannedb @joannedb, Jul 1, 2016

Hi I'm Joanne. New to this group and I have Ovarian Cancer. Looking to connect with others with OVC.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

@starko

Hello All,
I have a question for those of you who are on Avastin.
My incredible Mayo oncologist recommended Olaparib as a post chemo/surgery medication for my stage 3C cancer, but I find the copay is $2200+ per month. Outrageous!
So...
Is bevacizumab (Avastin) equivalent to Olaparib? Cheaper?

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Wow that is outrageous. How much copay is for Avastin? My gynaecologist also recommended it to me for maintenance. I'll discuss it at next appt with my new gynaecologist.

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@starko

Hello All,
I have a question for those of you who are on Avastin.
My incredible Mayo oncologist recommended Olaparib as a post chemo/surgery medication for my stage 3C cancer, but I find the copay is $2200+ per month. Outrageous!
So...
Is bevacizumab (Avastin) equivalent to Olaparib? Cheaper?

Jump to this post

I find the financial burden placed on people by the pharmaceutical companies during cancer treatment outrageous. When people are at their most vulnerable, they should be given the support they need to get well. I would contact your team at the Mayo Clinic and see if they can make any suggestions regarding the cost of this drug. If your doctor recommended it, then perhaps they can advise you on how to cover the cost. Wishing you success and good health!

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@miyonggilman

I'll have my follow up care in Lacey Wa. Then go to Tucson in Oct. and continue whatever is necessary in this cancer journey. In Dec 18, I had surgery hysterectomy and oophorectomy at St Mary's in Tucson. My oncologist said, I am cured. My last CA 125 was 6. But being diagnosed with occc is never easy.

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That is wonderful news! You must be stage 1 OCCC? It is an aggressive form of OC, but it would seem they caught it very early. Stay well.

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@odette

I find the financial burden placed on people by the pharmaceutical companies during cancer treatment outrageous. When people are at their most vulnerable, they should be given the support they need to get well. I would contact your team at the Mayo Clinic and see if they can make any suggestions regarding the cost of this drug. If your doctor recommended it, then perhaps they can advise you on how to cover the cost. Wishing you success and good health!

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It necessary to contact my oncologist as he is aware of the situation.

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@starko

It necessary to contact my oncologist as he is aware of the situation.

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I mean, NOT necessary to contact my oncologist. Thank you, anyway!

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@starko

I mean, NOT necessary to contact my oncologist. Thank you, anyway!

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I'm sorry if I was unclear in my message. I have been on several online forum for awhile now and I've encountered a number of women who have found the financial burden overwhelming for their OVCA. When I suggested you talk to your team, I meant perhaps they could give you some guidance in covering the cost of the copay. At the institution I go to, they have a separate department to help people with the cost of care. My husband's insurance covered my costs and I feel very fortunate. I find it very concerning that women undergoing care when they are so vulnerable face such an obstacle. I wish you well. I am the third generation in my family to go Mayo for care and I know they are compassionate when it comes to their patients.

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Hello @odette, I appreciate your concern for others who must bear the financial burden of cancer treatment. It sounds like your family has been very fortunate to have your medical care at Mayo. I'm glad that you have found good medical care as well as compassion!

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@odette

I'm sorry if I was unclear in my message. I have been on several online forum for awhile now and I've encountered a number of women who have found the financial burden overwhelming for their OVCA. When I suggested you talk to your team, I meant perhaps they could give you some guidance in covering the cost of the copay. At the institution I go to, they have a separate department to help people with the cost of care. My husband's insurance covered my costs and I feel very fortunate. I find it very concerning that women undergoing care when they are so vulnerable face such an obstacle. I wish you well. I am the third generation in my family to go Mayo for care and I know they are compassionate when it comes to their patients.

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Thanks Teresa. My insurance is covering the balance of the monthly $29,453 for this drug. My copay is $2100 + tax (we live in Hawaii and everything is taxed). My Mayo oncologist has suggested that we consider metformin, less toxic and less expensive. There are other alternative drugs.

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I would like to hear about the symptoms of ovarian cancer. I started putting on a pound a week and I've always had a flat stomach, now have bloated big belly! Have not changed my diet or excercise and have a BMI of 22. I've had bloodwork done, CBC, thyroid A1C ect. My thyroid has always been low and have been on meds since the 80's. My doctor increased it slightly. Other then that everything was in range. I've told my doctor something is wrong, don't just gain a pound a week because I'm 66, now up 10 pounds. Had women's check last year and was told after 65 no longer need one. I have made a gyn appointment but couldn't get in for 6 weeks. Thanks for any info

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Just posted about symtoms of ovarian cancer, forgot to mention had a mother and sister with breast cancer.

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