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Lung Cancer EGFR Mutation Stage 4: What treatments did you have?
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jul 12 9:06am | Replies (57)Comment receiving replies
lmd, how are you tolerating the Tagrisso. I just had surgery for Stage 1b, and even though there is no metastases, my oncologist wants to start Tagrisso. Also how are you paying for it? Thank you.
Replies to "lmd, how are you tolerating the Tagrisso. I just had surgery for Stage 1b, and even..."
Hello Francie,
I was diagnosed last May with lung cancer, small growths in both right and left lungs. Surgery to remove lower left lobe was done in June -biomarker testing showed it to be EGFR. However, lymph nodes clear, no sign of a specific means of spread. I chose 2nd surgery for right lung tumor - it was right alongside my heart. All lymph nodes clear, no sign of spread. That tumor was also determined to be EGFR. My oncologist recommended Tagrisso for 3 years as prevention - I've been on it over four months now and doing well. Astra Zeneca is providing it free thru their AZ&ME program. Simple form - they provided a swift response. At first I received it free even though I had private insurance. Now I am on Medicare, had to reapply, but still had positive results. I am SO grateful! Taking the Tagrisso was a choice my oncologist recommended, however he said about 50% of oncologists wouldn't suggest it as I was technically "cancer-free" after the second surgery. This is a good decision for me. Best of luck to you! You got it early which is great! I'm back to attempting to play pickleball and tap dance!
I read on-line that it costs around $14,000./month if you pay out of pocket. It's a very specific drug ( a "boutique" drug - not for everyone) and therefore very expensive. I received my first month's worth of Tagrisso from AON Labs. I'm have Medicare plus Supplemental insurance, and my co-pay was still around $3500. A representative from AON assisted me in applying to Astra-Zeneca, as they have an assistance program based on your income. Thankfully, I was accepted into the program.
My insurance pays for it. The manufacturer (AstraZeneca) also has a program you can signup for that will assist if necessary. As far as tolerating it, I am doing well. I had mouth ulcers after the first week but healed quickly. Nothing else until this month. My bloodwork showed decreased platelets which is a side effect. Not sure how they are going to address this.
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I am tolerating Tagrisso with no issues. The first week I had mouth ulcers but they cleared quickly and have had zero side affects since.