UK Oncologist says "it is highly likely to be a spread to the liver"!
Following my visit to Germany last week I had an Oncology clinic appointment in Reading today.
I explained to my UK Onc how things went last week in Germany and the test results regarding the liver ultrasound. She said that the chances are it is something on the liver given the type of cancer I have. She feels that presently we need to keep an eye on it and agrees that I should have another liver ultrasound in 4-6 weeks at which time we can compare the size of the suspected liver metastases with the scan carried out in Germany last week. She has also agreed to carry out tumour marker tests following the raised levels for my CA15-3.
I also mentioned that the German Onc suggested it would be good if I could get Avastin. Unfortunately this is not funded by the NHS although it is being used in the private sector. My Onc said that there is not enough evidence in this country to suggest that Avastin is effective although she is aware that there are some Private Medical Insurance companies who are funding it for their patients. She did however agree to write to the PCT (Primary Care Trust) to ask if they would allow me to have funding for it. At least that is a positive step forward. Failing that route, I may contact my local MP, Rob Wilson to see if he can suggest any action.
I also mentioned that my Oestrogen levels were raised and it had been suggested by the German Onc that I change from Arimidex to Faslodex. Again she said that this is not funded by the NHS and she would write to the PCT.
It's all a waiting game. I did come away feeling really down today. Disappointed that my Onc feels that it may have spread to the liver and the fact that I can't get Avastin.
I explained to my UK Onc how things went last week in Germany and the test results regarding the liver ultrasound. She said that the chances are it is something on the liver given the type of cancer I have. She feels that presently we need to keep an eye on it and agrees that I should have another liver ultrasound in 4-6 weeks at which time we can compare the size of the suspected liver metastases with the scan carried out in Germany last week. She has also agreed to carry out tumour marker tests following the raised levels for my CA15-3.
I also mentioned that the German Onc suggested it would be good if I could get Avastin. Unfortunately this is not funded by the NHS although it is being used in the private sector. My Onc said that there is not enough evidence in this country to suggest that Avastin is effective although she is aware that there are some Private Medical Insurance companies who are funding it for their patients. She did however agree to write to the PCT (Primary Care Trust) to ask if they would allow me to have funding for it. At least that is a positive step forward. Failing that route, I may contact my local MP, Rob Wilson to see if he can suggest any action.
I also mentioned that my Oestrogen levels were raised and it had been suggested by the German Onc that I change from Arimidex to Faslodex. Again she said that this is not funded by the NHS and she would write to the PCT.
It's all a waiting game. I did come away feeling really down today. Disappointed that my Onc feels that it may have spread to the liver and the fact that I can't get Avastin.
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