Thank you for the info on generic drugs. I appreciate all your help.
One addition to zouzi's excellent answers: drug companies all have programs to provide their drugs at a low cost or even free, for people who are medically indigent.
If you are require brand-name medications that you cannot afford, talk to your doctors office about applying for such assistance. (At the practice where I worked, we had forms for each drug company's program, and assiseed the patient in completing them if such help was needed.)
Best wishes,
bluebutterfly
Thank you for your response. I had been having mammos every 6 mos since 7/2010...can't be more frequent than that. I was hoping once per year and yes, the doctor did say he is going to put me on medication. He referred me for a Dexa Scan first before he decides what medication to prescribe. I suppose it's very expensive. I am already on so much medication from other ailments thru the years - thyroid, blood pressure, peripheral nerupathy ($1,000 mo. for just one of the two meds for that). I have insurance now but want to retire. I'm sure Medicare now with the GAP/donut hole will be inadequate even with an Advantage or Supplemental Plan. My meds are going to leave me penniless every month. So much for the golden years. Thanks again for your response.
Hi,
Yes, this is standard procedure to remove the area of concern. Many surgeons do what is called a “wire localization” to help them know exactly what breast tissue has to be removed.
After complete removal of the affected area and obtaining clean margins, your doctors will usually recommend that you monitor your breasts carefully during monthly breast self exams, and to have clinical breast exams and mammograms on a more regular basis.Also he/she may recommend Tamoxifen or other similar drug to help prevent recurrence.Don't worry and wonder if ADH will come back. Just do your best to keep closely checked by your doctors and follow their recommendations.
Wishing you a successful surgery and a prompt recovery .
Just a suggestion about hormonal therapy to lower estrogen levels.
If you are post menopausal,and your bone density test doesn't show you have osteoporosis,you could ask your doctor to prescribe a much less expensive drug,like Femara's generic version "Letrozole" or Arimidex generic version "Anastrazol"
If you are pre-menopausal, then Tamoxifen would be also good and I believe it's the least expensive one.
I hope this helps...
Again wishing you an uneventful surgery and prompt recovery..