Avastin for Ovarian Cancer

I am curious as to how many women have had the Avastin/Carbo/Taxol combo for treatment.  My oncologist highly recommends that I have this combo especially due to my young age.  The problem is that there have been insurance issues with using Avastin for treatment.  Apparently, Avastin is FDA approved for colon cancer and insurance will cover it.  If used for ovarian, breast or other cancers then it is not FDA approved and insurance SOMETIMES will not cover it.  This treatment is approx. $17,000.00 per round.  So, I have to make the decision by September 5th on whether or not to take the trio combo with insurance possibly kicking it back or sticking with the Carbo/Taxol only.  I would love to hear from anyone on this topic.  Pros/Cons?  Advice?  Thanks!

[JC145]

Call your insurance company .. or ask your MD's office to call first and find out for you.  Avastin is getting closer to being approved for OVCA, but not soon enough.  Judy

[mariebean]

I am currently only getting taxol/carbo, but when I read you were taking avastin,  I made a mental note to ask my oncologist if he thought it would be beneficial for me.  Did your dr give you any info on why he likes this trio as opposed to just carbo/taxol?  

[Terrin2]

My doctor made a special request to the insurance company with documentation showing how they are using Avastin for ovca and working.  They approved it.  I have been on Avastin and Cytoxan only right now, and it is working....so far....

[nyc lady]

In the US there is something called the Chronic Disease Fund...if your insurance will not pay, contact them.

Good luck

[bohan54]

I am in a clinical trial which is Carbo/Taxol plus either a placebo or Avastin.  The Avastin is free to me because I agreed to be in the study.  I have a 66% chance of getting it vs. the placebo.  Maybe your doc could inquire about the study in the event that insurance won't pay.

[TrudieC]

I suggest you send a note to Tybear and ask her.  She is away just now but will be back.  She is currently on Avastin.

[maria0911]

I am getting ready to start avastin and taxol.  I am allergic to the carbo.  My insurance is paying for it all.  I just have a copay.  I just hope it works.  This is my third time to get a different chemo.

[StillFighting]

Your to young to do the study, I wouldn't suggest doing that unless your stage 4 and nothing else is working.

I've had the avastin before and it worked. Never had it in conjunction with the taxol though. Good luck hun.

[kmccarthy]

I just saw your post so I apologize for the delayed answer. I started back on chemo Sept. 3 and this time it is with the Carboplatin/Taxol/Avastin combo. My insurance is covering it. I just had bloodwork done two days ago so I don't yet know any results from the one treatment I've had. I go back tomorrow (Thursday) for #2 with this combination. After I've recovered from that treatment, I would like to compare notes with you, if you are interested.

Kelly

[chopps]

My mothers doctor offered her avastin with carbo/taxol in a clinical study.  Is it offered without clinical study?  Does anyone knos the rate of bowel perferation?
Chopps

[westajul]

Hello,
I know it has been almost a month since you posted your question. My insurance company approved avastin as one of the drugs in my chemotherapy. My chemotherapy also includes Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil and levo-leucorvin ( spell?). My recurrence occurred in my liver. I am not in any clinical trial but I am being treated by a doctor at MD Anderson. I know the doctors weren't sure if insurance would cover Avastin but they did. I just started my Chemotherapy on sept. 23 and have my next treatment on Monday. I am scheduled to 6 rounds of chemo...1 round every two weeks for 3 months. Hope by now your insurance company has approved your treatment. Julie