SP4RVN1971 Posted April 30, 2012 Author Share Posted April 30, 2012 I have an appointment with the VA Orlando office on May 4. I presume they will tell me whether or not they will get me Zytiga off formulary. In March SP4RVN1971 posted he was getting it through the VA. I would like to confirm that he or anyone is getting it without having gone through chemo first. I want to show the precedence has been set to supply it off formulary. Please reply with the VA center you are getting it from. I'm assuming SP4RVN1971 is getting it through Dallas. Thanks, capted Capted, Yes I'm getting Zytiga thru VA in Dallas. At no cost and I heard of Vet's in Houston getting know Va will want to check your blood every 4-6 weeks. This drug is tuff on the Liver, but it kick's the cancer butt up to 14-18 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capted Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Went to Orlando VA on 4 May. Doctor wants me to have another CT Scan and Bone Scan even though the ones 4 months ago show no metastasis. He agrees that I am probably a good candidate for Zytiga but since I have not had chemo, he says he can't prescribe it. He says when the FDA approves it for those who have not had chemo, he will prescribe it. He wants to put me on Ketoconazole in the interim. I would like to know if anyone is receiving it without prior chemo. SP4RVN1971 is getting it but I do not know if he had chemo first. Does anyone know of anyone receiving Zytiga that has not had prior chemo? Thanks, capted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SP4RVN1971 Posted May 5, 2012 Author Share Posted May 5, 2012 Went to Orlando VA on 4 May. Doctor wants me to have another CT Scan and Bone Scan even though the ones 4 months ago show no metastasis. He agrees that I am probably a good candidate for Zytiga but since I have not had chemo, he says he can't prescribe it. He says when the FDA approves it for those who have not had chemo, he will prescribe it. He wants to put me on Ketoconazole in the interim. I would like to know if anyone is receiving it without prior chemo. SP4RVN1971 is getting it but I do not know if he had chemo first. Does anyone know of anyone receiving Zytiga that has not had prior chemo? Thanks, capted The doctor is wrong, I started recieving Zytiga and Did not have Chemo!!! FDA has approved the use of Zytiga before Chemo!!! Tell them to check with MD Anderson cancer center in Houston or Southwestern cancer center of Dallas! VA of Dallas But, maybe sent it has not metastasis the other is the choice??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capted Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 I am really having an uphill battle. I called MD Anderson in Orlando and Houston and got some minimum wage folks. They were very nice but not informed. Will try some different numbers tomorrow. I have established that the VA will furnish Zytiga if you have failed chemo. I have established that MD Anderson will prescribe Zytiga through special permission from FDA to patients who have not had chemo. The question now is if MD Anderson says I need Zytiga NOW, will the VA pharmacy furnish it at no cost? (Show me the money) Since my VA oncologist doesn't want to make waves, I am going to go to MD Anderson in Orlando at my expense and get a script for Zytiga. Is this the way to go???? It seems ridiculous to start ketoconazole because the FDA has not given the blessing to the VA but has to MD Anderson. BTW the PSA has gone from 36 Feb 23 to 96 May 4. So far I don't have any pain or metastasis. I do not want to go the chemo route!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HadIt.com Elder john999 Posted May 10, 2012 HadIt.com Elder Share Posted May 10, 2012 Your PCP can be a big help in these matters. If you have a very good relationship with your PCP they can pull strings. Anything is possible within the VA system if you can get to the right strings to pull. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capted Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 My PCP is a female. My VA Urologist is male and supportive. My civilian Oncologist is male and very supportive. The Oncologist at the Orlando VA is old school and does not want to rock the boat or go to bat for me. I am about ready to go through my US Rep. She is female but when it comes to politics she has balls. Your PCP can be a big help in these matters. If you have a very good relationship with your PCP they can pull strings. Anything is possible within the VA system if you can get to the right strings to pull. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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