Just got word this morning that Kaiser has approved my going to UCSF to participate in the BRAF/MEK clinical trial! I realized that most of my "angst" could have been avoided if my oncologist supported my participation in the trial. Other Kaiser members on this board just got referred over with no problem because their Kaiser oncologist supported their decision to participate.
Just got word this morning that Kaiser has approved my going to UCSF to participate in the BRAF/MEK clinical trial! I realized that most of my "angst" could have been avoided if my oncologist supported my participation in the trial. Other Kaiser members on this board just got referred over with no problem because their Kaiser oncologist supported their decision to participate.
Next steps for me are going through the pre-testing to qualify for the trial. I know I am BRAF positive from an earlier test, but because it was done before the current standards it needs to be repeated. Scans, lab work, eye exam, vist to dermatologist and oncologist all in the next week or so. I have two more weeks to finish the "wash out" of my previous therapy, Nexavar, so the pre-qualification stuff should be completed in time for me to start the trial on May 9 or so.
Thanks to everyone on this board for your suggestions and encouragement. I will be looking for a new oncologist once the dust settles. I was going to change health plans but now I realize that if I just get the right doc I can manage, at least for now, within the Kaiser system. Since my care will be basically under Dr. Daud at UCSF during the trial, I will have access to a great melanoma specialist without having to change health plans right now.
Keep on fighting!
Eileen L
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