Hi Beinva! I know that I wrote earlier and told you that I was able to get Revlimid on compassionate grounds 18 months ago here in Australia, WELL... In an official announcement from Celgene on 22/1/08 the following was quoted in our MYNEWS Newsletter here in Australia:
"Celgene Announces Revlimid Available on Compassionate Basis" Australians with the blood cancer multiple myeloma have a brighter future with the treatment Revlimid (lenalidomide) now approved for marketing in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The manufacturer of Revlimid, Celgene, has announced that the product will be made available free to suitable patients through a compasionate supply arrangement. To read the consumer media release issued by Celgene in full visit the MFA website and click on Latest News. www.myeloma.org.au
Since this is now the case in Australia, surely you could approach Celgene in the States and see if 'compassionate grounds' is possible for you!! Its only a suggestion -- nothing ventured nothing gained. When I first suggested Revlimid to people here they thought it was impossible, but my wonderful oncologist decided to try....and the rest is history!! Revlimid has been my saviour for the past 18 months, I know its not going to be this for everyone, but hey, its certainly worth a try. And.. I take it neat -- no dexamethasone or any other drug with it! Just 10mg per day and its brought my paraprotein/m-spike down from 90 to 8.5!!
Have a go -- what can you lose??!! Good luck, Cath