Dear Hunygrl,
Sounds like you need to be more demanding of your oncologist or look for a new one. You didn't say what dose of Sutent you are taking, but if it is 50mg. there is room to decrease it. I am on 25mg., but will increase to 37.5mg on my next cycle. The advice you got from the last responder sounded pretty good. I take Imodium to control the diarhea, and it works pretty well. I am changing health insurance to medicare and my Rx coverage will stink, but I'm going to apply to the drug company, Pfsiar for assistance. The social worker affiliated with the oncology practice I go to has been somewhat helpful in guiding me in that direction, although I was ahead of her and doing it myself. With the Medicare part D program I'm enrolling in, my out of pocket expense for the drug is estimated to be around $8,000 a year. Not a bargain but better than $7,000 a month. Do you have any prescription drug insurance? Most plans cover the drug and you pay a co-pay. Are you disabled and on Medicare? If you are truly poor you can apply for medicaid, government insurance, and it will pay for the drug. I know it is a drag and can be overwhelming, but you shouldn't suffer so much. physically or financially. Best of luck.
Anyone out there get help from the drug company to pay for Sutent? I would be interested in talking to you.
Richard