love56k
04-05-2006, 07:19 AM
Stuart Weaver is applying to receive Herceptin on the NHS
A man who had his left breast removed is waiting to hear if his local NHS trust will provide him with the cancer-fighting drug Herceptin.
Stuart Weaver, 37, of Maidstone in Kent, wants to use it to try to prevent his breast cancer from returning.
Mr Weaver's private healthcare provider told him the drug was not valid under the terms of his scheme.
Maidstone Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT) is due to decide next Monday whether to fund Herceptin for him.
"Mr Weaver's case will be considered by the PCT's Individual Treatment Panel," the trust said in a statement.
"Decisions made by the panel are based on the specific clinical needs of the patient, the advice of the consultants and the clinical evidence available about the treatment."
It's been recommended that this is the best option for me
Mr Weaver's consultant has recommended he begins taking Herceptin in June, six months after the end of his chemotherapy treatment.
He is back at work after having his mastectomy but has been advised of a possible risk of his cancer reappearing.
"There's not been loads of tests done in men for Herceptin, but if they don't try things, how are they ever going to find out if it works?" asked Mr Weaver.
"It is a risk, I have my fears, but it's been recommended that this is the best option for me."
Mr Weaver's wife, Karen, is supporting treatment of her husband's condition by raising money in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.
Last Updated: Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 08:36 GMT 09:36 UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4967874.stm
http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/bcmen.asp#risk
A man who had his left breast removed is waiting to hear if his local NHS trust will provide him with the cancer-fighting drug Herceptin.
Stuart Weaver, 37, of Maidstone in Kent, wants to use it to try to prevent his breast cancer from returning.
Mr Weaver's private healthcare provider told him the drug was not valid under the terms of his scheme.
Maidstone Weald Primary Care Trust (PCT) is due to decide next Monday whether to fund Herceptin for him.
"Mr Weaver's case will be considered by the PCT's Individual Treatment Panel," the trust said in a statement.
"Decisions made by the panel are based on the specific clinical needs of the patient, the advice of the consultants and the clinical evidence available about the treatment."
It's been recommended that this is the best option for me
Mr Weaver's consultant has recommended he begins taking Herceptin in June, six months after the end of his chemotherapy treatment.
He is back at work after having his mastectomy but has been advised of a possible risk of his cancer reappearing.
"There's not been loads of tests done in men for Herceptin, but if they don't try things, how are they ever going to find out if it works?" asked Mr Weaver.
"It is a risk, I have my fears, but it's been recommended that this is the best option for me."
Mr Weaver's wife, Karen, is supporting treatment of her husband's condition by raising money in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life.
Last Updated: Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 08:36 GMT 09:36 UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4967874.stm
http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/bcmen.asp#risk