Coffee Morning Corner
Subject
Comments from the Charity
25th March
Does ALK+ lung cancer affect younger people more aggressively than older people?
Some studies have shown that younger peole survive longer than older people. In the recent Lorlatinib Crown study, there was no difference.
Appreciation for the Regional lunches
Good to hear
Concern about how some people would get to conference, eg airport tarnsfers
The charity will pay all actual costs of travel to the conference from anywhere in UK and Ireland, including airport transfers.
Concern about Oramorph being addictive.
Yes. It is.
Suggestion that the charity prepares a passport-style document in two parts - (a) info for doctors about ALK+ LC and (b) info about the patients condition and medication
There are two separate documents on the Our Publications page on the website - (a) About ALK+ LC leaflet for doctors and (b) a proforma for patients to log their medical information.
Raised liver enzymes
A common problem shared by many members. Oncologist may "wait and see", pause treatment, reduce dose or switch treatment.
Breaks in treatment
In a recent survey, 38% of our members reported that they had short breaks in treatment. of which 43% resumed at a full dose, 54% restarted at a lower dose and 3% switched to another TKI. If a patient has a break for more than 6 weeks, there may be funding implications in England and there is a report about this on the Our Publications page on the website.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A current and hot political potato. Currently, applied inconsistently - some members get it and others have been refused. The Government's proposed new rules are intend to limited it to the most disabled.