Zoe was diagnosed with a Synovial Sarcoma, which is a relatively rare form of cancer, in March 2010. The tumour was in her left thigh and by the time it was found, measured about 10cm.

A diagnosis of cancer is an incredibly testing event at any time in a person's life but when you are young, feel in the best of health and have a six month old child, it is particularly shocking.

Zoe was transferred from Tameside Hospital into the care of a dedicated Sarcoma Team at The Christie Hospital in Manchester. Major surgery followed to remove the tumour which involved the removal of an entire quadriceps muscle.

The surgeon reported that he was confident that he had excised the entire tumour with healthy margins but it was recommended that the area was subjected to radiation therapy in order to further reduce the possibility of reoccurrence.

Six weeks of daily radiation therapy followed and we all waited anxiously for the result of a CT Scan to see whether or not the cancer had spread. The scan was clear and it is impossible to describe the elation we felt.

Sadly on 23rd December 2010, only six months after having been given the all clear, a routine X-Ray revealed that there were small metastatic tumours in both of Zoe's lungs. Due to the Christmas period we were not able to see an Oncologist until early January.

That Christmas, only the second with our baby daughter, was torturous. Joy at seeing our little girl struggling to open her presents and unbelievable sadness at knowing this could be our last Christmas together as a family.

At the subsequent consultation Zoe was informed that there were no curative treatments available under the NHS. Furthermore there were only two chemotherapeutic drugs that were known to have any effect at all on her type of cancer. We were informed that the best we could hope for was for a temporary delay in the progression of the disease.

It was further explained that the likelihood of either treatment working at all was less than 50% and that even if treatment were to work, the effect would be temporary. Zoe was then provided with the details of a new experimental drug and offered a place on a Clinical Trial, the purpose of which was to gauge the efficacy of the new drug against existing treatments.

Although no information was yet known about the new drug's effectiveness we thought we had nothing to lose by opting to enter the trial. When all of your options are bad you sometimes have to take a chance.

More disappointment soon followed when Zoe was told that although officially on the trial she had been randomly assigned to the control group and would not receive the new drug. Instead she would receive the regular first line treatment.

Although disappointed Zoe resolved to go ahead with the treatment and after further tests and scans, she began Chemotherapy in March 2011. The drug she was administered was particularly toxic and made her feel, tired, nauseous and weak. Within weeks her beautiful thick, long, blonde hair began to fall out, slowly at first but then in large clumps.

Zoe decided it was time it all came off and she sat on a chair in the kitchen as I cut her hair, first with scissors and then using hair clippers. Zoe worried more about our daughter's reaction to her having no hair than anything else but she needn't have worried, Ava didn't seem to notice at all and has remained a constant source of hope and determination.

After several rounds of treatment a CT scan followed. The purpose of which was to gauge whether the treatment was having any effect or not. Amazingly the small nodules in Zoe's left lung had disappeared completely and the two larger tumours in her right lung had each reduced to half their previous size.

Zoe was then offered surgery to remove the remaining areas of disease to prevent them from 'recovering' and continuing to grow. Zoe elected to go ahead and she underwent a procedure to remove a wedge shaped section of her right lung at the University Hospital of South Manchester in July 2011, only three days after Ava's second birthday.

Due to the excellent response to the chemotherapy we were encouraged, we had renewed hope. Zoe recovered quickly from the debilitating effects of the treatment and for a short time we continued with the normal routine of our lives.

In order to enable Zoe time to recover fully from the surgery the next scan did not take place until September 2011. We were informed that another tumour was present in her right lung. Zoe was once again offered chemotherapy but due to the short duration that the cancer was held at bay with the previous treatment, instead opted for further surgery.

Zoe was once again treated by the same surgical team and the procedure went well and Zoe recovered quickly.

Unfortunately the pattern continued and in April 2012, we were told that there now were two new tumours in her right lung, however, on this occasion we were told of a new drug that worked differently than standard Chemotherapies. It didn't work by poisoning cancerous cells (and consequently healthy cells as well) but instead worked by inhibiting a protein required by tumours in order for them to proliferate.

By this time Zoe had explored a total holistic approach in combating cancer and had significantly changed her diet, lifestyle and psychological approach and we felt that this new drug was more in keeping with her efforts to strengthen her own body's ability to defeat the disease. In addition the new drug was a tablet taken twice daily with only mild side effects.

A far more appealing proposition than cyto-toxic chemotherapies that destroy ones immune system as collateral damage, that require intravenous or central line administration, necessitate three night hospital stays every three weeks, make one nauseous, weak and most of all have a very small chance of a positive response. Our latest consultation on 19th July 2012 revealed that there has been measurable growth in both tumours in the right lung and the treatment was discontinued. Currently there are no new drugs that offer any promise available under the NHS.

Zoe is not ready to give up, she never will. Our only alternative has been to look elsewhere. Away from the NHS, which in our experience has, for the most part, been excellent. There are new approaches to combating cancer that are not yet available in this country. Approaches which still offer hope for a fantastic mother, daughter, sister, aunty and friend.

 

~ Chris, Zoe's partner

RIGHT NOW

Zoe's situation and prognosis appear grim. She has metastatic (Stage IV) synovial sarcoma (generically a soft tissue sarcoma). I will not reproduce information about the diagnosis/prognosis because it is readily available online, suffice to say however, that if we were reliant simply on the conventional therapies currently available (those offered by the NHS) she has no hope, none at all. She has lived for two years with metastatic disease and she would not be expected to survive until five years post diagnosis.

The existing therapies available offer no hope for a cure; they are simply a firebreak to buy some time. Additionally the cumulative effect of the toxic chemotherapies on offer (if they were to work at all) is harmful. Indeed, one of the possible side effects of Ifosfamide (the second line treatment on offer at present) as listed on the literature provided by The Christie, is leukaemia. So in an effort to slow or temporarily arrest the progression of a cancer the offered treatment can actually give you cancer!

Crucially though the effect on the body of numerous rounds of chemotherapy is to irreversibly damage or destroy the one mechanism within the human body that is capable of destroying cancer cells - the immune system. I have read that every one of us has cancerous cells in our body at any time (even small tumours or groups of cells) but that our immune system removes them safely. How then can it make sense to destroy this mechanism when battling acute disease?

Thankfully this doesn't tell the full story. My research has shown to demonstrate that mainstream pharmaceutical research is increasingly steering away from cyto-toxic chemotherapies (cancer poisons) and is focusing more and more on immunotherapy (as well as gene therapy and MTOR (protein) inhibitors amongst others).

There are many news articles available to view online that support this position, together with Oncology sites and discussion groups. Indeed the main pharmaceutical companies have their own sites and discuss their latest Research and Development projects.

Immunotherapy is the option that to my mind seems to hold the most promise. That said I am not an Oncologist, Bio-chemist or Geneticist, however; I am a professional investigator. I was a Policeman for 10 years and a Fraud Investigator after that. I am able to dispassionately look at the evidence available and draw conclusions from it.

Immunotherapy in one form or another has been around for a very long time. Had history turned out only a little differently it may have been the standard treatment for cancer for decades. Immunotherapy Research and small scale Clinical Trials are ongoing as you read this.

Unfortunately though the results will not be known for some time and with only a small cadre of Oncologists willing to advocate treatments whose safety and efficacy have not been proven by large scale double blind (active drug/therapy tested against placebo) clinical trials, we do not have the time to wait.

Many, many cancer patients turn to so called alternative therapies (so called simply because they have not been subjected to a clinical trial and therefore cannot be sanctioned by an NHS Doctor) when all other options have been exhausted and usually in desperation. Often when they have had a great deal of chemotherapy and their bodies are ravaged by the disease and side effects of toxic conventional treatment.

TAKING ACTION

There are private clinics in Germany and Mexico offering immunotherapy treatments. These are based on the use of bacteriological by-products (essentially what's left after aggressive strains of bacteria have been killed off by heat) that when injected into the blood stream fool your immune system into thinking the patient has suffered a massive bacterial infection.

My understanding is that the body responds as it is programmed too, by inducing a fever state and the immune system goes into overdrive to fight the perceived threat. The intention being that the combination of high temperature and the stimulated immune system kill the cancer.

The above is a simplified explanation and many other processes are involved - designed to strengthen the immune system but the other great benefit is that the bacteriological by-products are non-toxic and there are no lasting side effects.

Far-fetched you may say but I believe there is enough anecdotal evidence to justify considering this treatment as viable. I ask you to look for yourself, the internet is a goldmine and at the same time a minefield of information but the principal is grounded in historical fact. Google William Coley 1862 - 1936 and form your own conclusions.

Clearly there are no guarantees. But there never are with medicine in general and cancer in particular. Every single one of us is different and would respond to the same medication or therapy in different ways but the theory is sound; please help us to give this a chance.

Right now, this minute, cancer notwithstanding, Zoe has a healthy heart, optimum liver function, a fully functioning immune system. She is, in short, fighting fit. She is mentally prepared and determined to go ahead with this. Furthermore for good or ill she is prepared to share her experiences with everyone so that others may benefit.

PLEASE HELP ZOE BY GIVING GENEROUSLY.

TESTIMONIALS

Upcoming Fundraising Events

12th August - Isobelle Forde's 160ft Bungee Jump

On Sunday 12th August, Izzy completed a daring 160ft bungee jump at Salford Quays! All proceeds she raised will go to the cause.

25th August - Bag Packing and Fundraising at ASDA, Eastlands

Everyone welcome to help by donating their kids for the day to pack bags, adults can pitch in by selling raffle tickets and shaking a bucket! Get in touch via Facebook if you'd kindly like to lend a hand.

27th August, 1-5 PM - Fun Day at Droylsden Catholic Club

Join us on a Bank Holiday Monday and make sure to bring the kids! On offer are pony rides, face painting, a bouncy castle and slide, nail art and painting, hair braiding, temporary tattoos, book stall, cake stall, lucky dip, name the bear, guess how many sweets, hot dogs and burgers, plus more to be confirmed! Join us for a fun family day out, all for a good cause. (Droylsden Catholic Club, Sunnyside Road, Droylsden)

30th August, 7 PM onwards - Lazy Toad Fundraising Night, plus Raffle prizes and Auction

Prizes for the main raffle will be drawn on the night, and we'll also be hosting an auction with special prizes. (14 Ashton Hill Lane, Droylsden, M43 7UB)

1st and 2nd September - Fun Day and Bag Packing at ASDA, Ashton

Join us on Saturday and Sunday where we'll be taking over the Asda (Ashton-Under-Lyne) car park with a bouncy castle and inflatable penalty shoot out, as well as bag packing instore, anyone free to help will be much appreciated.

2nd September, 10.30 AM onwards - Sponsored Horse ride, thanks to Rachael Myatt

Rachael and others will be completing a sponsored horse ride, starting at Wood Houses Failsworth, through Hartshead Pike and back down through Ashton, with walkers taking part too. There'll also be fancy dress for both horses and riders! You can visit Facebook and get in touch to sponsor her.

9th September - Jo and Anna Cycle to Blackpool (and back)

Jo Brannigan and Anna Creighton will cover over 100 miles by bike, cycling to Blackpool and then back again. All raised proceeds will go straight to Zoe's funds.

14th September, 6.15 - 7.15 AM - Bootcamp with Tony and Johnny at Medlock - £5

Everyone is welcome to take part in a fitness bootcamp at Medlock Leisure Center, Droylsden. Tickets are £5 to take part and everything goes to the cause.

We'd like to thank:

Everyone who is shaving hair for Zoe:

 

• Michelle A - Who has shaved her beautiful long hair completely
• Lee Radcliffe and Gemma Edmondson - Who will both also be shaving their heads
• Dave Pickup - Who will be undergoing a full body wax!

 

Everywhere that has contributed great raffle prizes for our fundraising night:

 

• Tropical Palms
• Cineworld
• Chiquitos Ashton
• A&G Garages
• Chrome Hair Design
• Hairways
• The Hair Team
• Martin Raymond
• Giovannis
• Hollywood Bowl
• Nandos
• The Sheldon Arms
• The Beehive
• Pig on the wall
• BMS Superfactors
• Bettaveg
• The Tube Station
• The Beauty Clinic
• Wilkinsons
• The Sanctuary
• Tony Hayden at Automate Service and Repairs

 

...and a special thank you to Michelle Hurst for collecting these amazing prizes!

Everyone who has made our fundraising possible:

• Staples, Ashton-Under-Lyne Snipe for supplying print materials and equipment
• Asda, Ashton and Eastlands for allowing a bag packing and Fun Day
• Jalmac Leisure for donating a bouncy castle for our Asda Fun Day
• Ray Jim and Marlene for donating inflatables for funday
• The Village Ashton - for donating a 6 month gold membership
• Medlock - for donating a 6 month membership
• The Lazy Toad for allowing fundraising night
• Catholic Club for hosting our Fun Day
• Costco Oldham, for donating a 5ft Teddy for name the teddy
• Tesco Droylsden, for allowing bag packing (where we raised £300 and donating a wine hamper
• Glebe Street Dental Practice for creating and selling their calendars
• Elegance Droylsden for providing Fun Day raffle prizes
• and Sarah for donating proceeds of Pony rides at fun day

Nikki Kennedy of Kennedys School and College of Performing Arts

With many thanks to Nikki Kennedy of Kennedys School and College of Performing Arts, Beehive House, Greenside Lane, Droylsden, M43 7AJ (Tel: 0161 3013311), for arranging a Zumbathon to be held between 8pm - 9pm on Wednesday 25th September 2012. Please contact Nikki or go to the Zoe Brannigan Donation Page on Facebook for more information.

Jenny Hayden of Twinkle Star Pre-School

With many thanks to Jenny Hayden of Twinkle Star Pre-School, 8 Market Street, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 6EA (Tel: 0161 3701111) for arranging a Toddle Waddle. Please visit the the Zoe Brannigan Donation Page on Facebook or watch this space for more information.

Tony at Automate Manchester

With many thanks to Tony at Automate (Manchester), 1 Charles Street, Droylsden, M43 6HD