After originally being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 37, we received the news at the end of September that it had returned in my liver. Secondary breast cancer is not curable, however it is treatable and although we have been devastated by this news and its impact on our family, we have been encouraged by the speed in which the NHS has responded to my situation. As we speak I have already four cycles in to my chemotherapy regime.

I was advised by my oncologist that alongside a combination of Herceptin and chemotherapy a new drug Pertuzumab would be best the best option for me. However Pertuzumab is not available on the NHS in Wales, although it is available routinely in England on the NHS.

Having applied to the Health Board’s Individual Patient Funding Request Panel (IPFR), and been turned down, we are looking to appeal the decision, and have also written to our AM Rebecca Evans and MP Byron Davies for support with this.

We have decided that we do not have the luxury of time to wait for any decision on this drug, so in the short term we have using what savings we have to fund at least the first three treatments. The initial loading dose costs £5,000 and every subsequent treatment will cost £3,000. I had my first infusion of Pertuzumab on Friday 21 October.

So in the short-term whilst still reeling from the diagnosis and the implications this has for my family, we have decided to start fundraising. I have been loving and living life for the past 9 years and I intend to keep doing so, we plan on organising #100 fun things to do with the help of our wonderful friends.

We realise that Pertuzumab does not offer a miracle cure, however it gives me hope that I could have months or years of extra time with my husband and son.

If you feel you could help, either by donating, or with fundraising ideas, we would be eternally grateful.

Love

Sam, Phil and Ioan
xxxx

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