I am a mum of two young children, Poppy (2) & Alfie (1). I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (OS), a type of bone cancer, on my rib, age 33 in Sept 17. It is a very aggressive rare cancer that often spreads to other parts of the body. It is believed the cancer cells have already spread in about 80% of patients at diagnosis but are so small they can’t be seen on scans. With a high recurrence rate, as time passes small cells that can’t be seen initially would eventually grow and be detected as a relapse.

So far:
- 10 weeks intensive chemo
- 22 Dec surgery to remove 3 ribs
- Just begun a further 18 weeks of chemo

In 30 years the only medical advance for OS is the development & approved licence of the drug Mepact for 2-30 year olds - a targeted cancer drug boosting the immune system to kill cancer cells & prevent recurrence. In the trial there was an improvement in the number of patients alive & well 6 years after treatment compared to those who didn’t have Mepact. As OS primarily occurs in children & young adults, the trial only included people between 2-30 years.

Approved by NICE in 2011, the NHS now offer Mepact as an additional drug to patients post-surgery within the trial age range. NICE recommended Mepact because more people are cured if they have Mepact as well as the standard chemo, with cost justified by benefits provided.

As I was age 33 at diagnosis, NHS have declined funding for this additional drug. The cost to self-fund is £103,227. My Oncologist believes I would benefit from this treatment. If I were age 30 at diagnosis it would have been offered on the NHS.

I have continued love & support from family & friends and remain positive. I aim to raise the funds required to be treated with this drug & improve my chances of survival and preventing relapse. With a young family, I hope for a long future to watch them grow. I would be forever grateful for help reaching this goal. Any contribution you can give or fundraise would be appreciated.