Family Races Against Time and Cost for Cancer Treatment
Gemma Small is battling a terminal illness and undergoing costly private cancer treatment,a situation she describes as leaving “not much time for life in between” rounds of therapy and planning. Her partner, Mark Hughes, emphasized the seriousness of her condition, stating, “Even with private treatment… it is a terminal illness.”
The treatment schedule is physically demanding. Ms. Small reports feeling “exhausting,” experiencing nausea, tiredness, bruising, thinning hair, and a loss of appetite. Her existing Lupus-related joint pain and fatigue have also returned,forcing her to temporarily discontinue immunosuppressant medication needed to manage the condition in order to remain strong enough for cancer treatment.
The family is facing significant financial strain to access the care Ms.Small needs. They cherish simple moments, like picnics in the park, as they diligently save funds for ongoing treatments. Ms. Small expressed frustration that the NHS initially informed her no further options were available, onyl suggesting private treatment after she inquired. “It should be for everyone. You shouldn’t only be able to get the treatment if you can pay,” she stated. She was informed that NHS funding for this type of treatment might become available next year, but added, “But that doesn’t help me.”
Support from family, friends, and colleagues has been crucial, with donations coming through raffles, sponsored athletic events, walks, and coffee mornings. “Its just horrible,what could have happened… We wouldn’t have got this far without everyone else,” ms. Small said.
Looking ahead, Ms.Small expressed her fear of missing important milestones in her son Samuel’s life, including his first birthday, starting nursery, and beginning school. “I think that’s what hurts the moast, knowing that might not happen.” Mr. Hughes offered reassurance, stating, ”We’re going to make sure you get to see that.”
NHS England is responsible for decisions regarding funded treatments. A spokesperson stated, “NHS England is currently reviewing new evidence and a policy proposal that it has received. While this review is underway, the commissioning position remains that NICE guidance does not require the NHS to make chemosaturation routinely available, and that it can have serious complications.”
