Woman, 40, denied life-extending cancer drug announces her death
A woman who was denied a life-extending cancer drug has announced her own death in a heartbreaking statement urging others to 'live your life and live it well'.
Rachel Davies was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which had spread to her bones, back, neck and pelvis.
The 40-year-old had prepared a post to be posthumously shared on social media and it went live on Thursday morning, confirming she is ‘no longer here’.
Davies had been a campaigner for the drug Enhertu which can give patients with a specific type of incurable breast cancer an average of an extra six months to live. It is not currently available on the NHS.
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The mum from Swansea had previously told BBC Wales News she thought there would be a high chance of it working for her.
"I just want the chance, the chance to be able to live," she said when receiving her final chemotherapy treatment through the NHS. "That's why I'm doing this, for my son and my family, not just for me."
Davies’ oncologist from Swansea Bay health board had applied for specialist funding for the drug but it was refused.
At the time, it said it ‘carefully considers all requests for the funding of treatments that fall outside normal treatment protocols’ and takes NICE (the health assessment body) recommendations into account.
NICE decided against recommending the drug in July, citing it as not cost-effective and instead called on pharmaceutical companies to offer a fairer price.
Announcing her death on Facebook, Davies wrote: “If you're reading this, then it means I'm no longer here, I can't say to a better place as that is impossible!
“What a life I've had, and surprisingly, since cancer entered my life. When I look through my photos, I've done and seen so much since cancer, and probably some of my best memories are from this period. In so many ways, I have to thank it for learning how to live fully.
"What I wish is that everyone can experience the same but without needing cancer. Get out there, experience life fully, and wear that dress!!!
“I'm so sad to leave my family and friends, I wish I never had to go. I'm so grateful to have had Charlie young so that I've watched him grow into the man he is today, I'm unbelievably proud of him. I am thankful I had the opportunity to have Kacey and Jacob in my life.
"Lastly, I was blessed to meet the love of my life, my husband, and my best friend. I have no regrets.
“I have had a wonderful life.
“So to all of you, don't be sad I’ve gone. Live your life and live it well. Love, Rachel x.”
Having criticised the decision to not make the life-extending drug available, charity Breast Cancer Now told the BBC: “Rachel was a tireless campaigner for the drug Enhertu, and an incredible advocate for people living with secondary breast cancer.
"We will miss you Rachel. Thank you for being such an important part of our campaigning work."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Cancer, Health, NHS, Social Media, Charity
Jess Battison