Help Saima Thompson
Donation protected
Hi I’m Saima Thompson and in April 2018 I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 29.
Over the last 2 years I've had various palliative treatments from multiple rounds of chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy. That's without going into the gruelling side effects which comes with it.
At present, I’m running out of treatment options on the NHS. With my health deteriorating quickly and the recent news that my cancer has spread to my brain and increased in my liver, I've been put on my third chemotherapy combination. This holds a very small possibility of helping maintain stability with the disease.
One drug that has been proven to be hugely effective for people with my cancer is deemed too expensive to be offered on the NHS. Osimertinib is used to treat lung cancer patients, but costs approximately £4,700 per month. ***EDIT: This is now confirmed to be £8,832 per month.***
I desperately want to give this targeted drug a try and see if I can achieve some stability and good quality of life.
One obstacle that stands in my way is the large amount of money. It’s upsetting to have to turn to the internet but cancer is an industry and due to its cost, there is very limited access to this drug on the NHS.
This fundraising is so that I can support myself outside of the NHS with treatment options going forward. This could involve going abroad and engaging with complimentary and/or alternative therapies.
My goal is ultimately to spend as much time with family and friends, pursue my passions and live life to the fullest. I want to educate and create positive change for cancer patients in the future through my work as a writer and public speaker. I want to show the world that a terminal diagnosis does not limit you to a poor cancer patient role.
I want to continue LIVING with cancer.
Here's my beautiful family. They've been my strength, positive energy and have stood by my side throughout this journey.
If you want to follow my journey, then feel free to read my blog here .
Thank you so much in advance to anyone who's donated/shared my story so far.
Love
Saima xxx
Over the last 2 years I've had various palliative treatments from multiple rounds of chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs and immunotherapy. That's without going into the gruelling side effects which comes with it.
At present, I’m running out of treatment options on the NHS. With my health deteriorating quickly and the recent news that my cancer has spread to my brain and increased in my liver, I've been put on my third chemotherapy combination. This holds a very small possibility of helping maintain stability with the disease.
One drug that has been proven to be hugely effective for people with my cancer is deemed too expensive to be offered on the NHS. Osimertinib is used to treat lung cancer patients, but costs approximately £4,700 per month. ***EDIT: This is now confirmed to be £8,832 per month.***
I desperately want to give this targeted drug a try and see if I can achieve some stability and good quality of life.
One obstacle that stands in my way is the large amount of money. It’s upsetting to have to turn to the internet but cancer is an industry and due to its cost, there is very limited access to this drug on the NHS.
This fundraising is so that I can support myself outside of the NHS with treatment options going forward. This could involve going abroad and engaging with complimentary and/or alternative therapies.
My goal is ultimately to spend as much time with family and friends, pursue my passions and live life to the fullest. I want to educate and create positive change for cancer patients in the future through my work as a writer and public speaker. I want to show the world that a terminal diagnosis does not limit you to a poor cancer patient role.
I want to continue LIVING with cancer.
Here's my beautiful family. They've been my strength, positive energy and have stood by my side throughout this journey.
If you want to follow my journey, then feel free to read my blog here .
Thank you so much in advance to anyone who's donated/shared my story so far.
Love
Saima xxx
Organizer and beneficiary
Saima Thompson
Organizer
England
Saima Arshad
Beneficiary