Funding required for new cancer drugs unfunded by Pharmac in NZ

I am 56 years old and I was first diagnosed with primary breast cancer in 2007 at age 44. I underwent all the treatment offered at the time and was happy and clear for six years.

In 2013 I was told that the beast had come back in my bones, sacrum. Literally a pain in my arse!.

I was doing really well on Letrozole for five years and then last November had some progression in the same place. I had some radiation and a change to the drugs I was on. The progression has just continued and it has moved a little up my spine and into my skull (right forehead and a little at the back)

I now need to move to drugs that are not funded in NZ (they are completely funded in UK and Aus where they run a better and kinder model than Pharmac in NZ)

Ibance and Fulvestrant are the only types of drugs I can take now. Back in 2007 the original chemo severely damaged my heart and I now have a pacemaker and a severely enlarged heart which is being managed by other specialists working with my cancer team. I am so grateful to them.

I seems I am a good very drug taker (lol) and respond well each time to newer options. I know that these newer advanced drugs will help me.

I was always an active person and have worked hard and paid my way. It is galling to have to ask for help - but I so want to live for longer, I love my life, family and want to enjoy my new home in Carterton for a whole lot longer. I have a garden to build and much to do.

My family needs me, We have already lost my father and my older sister to cancer. My mother has dementia and we need to be here to help for her. She doesn't really understand.