Cancer girls hang on for Herceptin

EVOTIA TAMUA THOMPSON

FAST FUNDRAISER: Sarvs Falefitu is hoping for the best in her wait for treatment.

FIONA GOODALL/Western Leader

MORE MONEY: Theresa Morgan-Norris receives a big donation at a recent fundraising event.

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Breast cancer patients Theresa Morgan-Norris and Sarvs Falefitu welcome a review of government funding for the breast cancer drug Hercpetin.

But neither expects the government’s drug buying agency, Pharmac, will extend its provision of free treatment from nine weeks to 12 months as a result.

Pharmac was ordered to review its stance by the High Court on April 3 after eight women took legal action.

Theresa and Sarvs have become close friends since discovering they had the disease and are both aiming to raise more than $96,000 for the year-long treatment.

"The court’s decision is just fantastic news," Theresa says. "It could be a second chance but then who knows how long this review could take."

The 43-year-old says she will give all the money she has raised to the Australian and New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundations if Pharmac does a turnaround.

"We’ve got about $33,000 now," she says. "We’re almost there so its looking really positive."

One of the risks of taking Herceptin for 12 months is an increased chance of heart failure.

Theresa’s family has a history of heart problems so she will be getting regular cardiac checks.

But Sarvs Falefitu says the risks are worth it and she is looking forward to stopping her chemotherapy to start on Herceptin treatment.

"I’m either going to die of heart failure or breast cancer," the Te Atatu resident says.

"The chemo drugs are really taxing on your body.

"As a result of it I’ve got huge blood clots in my lungs.

"It really knocks you out."

Sarvs has also raised more than $30,000 and is amazed how quickly it has come together.

"The majority has been from complete strangers," the 40-year-old says. "It’s been a huge response.

"But the Herceptin treatment starts soon so we can’t slow down."

- © Fairfax NZ News