For those of you who don't know me, I am Lucy Branston, a 37-year-old mother of two (Hannah, 6, and Isobel, 1) and a solicitor specialising in family law at Switalski's, Bradford. I am not, however, working at present as I have been diagnosed with advanced and incurable breast cancer.
I am writing to you to ask for your help to raise funds for my treatment.
When I first discovered a lump in my breast my condition was originally misdiagnosed by my GP. When I was eventually referred to hospital and correctly diagnosed I was five months pregnant with Isobel. I underwent two operations whilst pregnant and Isobel was then induced early so that I could start six months of chemotherapy.
After chemotherapy I started hormone treatment and the new 'wonder drug', Herceptin. After six months, however, I had to stop the Herceptin treatment as it was causing damage to my heart.
In May 2007 I discovered a further lump. After surgery to remove this I had a CAT scan which showed that the cancer had spread to several places in my bones (ribs and spine). My consultant told me that my condition was now terminal and that there was a limited amount they could offer other than drugs to try to control the symptoms.
Obviously with a young family to support this was devastating and frankly I could not accept it. I therefore began researching treatment available in the alternative and private sectors and in September 2007 I began treatment at the Liongate Clinic in Kent. The doctors at the clinic offered me hope, and having had three months treatment I am feeling quite well and my tumour markers (which give an indication of the growth/spread of the cancer) have stabilised.
I am having courses of intravenous vitamin C, hyperthermia, and ozone treatment every three weeks in addition to taking various dietary supplements. Depending on the results of my next blood test I may start a course of intravenous mistletoe therapy at Park Attwood in Worcestershire, which works in conjunction with the Liongate Clinic.
The problem is the cost. None of this treatment is available on the NHS. I have spent over £5000 so far and I cannot afford it any longer without assistance. Thankfully, my employers, Switalski's, have been very supportive since I have been unable to work. But the treatments are very expensive, and now I am unable to access lines of credit. If my treatment has to stop I fear that my condition will deteriorate. My doctors feel that the treatment is having a positive effect, and may even affect a cure as it has happened with other patients. The treatment gives me hope and strength.
At present my treatment regime costs approximately £1200/month, plus supplements of £500/month. The charity Yes to Life has been wonderful. They are currently contributing £400/month, but they are only a small charity and cannot afford any more. They can help by making all donations charitable and therefore subject to favourable taxation and setting up an online donation service. All money will go to Yes to Life but be held separately for my treatment.
I would be very grateful for any donations no matter how small and if you cannot help personally please pass this email on to someone who may be able to: the more people it goes to the more chance I have of having effective treatment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
