A man given 12 months to live is at the centre of Oxfordshire's latest health postcode lottery' case after being denied drugs which could prolong his life.
Kidney cancer sufferer Stephen Dallison, of Iffley Road, East Oxford, has been told that more clinical evidence is needed to support his case, before he can receive Sunitinib, which costs £2,500 a month.
The 33-year-old said: "I've been given approximately a year to live and this drug has been shown to extend life.
"It's not a cure, but it can prolong your life by months, even years, and you can have a much better quality of life while using it."
http://www.oxfordmail.net/news/headlines/
display.var.1780901.0.cancer_patient_denied_wonder_drug.php
**My sister sent me this link yesterday. This is simply appalling! Yes, I understand that according to this article, this drug may only give him a few extra months. BUT it could also give him extra YEARS! By THAT time (a few months OR years) - no telling WHAT other treatments may be on the market to help him better. As a Christian, I value ALL life. Born and the unborn - man and animal alike....but come on! We treat DOGS better than we're treating this man and others like him. This is not the first time someone has basically got down on their hands and knees *begging* their government for medication/medical help so that they may live and unfortunatley, it won't be the last. Please pray for this man and others like him so they may recieve the help they need to just live. Btw....I believe (though not sure) that his appeal has been denied so if you're in England please contact whoever you can (if you can) to help further this man's fight.**
Posted by Mrs Muddy at November 7, 2007 11:59 AM