GcMaf is working for me where chemotherapy failed

1. For over two years, I had frequent episodes of illness involving a lot of pain, which were diagnosed as pleurisy and an episode of pneumonia. At my request, I was referred to the MSG, where I received further treatment.

2. After about eight months, I was sent to Southampton General for a biopsy, as my lung was found to be filling up with fluid and I could barely walk across the living room. As well as performing a biopsy, the surgeon drained four litres of fluid from my lung and sealed it up.

3. In July of last year, after the biopsy, I was informed that I was terminally ill with mesothelioma (caused by exposure to asbestos) and told that average life expectancy was 14 months.

4. The only treatment HSSD could offer me was chemotherapy, which would hold it back for a 'bit' but was not a cure. After two treatments, I felt terribly ill and had an uncomfortable rash, which travelled into my mouth and nose, making breathing and eating difficult. I felt that there was no point in continuing this treatment.

5. GcMaf was recommended to me and was my only hope. I have been receiving this since last November, so far with great success. There has been no build-up of fluid in the lung and the disease has not spread. I am able to take exercise without gasping for breath and feel well. There have been no side-effects.

I hope the above information will go some way to helping the people of Guernsey have freedom of choice regarding their own medical treatment.

PATRICIA BOUGOURD,

Address withheld.