South Shields mum battling cancer turned down for new drug treatment

A mum who is battling cancer has suffered a bitter blow after being turned down for a pioneering new drug treatment. '¨Esma Richardson, from South Shields, had hoped she would be eligible to take part in a trial called VanSel - 1.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Oct 2017, 06:00 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 09:55 BST
Esma Richardson was told she wasnt able to take part in a new drugs trial as she continues to battle cancerEsma Richardson was told she wasnt able to take part in a new drugs trial as she continues to battle cancer
Esma Richardson was told she wasnt able to take part in a new drugs trial as she continues to battle cancer

The treatment would have seen the mum of three - who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2014, which then spread to 19 other parts of her body - take two types of medication - vandetanib and selumetinib.

The trial would have been funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and it had been hoped the drugs would have helped stop cancerous cells from growing - helping to prolong her life.

Esma Richardson.Esma Richardson.
Esma Richardson.
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She had now vowed to fight on after being told she is ineligible for the drug trial because of a problem with her eyes.

The 39-year-old from Broughton Road, South Shields, is determined to remain positive and is currently undergoing her second course of chemotherapy.

She said: “When I was told I couldn’t be part of the drugs trial I was heartbroken.

“I had undergone all the scans and tests and everything was looking fine for me to start the trials.

Esma Richardson.Esma Richardson.
Esma Richardson.
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“But then they said they had found something wrong with my eyes. They said the test had shown something growing in my eye and, because of this. I wasn’t able to take part.”

She added: “I didn’t want to have chemotherapy but it was the only option left open to me. I was heartbroken.

“I has left me feeling so tired and has knocked me for six - but I’m not going to give up.

“I’ve always been a positive person but when I was told about the drugs trial and I wouldn’t be able to take part, it was a blow.

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“But I’ve picked myself up and I’m determined to keep on fighting and to keep on living my life the best I can for me and my family.”

Esma is currently trying to raise £50,000 to help pay for a treatment called Stereotactic radiotherapy which would kill off one of the tumours unable to be operated on by the NHS.

A series of fundraising events have already taken place with a Spiritualist Night lined up for Wednesday October 25.

The evening will be held at The New Crown in Mowbray Road. South Shields. A raffle will also be held during the event.

Tickets priced £10 are available by contacting Kerry on 07949 566 931.

To follow Esma’s journey visit Esma’s Journey on Facebook.

Related topics:South ShieldsTicketsNHS