Cancer mum’s new blow

Sep 1 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A MUM fighting terminal cancer will see her daughter start school tomorrow days after suffering a devastating new blow.

Karen Gault enjoyed a magical family holiday with four-year-old Grace and husband Paul to Disneyland Paris after funding life-enhancing drug Avastin herself when it was refused by the NHS.

But their perfect summer ended just days ago when routine tests revealed a new tumour growing in her lungs.

Last night husband Paul, 49, said his wife will be taken off the drug – which cuts off the blood supply to tumours – for two months while treatment options and surgery are considered.

He said: “A small tumour had popped up on her lungs, so she is off her treatment for the next couple of months.

“Her liver is fine and there have been no changes elsewhere, but she may need surgery and we have to stop Avastin from now until we find out what’s happening.”

But the family, of Jesmond, Newcastle, remain strong and Mrs Gault, echoing scenes of thousands of other mothers across the region, will wave a tearful goodbye to her little girl as she steps into the classroom for the first time tomorrow.

Mr Gault said: “I think we will be emotional, but Grace is excited about starting school and making new friends.

“Karen will be dropping her off at school like all the mums. She is feeling very well at the moment and happy.

“Our holiday was fantastic and very special. It was a break away from reality.

“Karen had to have a sleep sometimes in the afternoon, but she went out every night and had a great time. Most importantly we were able to spend time together as a big family.

“Tomorrow is going to be a big day and something we have all been looking forward to and this drug has giving her this extra time.”

Mrs Gault, 44, of Jesmond Dene Road, received the devastating news her bowel cancer was terminal a year ago.

Friends and family pulled together raising more than £30,000 to fund the drug after it was deemed not “cost effective” by health guidance body the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

They have appealed to Newcastle Primary Care Trust (PCT) to receive the treatment, but it has been rejected three times because she is not an “exceptional case”.

As the family opted to go private they do not receive even basic blood tests and scans free of charge.

Last night a spokeswoman for Newcastle PCT said: “When looking at such cases we need to take into consideration the real clinical benefits a drug may provide. Unfortunately in this case no evidence has been demonstrated to show that there have been clinical benefits.”