Petition updateKeytruda on PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) for Mesothelioma and other rare less common cancers (RLC). Keytruda life saving drug!Peter (NSW, Australia) Marine Engineer diagnosed Mesothelioma early 2015
Lou (Louise) WilliamsAustralia
Dec 27, 2015 — Update: 1 Feb 2016, unfortunately Peter passed away mid January peacefully from complications of mesothelioma (not Keytruda). His family celebrated his life on Sat 30 Jan. Peter asked his family to arrange collection of donations at this celebration to help toward the research of Keytruda for Mesothelioma. RIP dear friend. Deepest sympathy to the family. Merry Christmas and New Year to all. Peter's journey with being diagnosed early 2015 Pleural Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) below: 'I just wanted to wish you a very happy christmas and to thank you for all the great work you are doing for all mesothelioma sufferers and the ones that are still to be diagnosed. My name is Peter, 75 years young and now retired marine engineer. I was diagnosed early February 2015 after doing some relief work on a ship January 2015. My early years were spent as an apprentice at Cockatoo Dockyard & Engineering Co Sydney with further years as a marine engineer, a total of some 21 years living and working with asbestos. My treatment so far has been the norm, because of the industry I worked in it was very easy for me to register with the Dust Diseases board (New South Wales, Australia) and placed under their care, unlike so many others who could not identify where they came in contact with this devils dust. I had a pleurodesis and later a delayed 3 bouts of chemotherapy at Port Macquarie Cancer clinic under my oncologist Dr B Houghton. The last lot of chemotherapy destroyed me and made me very sick with no change to the cancer. My grand daughter found out about Keytruda which resulted in many phone calls about what to do. I finally went to see Dr Anthony Linton, who I believed was one of 3 Dr's who are leading the field with Keytruda. As I would not continue with chemotherapy I asked Dr Houghton to organise for me to have Keytruda. The DDB had just introduced a program for sufferers, provided they complied with their demands, one of which is after having chemotherapy and the cancer has not been contained, they would pay for 4 treatments of Keytruda with a further 4 being paid by the Drug Co. I had my 1st infusion 15/12/15 and so far have had no side effects. Whilst still suffering the after effects of the last chemo I have found it very difficult and have just returned home after being in hospital for a lung infection. I have great support from family and friends and am trying to remain positive, I have lost about 10 Kgs since being diagnosed and am trying to eat as much protein and carbohydrates so I can have the 2nd Keytruda 5/1/16.' (Lou's comment: Chemotherapy/surgery is the current protocol treatment for Mesothelioma cancer, unfortunately as these tumours are very tough, it may shrink or have stability after these treatments for a few weeks or months and with a success rate of about 20%. This is why other treatments such as immunotherapy (Keytruda) is a brilliant breakthrough in the advancement of treatment for Mesothelioma and other rare cancers.
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