A Whangārei woman is hoping an unfunded treatment will buy her more time after she was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer last year. Brenda Johnson’s treatment comes in at about $4,500 a session – not including tests and private care . Despite the Government announcing more funding for cancer treatments on Monday , Pharmac said it is not possible to confirm which medication will be funded – adding more uncertainty to Johnson’s journey.
“Even when National was campaigning, they were prepared to fund some unfunded treatments, I excitedly asked my oncologist, ‘would any of these work for me?’ – and the answer was no.” She is hoping future changes may include funding for more bowel cancer treatments..
