From Diagnosis to Hope — My Journey with Cancer and Palbociclib

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My name is Nancy, I’m 55 years old, and a few years ago, my world turned upside down when I was diagnosed with cancer. It came out of nowhere — one day I was busy living my life, and the next I was sitting in a doctor’s office trying to process words I never thought I’d hear.

The journey since then hasn’t been easy. The treatments, the fear, the uncertainty — they all took a toll. There were days I felt like giving up, when the pain and fatigue were just too much, and when I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going. But I did. Somehow, one step at a time, I made it through.

One of the treatments that truly made a difference in my case was Palbociclib. When I first heard about it, I was relieved — hopeful even — but that hope was quickly overshadowed by worry when I learned how expensive it was, especially in the U.S. The thought of not being able to afford a drug that could keep me alive was devastating. No one should ever have to choose between survival and finances.

Luckily, after a lot of research and support, I found a way to access Palbociclib at a much more affordable price. It wasn’t easy — there were hurdles, paperwork, waiting — but I got it. And it changed everything. I started feeling stronger, my test results improved, and most importantly, I could continue my treatment without the crushing stress of financial pressure.

Today, I’m doing better. I’m stable, I have more energy, and I’m truly grateful for the second chance I’ve been given. But I know there are so many others out there who are still struggling — not because the medicine doesn’t exist, but because it’s out of reach financially. That breaks my heart.

 So please — if you or someone you know is in need of Palbociclib and struggling to afford it, don’t hesitate to contact me. I genuinely want to help. If there’s a way I can assist you in getting access to the medication, I will. You are not alone, and there is hope.

  • Hi Nancy glad to hear that Palbociclib is helping you, is this not available on the NHS?

  • NHS is for uk people, I am from USA no NHS at all 

  • Hi Nancy - nice to hear your story. My mother in law was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year - and after a few sessions of failed chemotherapy and immunotherapy she had a mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes earlier this year but we’ve just recently found out the cancer has returned and spread to the liver. It is stage 4 - but she’s in a fairly healthy place other than the pain. Do you think this drug could help? How is it administered? Please let me know 

  • It is a treatment for oestrogen positive cancers. Unfortunately not for TNBC. 

  • Must admit originally I was quoted £1000 a month in uk for treatment as I had had breast cancer return several times. At this point in time it was only allowed for people that had had the cancer only once. Thankfully I managed to get this on the NHS so understand what you are saying.. nothing worse and understand drugs are really expensive in USA.

    This treatment is amazing and I am still here because of this treatment and been on this for 4 years. I am on the lowest dosage and my bloods do struggle to hit the mark but have a couple of weeks break some times..well a lot.lol 

    I am so pleased you have manged to get the treatment and long may it last for you.