Pertuzumab (breast cancer drug) under review, but won't be released early for compassionate use

[girlsaplenty]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC5v_b2RZ-w

This YouTube video is heartbreaking. The woman, Darlene, is a dear friend of mine. She is dying of breast cancer.

A promising new drug called pertuzumab is under FDA review right now. The earliest the FDA will approve it is June 8 and the manufacturer won't release it early for compassionate use.

Without the drug, Darlene is likely to die before June 8. With the drug, she has a good chance of stabilizing or even turning her dire health situation around. She previously was on a related drug, Herceptin, and saw amazing results. So right now her life is a horrible game of beat the clock: Will she live long enough to get the life-saving drug she needs? Or will she die just days before the drug is approved?

Please take a moment to watch even 30 seconds of this video. If it gets enough clicks, maybe the drug manufacturer or the FDA will agree to release pertuzumab early for compassionate use. I'm so angry that a drug is being withheld from a dying woman. The drug will almost certainly be approved. What's the harm in releasing it early to the most desperate patients?

By the way, Darlene is a "Mothering" sort of mom. She's all organic and into alternative medicine. She's survived six years at Stage 4 because she blends traditional and alternative treatments.

Thank you for listening.

[nurse4u2no]

I just want you to know that you are not alone in your mission.  My sister-in-law Dawn is also a dear friend of Darlene's and told me about her battle.  As a nurse I was left with such sadness knowing what she is facing now and in the future.  We've sent out pleas along with her video to The Ellen Show, Good Morning America and a couple of other venues in hopes that someone will reply and allow Darlene to share her story.  We can only hope her wish is granted while she is still with us but if not, allow her comfort in knowing that her amazing strength and courage has and will affect many and her friends will continue her mission.  Her plea and wish will not go in vain!!!  She is blessed to have such loving and amazing friends which speaks volumes regarding who she is and her character.  I have no doubt that she is a hero to many including myself!  Thank you for being that friend we all wish to be. My prayers are with her and her family. <3 <3 <3 
 

[girlsaplenty]

Nurse4u2no,

Thank you for your help! I'm thrilled to know there are so many caring people out there willing to join Team Darlene and help get this done!

[girlsaplenty]

It worked! She's getting the drug!

Thank you, everyone, for viewing the video and reposting the link all over Facebook, Reddit, Tumblr, and more. Thank you for the calls, emails, and faxes to the drug company.

Genentech has reversed its stance and will allow Darlene access to pertuzumab for compassionate use.

Here's the story that ran on local TV last night:http://www.abcactionnews.com//dpp/news/health/dying-moms-plea-for-investigational-drug-is-heard-friends-and-abc-action-news-helps-make-it-happen
 

[TiredX2]