Rachel was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2021, when she had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. But two months after her treatment finished she was given the devastating news that the cancer had already spread to her bones and lungs. She was diagnosed with secondary cancer and was told she couldn’t be cured.
She was denied the drug Enhertu, which is available for those residing in Scotland and 19 other European countries but not the rest of the UK.
Rachel’s oncologist from Swansea Bay health board applied for specialist funding, but was refused.
Enhertu can give patients with a specific type of incurable breast cancer an extra six months to live on average.
A Welsh government spokesperson said it relied on independent advice from health assessment body NICE, which called it too expensive for the NHS to fund.
“We were sorry to hear about the death of Rachel Davies and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones”.
“We were extremely disappointed that talks to reach a price agreement that would have made Enhertu available to around 1,000 women in England and Wales were not successful.
“As we’ve always made clear, the fastest and only guaranteed way to get medicines like Enhertu to the patients who need them is for companies to offer a fair price.
“Enhertu remains the only breast cancer treatment we’ve been unable to recommend for six years.”
Rachel wrote on Facebook:
“What a life I’ve had, and surprisingly, since cancer entered my life.
“When I look through my photos, I’ve done and seen so much since cancer, and probably some of my best memories are from this period.”
“In so many ways, I have to thank it for learning how to live fully. What I wish is that everyone can experience the same but without needing cancer. Get out there, experience life fully, and wear that dress!!!”
“I’m so sad to leave my family and friends, I wish I never had to go.
“I’m so grateful to have had Charlie young so that I’ve watched him grow into the man he is today, I’m unbelievably proud of him. I am thankful I had the opportunity to have Kacey and Jacob in my life.”
“Lastly, I was blessed to meet the love of my life, my husband, and my best friend. I have no regrets, I have had a wonderful life.
“So to all of you, don’t be sad I’ve gone. Live your life and live it well. Love, Rachel x”
Rachel’s family paid tribute to her strength and courage, saying:
“We are incredibly proud of our wonderful Rachel. She was the best of us.”
“We’re incredibly proud of the campaigning she did, and the awareness she raised of secondary breast cancer and the need for Enhertu.
“The sadness we feel is tainted by the knowing that other families in Wales, Northern Ireland and England will go through this without access to the drug.
“We as a family are heartbroken.”
[Lead image: Family photo]
