Magda’s hardest battle to date

Magda Coetzer's battle with cancer started when she was diagnosed with Basal cell cancer (Skin) on her head. It was followed up with radiation, this caused her skin to die and for her to become permanently bald. Tissue expanders were implanted to remedy that. With her check up it was discovered that she had Hodgkin's Lymphoma, for this started grueling chemotherapy sessions that lasted for 8 months until it was certified clean. Then it was found that she had Basal cell carcenoma, where the skin cancer started invading her body, which in itself is rare, she received radiation. This resulted in a radical neck block dissection where 51 glands were removed and 43 tested positive for skin cancer. She then received extensive chemo therapy to ensure the operation was a success. However the skin cancer moved to her lungs, metastatic Basal cell. Again she received chemo therapy. Now this is where the problem comes. The fact that this happens is very, very rare and normal chemo therapy does not work for it due to the slim chance that this type of cancer will happen.

In the U.S.A. there is a pill that has been manufactured specifically for this type of cancer. VISMODEGIB ERIVEBGE. Her Oncologist tried to get this medicine for her, however the Medical Association has not authorized it's use in South Africa. He then got hold of all the case studies from the FDA and submitted it to South Africa. After they reviewed the case studies they authorized the use of the medicine on her.

These tablets are R 112 000 ($8000) per month and the recommended course is 10 months. As normal chemo therapy for this kind of cancer is all but useless she needs this urgently to continue fighting as she is a wonderful person that does not want to lie down. However the cost of this cancer specific medicine is beyond her reach and she needs the help of everyone in order to make it and we plead with each and everyone to help get her this life saving medication.

Currently she is surviving on oxygen on a daily basis and time is fast starting to run out, Please I beg of you look into your hearts.

Please help her to fight the fight of her life.